Major Highlights of Pisa Cathedral – Architectural Details

Pisa Cathedral is one of the monuments in Field of Miracles in Pisa. I was not prepared to see the unique cluster of marvels like this Pisa Cathedral, Cemetery and Baptistery when I arrived at Field of Miracles. Seeing the leaning tower of Pisa was the only thing in my mind. And though I had planned just an hour for this place it took more than 3 hours to tour Cathedral Complex Pisa.

(We are now in 14th day of our 21 days Italy Road Trip.)

Field of Miracles is locally known by the name – Piazza dei Miracoli. In 1987 this whole complex was included in the prestigious list of UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Pisa Cathedral Complex – History

The cathedral was built in 1092, but most of its medieval art was destroyed in a major fire in 1595. Pisa Cathedral was made with loot money from Sicily after defeating the Muslims there.

 

Field of Miracles in Pisa

Field of Miracles locally known as – Piazza dei Miracoli. The central dome like structure is the Cemetery. To the left is Baptistery.

Beautiful facade, mostly made of white-grey-colored marble, the upper part of the facade has four rows of open arcades with columns. The huge bronze doors that are there today replaced the original ones that were destroyed in the fire. It will take at least an hour to tour and appreciate the major highlights of Pisa Cathedral.

The pictures below are the west and southeast views of Pisa Cathedral.

Facade Pisa Cathedral

Facade Pisa Cathedral

Pisa Cathedral

Cathedral Pisa

Major Highlights of Pisa Cathedral Architecture

The intricate details in the arches and columns are ‘shot’ worthy. As it was a Sunday and prayers were on inside I didn’t want to disturb the calm soothing interiors with the clicking sound of my camera. I just managed to take some pictures of Pisa Cathedral interior. Following are the major highlights of Pisa cathedral, if you are there watch out for them.

  • Before stepping in watch the dome of the cathedral. Made in 1380, it is elliptical unlike in other cathedrals where the dome is spherical. It is said that it was first of its kind in Europe in those years.
  • The ‘doors’ here is another captivating architectural detail of Pisa Cathedral. Sadly the original wooden doors were ruined in a devastating fire in 1595. These bronze doors were made by different Florentine artists in the 17th century.
Bronze door of Pisa Cathedral

Bronze door of Pisa Cathedral

  • You can enter Pisa Cathedral as you come from Bell Tower through the door of Saint Rainerius. A beautiful old door, it is decorated with 24 bronze relief sculptures showing stories of the New Testament. It is the only door not destroyed by the fire of 1595.
Arch over door of Saint Rainerius Pisa Cathedral

Arch over door of Saint Rainerius – Duomo of Pisa

Door of Saint Rainerius Pisa Cathedral Italy

Door of Saint Rainerius Pisa Cathedral Italy

  • As you walk in the huge Corinthian columns made of gray marble impress you the most. There are 68 of them! These columns were brought all the way from mosque of Palermo in Sicily.
  • From where I was standing my lens could just manage to capture the large mosaic in the apse. It has the image of Christ enthroned between the Virgin and Saint John. It is a miracle that the face of Saint John, painted by Cimabue in 1302 survived the fire of 1595.
  • The ceiling is noteworthy. Made in 17th century, this ceiling is painted and decorated with gold leaf. The earlier wooden ceiling was completely damaged in fire.
  • But the floor is the same with no damage due to the fire. It is the same floor on which millions and millions of devotees would have walked with prayers on their lips for past 10 centuries!
Major Highlights of Pisa Cathedral

Interiors of Pisa Cathedral

Door arch of Pisa Cathedral

Door arch of Pisa Cathedral

Lamp of Galileo

The cathedral has an interesting connection with science. It is believed that Galileo, a physicist, made one of his important discoveries right here in this church. While he was watching the swing of a bronze chandelier during mass, he noticed that it was taking exactly the same amount of time to swing back and forth, and came up with the theory of isochronism.

For small swings the period of swing is approximately the same for different size swings. That is, the period is independent of amplitude. This property is called isochronism. This is the reason pendulums are so useful for timekeeping.

Pisa Cathedral Facade

Architectural details of Pisa Cathedral

Tickets for Pisa Cathedral

No need of tickets to enter the Pisa Cathedral, but that is if there is not mush rush of tourists. Only 90 people are allowed to enter the cathedral at a time. If there is too much rush they insist you buy a combination ticket of the Cathedral with Baptistery or with Cemetery.

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