Piazza dei Miracoli

Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa is a compact, world-famous cathedral square that contains a group of monumental medieval buildings and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ensemble is noted for its marble architecture and the dramatic tilt of the freestanding bell tower.

Key elements in the square include the Cathedral (Duomo), the octagonal Baptistery, the freestanding Leaning Tower (campanile) at roughly 56 meters tall, and the Camposanto Monumentale. The tower’s tilt, caused by foundation settling during construction, is the complex’s most recognisable feature and is approached via timed-entry climbs for visitors.

Construction of the main buildings took place across the medieval period: the cathedral began in the 11th century, the campanile’s construction began in the late 12th century and was completed over successive campaigns, and the baptistery and camposanto were built in the 12th and 13th centuries. The ensemble preserves Romanesque and early Gothic forms and substantial later conservation work.

The square sits within the historic centre of Pisa in Tuscany, immediately north of the city centre and within easy walking distance of the main railway station and other city attractions.

• Tower entry: Climbing the Leaning Tower requires a timed ticket and is limited by a small number of visitors per climb; book in advance during high season.
• Best viewing times: Early morning and late afternoon provide the most favourable light and smaller crowds for photographing the complex from the surrounding lawns.

What to See #

• Cathedral: The Cathedral (Duomo) - a Romanesque marble church forming the focal point of the square and featuring extensive interior decoration.
• Leaning Tower: The Leaning Tower (campanile) - a freestanding Romanesque bell tower about 56 meters tall famous for its tilt and open for timed climbs.
• Baptistery: The Baptistery - an octagonal Romanesque building begun in the 12th century with a noted acoustic interior and ornate door panels.
• Camposanto: The Camposanto Monumentale - a monumental cemetery with cloisters and frescoed walls dating from the medieval period.