A museum on Piazza dei Miracoli displaying the red-earth preparatory drawings found beneath the Camposanto frescoes after the 1944 fire.
The Museo delle Sinopie is housed in the former Spedale Nuovo di Santa Chiara on the south side of Piazza dei Miracoli. After the 1944 fire at the Camposanto, restorers detached the frescoes and discovered underneath them the sinopie: large red-ochre drawings that medieval painters sketched directly onto the wall plaster to plan each composition. These were removed and mounted in the museum, where they can be studied closely in a long hall. Panels explain how a sinopia was made, how fresco technique worked and how the Camposanto was restored. For visitors it offers an unusual look at the planning stage of famous images such as the Triumph of Death.
| Admission | Adult About EUR 5-7 (~$6-8) when bought separately; confirm at opapisa.it · Child Reduced or free for young children; confirm at opapisa.it |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily with seasonal variation; check the current times at opapisa.it |
| Typical visit | 30-45 minutes |
| Best time | Midday, when the Tower queue is longest |
| Getting there | South side of Piazza dei Miracoli, a few steps from the Baptistery |
| Address | Piazza del Duomo 17, 56126 Pisa PI, Italy |
Good to know
- Best for
- art restorers and history lovers, visitors who want a quieter museum
Location
Piazza del Duomo 17, 56126 Pisa PI, Italy
43.7224, 10.3941 View on map
Highlights
- Red-earth preparatory drawings from the Camposanto
- Explanation of fresco technique
- Quiet halls in a former 13th-century hospital
Tips for visiting
- Visit the museum before the Camposanto to understand the frescoes' underdrawings
- Ticket is valid for one year, so it can be combined across days
When to visit
Midday on weekdays.
Accessibility
The museum is on the ground floor and generally accessible; confirm arrangements with the Opera della Primaziale Pisana.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
What is a sinopia?
A sinopia is a preliminary drawing in red earth pigment made directly on the wall before the final fresco layer was applied.