A Romanesque masterpiece begun in 1064 and clad in striped marble, with a bronze door, Giovanni Pisano's pulpit and Cimabue's apse mosaic.
Pisa Cathedral, dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta, was begun in 1064 under the architect Buscheto and consecrated in 1118. It is the model of Pisan Romanesque style: a Latin-cross plan with five aisles, a striped marble exterior and four tiers of blind arcades on the façade, completed by Rainaldo in the 12th and 13th centuries. Inside, the coffered wooden ceiling, the great mosaic of Christ in Majesty in the apse (begun by Cimabue around 1301) and the carved marble pulpit by Giovanni Pisano (1302-1310) are the main attractions. A bronze hanging lamp in the nave is traditionally linked with the young Galileo, who was born in Pisa in 1564. The cathedral is the centrepiece of the square and entry is included with any paid ticket to another Piazza dei Miracoli monument, though a free entry ticket is still issued so visitor numbers can be managed.
| Admission | Adult Free with any paid Piazza dei Miracoli ticket; a free timed entry ticket is issued at the ticket point or online · Child Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Opens to visitors from 10:00AM; hours vary on Sundays and religious holidays and close earlier in winter. Check opapisa.it |
| Typical visit | 45-60 minutes |
| Best time | Mid-morning or late afternoon, outside Mass times |
| Getting there | Same square as the Leaning Tower; 2.5 km from Pisa Centrale station (LAM Rossa bus or 30-minute walk) |
| Address | Piazza del Duomo, 56126 Pisa PI, Italy |
Good to know
- Best for
- architecture lovers, art historians, first-time visitors
Location
Piazza del Duomo, 56126 Pisa PI, Italy
43.7229, 10.3951 View on map
Highlights
- Giovanni Pisano's marble pulpit (1302-1310)
- Apse mosaic of Christ in Majesty, begun by Cimabue
- Striped marble exterior with four tiers of arcades
- Bronze lamp traditionally linked to Galileo
Tips for visiting
- Cover shoulders and knees; the Cathedral is an active place of worship
- Pick up the free entry ticket at an Opera ticket point or online at opapisa.it
- Look for the bronze lamp near the nave said to have inspired Galileo's pendulum observations
When to visit
Late morning on weekdays outside Mass, and late afternoon when the light enters the apse.
Accessibility
The Cathedral has step-free access via a side entrance, and the interior floor is level. Disabled visitors can arrange free assistance with the Opera della Primaziale Pisana (opapisa.it).
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Is the Cathedral free?
Entry is included free with a ticket to any other monument on Piazza dei Miracoli; a free timed entry ticket is still required.
Is there a dress code?
Yes. Shoulders and knees must be covered, and visitors should be quiet during services.