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Square · Pisa, Toscana
Piazza dei Miracoli
The lawn where the leaning tower, the cathedral, the baptistery and the Camposanto stand, a complex in white marble that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Piazza dei Miracoli
The Piazza dei Miracoli, officially called Piazza del Duomo, is a large lawn in the northwest corner of Pisa's center, beside the medieval walls. It contains the four monuments the city built between the 11th and 14th centuries, at the height of its power as a maritime republic: the cathedral, the tower, the baptistery and the Camposanto.
The complex is the main example of Pisan Romanesque, a style that mixes classical, Lombard and eastern elements, with stacked arcades and white marble with grey bands. Since 1987 the square has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The name Campo dei Miracoli comes from a line by the writer Gabriele d'Annunzio, who described it as a meadow of miracles.
Entry to the square is free. The monuments have separate tickets sold on the official website and at the ticket offices on the edges of the square. In addition to the four buildings there are two museums: the Sinopie, with the preparatory drawings for the Camposanto frescoes, and the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, with the original sculptures.
In some parts of the lawn sitting is allowed; signs indicate where you must not step. Along Via Santa Maria and at the side of the square there are souvenir stalls and many groups taking the famous photo holding up the tower: be mindful of your belongings in crowded places.
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
To walk the square and take photos, half an hour. With the tower, cathedral, baptistery and Camposanto, allow three to four hours.
Best time
Early morning or late afternoon, when the light hits the marble from the side and there are fewer groups. In summer, from June to August, midday is hot and the lawn is exposed.
How to get there
From Pisa Centrale station it's about 2 km on foot, crossing the Arno via the Ponte di Mezzo and continuing along Borgo Stretto, or a few minutes by city bus. The smaller Pisa San Rossore station is a few minutes' walk from the square and handles some of the trains coming from Lucca.
Tip
Buy tickets before you arrive, especially the tower ticket. A ticket for any monument includes a timed ticket for the cathedral. Large luggage is not allowed inside the monuments.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Piazza dei Miracoli
Is entrance to the Piazza dei Miracoli charged?
No, the square is open and there is no fee to enter it. You pay for the monuments: the tower, the baptistery, the Camposanto and the museums. The cathedral requires a timed ticket, which comes with any other admission or can be picked up at the square's ticket office.
How much time should I allow for the entire square?
With the climb up the tower and visits to the other monuments, three to four hours. If you only want to see the square from the outside and take photos, thirty minutes is enough.
Where can I buy tickets for the monuments?
On the official website of the Opera della Primaziale Pisana, from 90 days before your visit, and at the square's ticket offices. The tower has timed entry and often sells out in high season, so it's worth buying in advance.
Can I enter the monuments with luggage?
No. Only backpacks or small bags are accepted. For the tower, even small bags must be left in the cloakroom/left-luggage, which is used by ticketed visitors.