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the Campo Santo Museum is an emblematic monument located in Pisain Italy. This historic cemetery, also known as the Camposanto Monumentale, houses an impressive collection of works of art and frescoes. In this article, we'll explore the history of the museum, its contents and the practical information you need to organize your visit to the Campo Santo Museum in Pisa.

History of the Campo Santo Museum

The Campo Santo Museum was built in 13th century and is considered one of the oldest cemeteries in Europe. The origin of this monument is closely linked to that of the famous Pisa Cathedralof which it is an integral part. The present building was designed by the architect Giovanni di Simone to house Pisan burials and serve as a memorial to the many victims of the plague that struck the region in the 14th century.

Over the years, the Camposanto has been enriched by numerous funerary monumentsThese include Roman and Etruscan sarcophagi, as well as superb mural frescoes, testifying to the evolution of pictorial style in the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Unfortunately, during the Second World War, the Camposanto suffered extensive damage, including the bombing of Pisa and a fire that severely damaged some of the frescoes. Since then, restoration efforts have been undertaken to preserve this precious artistic and historical heritage.

Ticket price

Ticket prices to visit the Campo Santo Museum vary according to season and age. Full price tickets generally range from 5 euros to 7 euros. Reduced rates are available for students, senior citizens and groups. Children under 8 enter the museum free of charge.

There are also combined tickets allowing you to visit several monuments in Pisa's religious complex, such as the Camposanto, the Cathedral and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. These tickets offer the best value for money for visitors wishing to discover all of Pisa's treasures.

Museum contents

Mural paintings

The Camposanto Monumentale houses an important collection of wall frescoesSome even date back to the 14th century. Among the most famous works are the "Triumph of Death", attributed to Buffalmacco, and several scenes illustrating the lives of saints and bishops, such as those dedicated to St. Ranieri and St. Efisio.

Despite the damage caused by the Second World War, the frescoes have been meticulously restored and are now presented to visitors in all their splendor. In addition to their undeniable artistic interest, the frescoes are a precious testimony to the evolution of Pisan society in the Middle Ages and Renaissance.

Sinopie

The sinopie are preparatory sketches made directly on the wall before the frescoes themselves are painted. They were generally drawn using a red pigment called sinopia, hence the name. The Camposanto owns a large number of these sketches, which were carefully preserved and studied during the fresco restoration work.

Today, visitors to the museum can admire these drawings and gain a better understanding of the mural creation process, by observing the various stages in their realization.

Cemeteries and monuments

The Campo Santo Museum is first and foremost a cemetery which houses numerous sarcophagi and funerary monuments of different periods and styles. These include

  • Of the Roman sarcophagiThey are carved with great finesse and depict various mythological or historical scenes.
  • Of the Etruscan sarcophagieven older, which bear witness to the funerary art and religious beliefs of this vanished civilization.
  • Of the tombs gohics and Renaissancedecorated with sculptures and bas-reliefs depicting the deceased in an attitude of prayer or meditation.

These funerary monuments bear moving witness to piety and respect for the dead, and provide an insight into the different artistic currents that have marked the evolution of European art.

Practical information

The Campo Santo Museum is open every day of the week. Opening times vary according to the season, with extended hours in summer. We recommend consulting the museum's website for up-to-date information on opening times and admission charges.

The Camposanto Monumentale is located in the Piazza dei Miracoli, in the heart of the city of Pisa, home to its famous leaning tower. You can easily reach this landmark by public transport, such as bus or train. Numerous parking options are also available in the vicinity of the monument for visitors arriving by car.

Last but not least, don't forget to bring a valid ID to benefit from reduced fares, if you are eligible.

the Campo Santo Museum in Pisa is a must-see for art and history lovers, who are sure to be fascinated by the wealth of murals, sinopie and funerary monuments on display. A not-to-be-missed visit to this Italian city steeped in history.

A journey through the jewels of Pisa Start with theSanta Maria della Spina churchan unmissable gohetic masterpiece, then explore the fascinating Palazzo della Carovana in the heart of the city. Art lovers, take a detour to the Palazzo Bluthen discover the history of Campo Santo Museum. Then take a break on the idyllic beaches of Pisa. For architecture enthusiasts, the Baptistery and the Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption Cathedral will transport you to another time. The visit would not be complete without the emblematic Tower of Pisaaccessible even free of charge.

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