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 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
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
- 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 – Duomo of Pisa
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!
Interiors 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.
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.
Just stunning! I hope you can see my post on this gorgeous city in my travelling blog!
I like all your italian pictures!!Great shots!!
Kisses,
Irina
The second shot was so enjoyable. The building seemed so pure and clean in it´s marble glow.
Simply outstanding.
Each view is amazing. What a place. The passion that drives such architecture astounds me.
i didnt realise that there are so many nice buildings/architecture in italy. saw most of them in UK when i was living there. will deffo have to visit italy next. for now, your awesome pics of them will do. 🙂
~ash's mum
The carvings in the arches and on the columns are incredible. This is a beautiful cathedral — I really like those rose of arches.
Wonderful views of the Pisa Cathedral, splendid details in these images!
nice shots and something different from italy other than pics, roma milano and venice!!!!
Oh, Indrani, I've been to Pisa twice, then on to Lucca for lunch and an afternoon stolling the town there which I just love.
Pisa, too, is lovely. I visited about about ten years apart and was glad to see the progress made with stabilization of the tower.
Both times after walking about a bit, we sat across and had coffee and pastry and just pinched ourselves. It's hard to believe that you are at such a marvelous place ( sort of the way I felt at the Taj! ).
I visited this cathedral many years ago. Now, I long to return.
So incredibly beautiful, Indrani. That much beauty in one building always takes my breath away. Thank you for sharing it with us.
— K
Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel
Liked the third picture very much.
Tuscany is one place I missed on my trip to Italy. There was so much to soak in and so little time. Thanks for sharing your photos of this magnificent church. It was nice they considered the parishioners. Although difficult for tourists, I noticed prayers and cameras clicking was an odd mix in many churches I visited. 🙂
Lovely architecture.
incredible architecture!
It's a beautiful city with archaeology first.
wonderful city! the architecture is stunning!
Lovely romanesque cathedral with later additions. Great photos.
When I see you lovely photos I so want to visit Italy. I studied Italian, but now I forgot it. Italy is one of my dream wishes.
Thank you for visiting.
The cathedral is so beautiful. Love the architectural designs.
Wonderful shots! I'm developing the urge to visit Italy again…
Marvelous structure, awesome architecture.
My World Tuesday here
Isn't the architechture amazing!!! Great to know you've been there!!!
Office Outfit – 20
Trichy Temple Tour – Part 2
It's incredible to me thinking of all the work that goes into those details. Your photography does a great job of showing both the wide view and the artistry that go into the details of cathedral.
Really a architectural masterpiece. Beautiful shots.
Wonderful pictures, as always.
Wonderful shots.
Sydney – City and Suburbs
such a beautiful cathedral with lovely architecture. i enjoy Pisa too.
impressive!
Excellent pictures, good to know about this.
I just love all the ornate details on the archways.
I to enjoy this series.
http://www.ewok1993.wordpress.com
Very nice series.Greetings Andrzej.
I like all your Italian Pictures, i have many nice memories on that lovely country.
Greetings, Joop
Breathtaking cathedral superb captures as always, Indrani! The details are incredible! Another terrific tour! Hope you have a lovely week! Enjoy!
Sylvia