Leaning Tower, Duomo and Baptistery
The complex of Pisa`s wonders, which includes the Baptistery of St. John, Pisa Cathedral and the Tower, is located on Piazza dei Miracoli. It`s called this way because all these monuments were built on a plain near the city. It was a miracle that such an extraordinary group of buildings could be at one place.
The most recognizable structure in the world
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is a huge bell tower, which for many years had been leaning to one side due to being built on weak and unstable subsoil, which cannot support its weight. It measures 55 meters from its base to the top and consists of seven floors, six above ground level, as well as one underground.
It is not known for sure when work on the tower started. Construction probably began in 1173. It is believed to have been designed by Bonanno Pisano, but it is possible that Diotisalvi, who designed the cathedral, was also involved.
The main church in Pisa
Pisa Cathedral is a medieval Roman Catholic cathedral dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. It is a notable example of Romanesque architecture, particularly the Pisan Romanesque style. It is the seat of the Archbishop of Pisa.
The interior of the 13th-century cathedral is vast and bright, thanks to its many windows. The walls are covered with beautiful frescoes, including a depiction of Christ by Giorgio Vasari, frescoes by Giovanni Pisano, and two paintings by Andrea del Sarto. There are also graceful sculptures by Nicola Pisano and his son Giovanni Pisano.
One of the oldest buildings in Pisa
The Baptistery of St. John is a religious building with a minor basilica status. The Baptistery's historical importance is mainly connected with the fact that it was one of not many buildings dedicated to baptism in medieval Pisa. It houses 16 Roman sarcophagi, which were reused as holy sepulchers by Pisan families after the edict of Constantine I forbade burials within city walls.
The most important feature of the building is its acoustics, which is simply amazing. When you stand near the center of the Baptistery and speak or clap your hands, you can hear an echo that lasts up to five seconds!
