The cloistered monumental cemetery on the north side of Piazza dei Miracoli, famous for frescoes including the Triumph of Death.
The Camposanto was begun in 1277 by Giovanni di Simone and surrounds a courtyard said in local tradition to be filled with soil brought from Golgotha. The long Gothic cloister was decorated in the 14th and 15th centuries with extensive frescoes, among them the Triumph of Death, Last Judgment and Hell attributed to Buonamico Buffalmacco. On 27 July 1944 Allied shelling set fire to the roof, melting the lead and severely damaging the frescoes; the surviving frescoes were detached, and their underdrawings (sinopie) are now displayed in the Museo delle Sinopie. The cloister also houses Roman sarcophagi reused as tombs and Napoleonic-era funerary monuments. Entry is by ticket sold separately or as part of a multi-monument combination.
| Admission | Adult About EUR 5-7 (~$6-8) when bought separately; Tower tickets for entry from 19:30 include a free Camposanto visit · Child Reduced or free for young children; confirm at opapisa.it |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily; seasonal hours similar to the other Piazza monuments, with extended evening opening in summer. Check opapisa.it |
| Typical visit | 45 minutes |
| Best time | Morning, when the cloister is quiet |
| Getting there | Piazza dei Miracoli, north side; 2.5 km from Pisa Centrale station |
| Address | Piazza del Duomo, 56126 Pisa PI, Italy |
Good to know
- Best for
- art lovers, history buffs, quiet reflection
Location
Piazza del Duomo, 56126 Pisa PI, Italy
43.7236, 10.3956 View on map
Highlights
- Triumph of Death and Last Judgment frescoes
- Gothic cloister galleries around the Golgotha-soil garden
- Roman sarcophagi reused as medieval tombs
- Restoration story after the 1944 fire
Tips for visiting
- Allow time for the Triumph of Death fresco cycle in the south gallery
- Evening Tower tickets from 19:30 include the Camposanto with no fixed time slot
When to visit
Early morning or late afternoon on weekdays, outside the peak tour-group window from 11:00AM to 2:00PM.
Accessibility
The cloister is largely step-free and suitable for wheelchairs, with level stone floors. Assistance can be arranged with the Opera della Primaziale Pisana.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
What damaged the Camposanto frescoes?
A fire on 27 July 1944 after wartime shelling melted the roof lead and badly damaged many frescoes, which were later detached and restored.
Is the Camposanto included with the Tower?
A Tower ticket for entry from 19:30 includes a free Camposanto visit with no fixed time slot.