INTRODUCTION
PHOTO TOUR - - THE LEANING TOWER PHOTO TOUR - - THE CATHEDRAL OF PISA PHOTO TOUR - - THE BAPTISTERY |
The centerpiece of the Field of Miracles is the Cathedral of Pisa, Santa Maria Assunta (the Duomo). Indeed, the other structures in and around the Field, including the famed Leaning Tower, are really only support buildings to the Cathedral.
Begun in 1064, the Cathedral was not completed until the close of the 12th century. Pieces of Roman monuments were used in the construction in order to show that Pisa was the “new Rome.” The overall style is Pisan Romanesque. |
The interior of the Cathedral was largely destroyed by fire in 1595. Only some of the Cathedral's treasures such as the carved pulpit and the mosaic in the apse of Christ in Majesty survived. However, the subsequent decoration is nonetheless impressive and is well-worth a look.
The Cathedral contains the bones of Pisa's patron saint St. Ranieri. It also houses the tomb of the Holy Roman Emperor Henry VII. Of the three monumental buildings in the Field, the Cathedral is the only one that can be visited for free. |
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Cruise article - Visiting The Field of Miracles - The Cathedral - Pisa, Italy