Italy's finest Romanesque cathedral, funded by the spoils of the 1063 Pisan victory at Palermo.
Pisa Cathedral was begun in 1064 by the architect Buscheto, reportedly using plunder from the Pisan fleet's raid on Palermo in 1063, and was consecrated in 1118 by Pope Gelasius II. Its Latin-cross plan, five aisles, triple-door façade with four tiers of arcades and use of Islamic-influenced inlay patterns show the cosmopolitan outlook of a maritime republic. A fire in 1595 destroyed much of the interior, and the present coffered ceiling and many paintings date from the following reconstruction. Highlights are the pulpit by Giovanni Pisano (1302-1310), the apse mosaic of Christ in Majesty, started by Cimabue in 1301-1302, and the bronze doors. The cathedral's design influenced churches across Tuscany and Sardinia and defined the Pisan Romanesque style.
| Admission | Free with any paid Piazza dei Miracoli ticket; a free timed entry ticket is issued |
|---|---|
| Hours | Opens to visitors from 10:00AM; Sunday and religious-holiday times differ. Check opapisa.it |
| Address | Piazza del Duomo, 56126 Pisa PI, Italy |
Why it matters
The founding monument of Pisan Romanesque architecture, built from the proceeds of the city's naval power.
Site facts
- Built
- 1064-1118 (façade completed in the 13th century)
- Architect
- Buscheto (original); Rainaldo (façade)
- Style
- Pisan Romanesque
- UNESCO listing
- True
Location
Piazza del Duomo, 56126 Pisa PI, Italy
43.7229, 10.3951 View on map
Highlights
- Giovanni Pisano's pulpit (1302-1310)
- Cimabue's apse mosaic of Christ in Majesty
- Striped marble façade of four arcaded tiers
- Reconstruction after the 1595 fire
Tips for visiting
- Cover shoulders and knees
- Visit outside Mass times
Accessibility
Step-free via a side entrance; the nave floor is level.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the Cathedral free with a ticket?
Entry is included with any paid Piazza dei Miracoli ticket, but a free timed entry ticket is still issued to manage visitor numbers.