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Cathedral · Pisa, Toscana
Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta
The cathedral of Pisa, begun in 1064, with a facade of marble arcades, a gilded ceiling and the pulpit sculpted by Giovanni Pisano.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta
The Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta, Pisa's duomo (cathedral), was begun in 1064 by the architect Buscheto, funded by the fleet's victory against the Arabs in Palermo. It is the first building of the square and the model of Pisan Romanesque: cruciform plan, façade with four tiers of arcades and white marble walls with dark bands.
Inside, the gilded wooden ceiling was rebuilt after a fire at the end of the 16th century. The highlight is the pulpit by Giovanni Pisano, finished in 1310, with marble panels that depict the life of Christ in figures full of movement. In the apse, the Christ in Majesty mosaic includes the figure of Saint John attributed to Cimabue.
The cathedral houses the body of San Ranieri, the city's patron saint. A legend says that Galileo Galilei, born in Pisa, watched the sway of the bronze lamp in the nave to study pendulum motion; the lamp seen today is called Galileu's lamp.
Admission is free, but requires a timed ticket, collected at the square's ticket office or received with the entrance to any other monument. It is a place of worship: shoulders and knees must be covered, and during Mass visits are restricted to an area and photography is not allowed.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
30 to 45 minutes.
Best time
Early in the morning or late in the afternoon, with fewer groups. Check Mass times, especially on Sundays, when tourist visits are limited.
How to get there
It stands in the center of the Piazza dei Miracoli, between the baptistery and the tower. Visitor entrance is usually via the side door facing the tower.
Tip
Tickets only for the cathedral are limited and cannot be reserved in advance: if you buy a ticket for another monument, use the cathedral ticket that comes with it. Bring a scarf to cover your shoulders in summer.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta
Is there a fee to enter the catedral de Pisa?
No. But a timed ticket is required, which can be obtained free of charge at the square's ticket office or received with the admission to any other monument.
Do you need appropriate clothing to enter?
Yes. It's a functioning church and appropriate clothing is required, with shoulders and knees covered. Stoles are available for purchase in the museums' shops in the square.
What must not be missed inside?
Giovanni Pisano's pulpit, the apse mosaic, the gilded wooden ceiling and the bronze lamp linked to the Galileo legend.
Can you visit during Mass?
Only a limited area remains open during services, and photos or guide explanations are not allowed. It's worth checking the times beforehand.