Pisa - Piazza dei Miracoli

Pisa is truly a Romanesque delight. Dripping with a profusion of artwork, the city offers historical insights both rare and precious. At its heart lies the exquisitely pretty Piazza dei Miracoli ("Square of Miracles) which ranks as one of the world's loveliest squares. Set among its sprawling lawns is one of Europe's most extraordinary concentrations of Romanesque splendor, the cathedral (Duomo), baptistry, cemetery (or Camposanto) and Leaning Tower within its lush grounds.

No visit to Italy is complete without a trip to see the celebrated Torre pendente di Pisa. Construction of the tower began in 1173 but after the third tier, it had to be interrupted because the ground was giving way which lead to its famous tilt. In the 14th century, Giovanni de Simone, architect of the Camposanto, finished the work begun by Diotisalvi with the creation of the Bell Room. With 294 steps, it is about 56 meters high and is inclined in relation to the vertical by 4 meters. There are seven bells, one for each note of the musical scale. The largest one was installed in 1655. The Tower is situated behind the Duomo, which is considered to be the most important expression of Pisan Romanesque. The majesty of Pisa's cathedral, entitled to Santa Maria Assunta (St. Mary of the Assumption), made it a model for Romanesque churches throughout Tuscany. Clad with alternating bands of dark green and cream marble that is characteristic of Pisan-Romanesque style, the main facade has four exquisite tiers of columns. Its construction began in 1064 by Buscheto and was completed by Rainaldo in the 12th century. On its bronze doors the stories of the Madonna and Christ are incised. Inside, the five naves showcase paintings by Beccafumi, Ghirlandaio, Andrea del Sarto and Sodoma. The unusual round baptistry was started in 1153 by Diotisalvi, remodelled by Nicola and Giovanni Pisano more than a century later and completed in the 14th century. The lower level is Pisan-Romanesque while the pinnacled upper section and dome are Gothic. In 1987 the whole square was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Pisa has a centuries-old tradition as a university town. After the city fell to Florence in 1406, the Medici encouraged great artistic, literary and scientific endeavors and re-established Pisa's university (which was created in 1343). Galileo Galilei, the city's most famous son, later taught at the university. Pisan residents include the Romantic poets, Byron and Shelley.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Pisa
• Tuscany
• Italy
• Piazza
• dei
• Miracoli
• Duomo
• Leaning
• Tower
• Camposanto

[sleuvis]

bel lavoro! bye