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Cathedral of St. Ranieri, Pisa, Italy


In the wide square known as Piazza del Duomo known as the Cathedral Square or Piazza dei Miracoli, the Duomo or Cathedral of St. Ranieri, Pisa, Italy is an impressive structure in Romanesque architectural style. People come from all over the world to admire the building as well as to see another building in the square, the famous Leaning Tower or bell tower. Admiring the architecture, visitors enter the cathedral for veneration and worship as well as for studying the design and history of the stunning piazza and Pisa.

The cathedral is laid out in the shape of the cross with the dome on the eastern end. While the structure is definitely built in the Romanesque style, hints of influence from the Bysantines show in the details of arches with points and interior mosaics. One of the most impressive mosaics that remained after the devastating Duomo fire of the late 1500s was “Christ in Majesty.” The ceiling is gilt and much of the beautiful interior was redecorated and filled with new art after the fire.

Cathedral of St. Ranieri, Pisa, ItalyAlso of interest is the use of marble in white and various other colors on the exterior and interior. The floors are quite elaborate and lovely. Because of the use of the light colored marble, the play of sunlight on the exterior changes breathtakingly as the sun travels across the sky.


Saint Ranieri is the patron saint of Pisa. He was born and lived much of his life in Pisa during the mid-1100s. He lived a spiritual life like a saint with only a little variance in when he was very young. Upon his death, Ranierius Scacceri was entombed in the cathedral that was in the process of construction in Piazza del Duomo in Piza where his casket was made into an elaborate shrine at the altar in the mid-1600s.

To visit and explore, the Cathedral is spectacular. The small entrance fee is definitely worthwhile. Inside is a museum and throughout the building are tombs of well-known people, amazing artwork and historic relics. This cathedral in this square in Pisa, Italy is one of the most beautiful churches on the planet.

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Filed Under: Baptistry of St John, Cathedral of St. Ranieri, Duomo, Europe, featured, Italy, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Piazza dei Miracoli, Pisa

Baptistry of St John, Pisa, Italy

 


Most guests who consider the offerings of Pisa, Italy, immediately think about the Leaning Tower of Pisa. However, the location offers a bountiful array of architectural feats that deserve equal if not more attention. The Baptistry of St John, Pisa, Italy an architectural marvel, abounds with beauty, design and historical significance that every guest has the opportunity to appreciate.

The building draws on traditional Italian Romanesque and Gothic architectural influences. The baptistery was the second structure to be completed in the Piazza dei Miracoli after the completion of the Duomo Cathedral to signify the city’s wealth and prominence.

Baptistry of St John, Pisa, Italy The completion of the building took 200 years, and it stands approximately 55 meters high, slightly taller than the Leaning Tower. The lower extremities of the baptistery consist of a spacious gallery buttressed by classical arches and pillars. The upper levels echo the Gothic style with sharp arches pointing to the heavens. Hovering above the entrance way of the baptistry is a relief portraying the life of Saint John the Baptist as well as one of Christ, the Madonna and a medley of evangelists and angels. The apex of the entrance is marked by a significant statue depiction of the Madonna with the child.

The interior of the baptistery features vibrant stained glass windows and the signature baptismal pool. The baptismal at the center of the space originates from 1246 and is large enough to accommodate baptisms by total immersion. An pillar reveals the identity of the architect responsible for creating the structure known as “Diotisalvi”. This architect also built the Church of the Santo Sepolcro housed in central Pisa. Moreover, the inside of the structure boasts perfect acoustics enabling a visitor to experience sound that travels around the dome for several seconds. Applause too fosters a splendid echo effect demonstrated often by the staff of the institution.


Photographers have the opportunity for great views and shots from the upper balcony of the space with vistas of the the Leaning Tower, the Duomo Cathedral and the rest of the Piazza dei Miracoli. Legend maintains that the private citizens of Pisa founded the construction of the structures beginning in the early 12th century with each family to pay one denaro for the building. In addition, most visitors are surprised to learn that baptistry like the cathedral and the tower also leans slightly 0.6 degrees towards the cathedral. This and other surprising curiosities await visitors of the Baptistry of St John.

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Filed Under: Baptistry of St John, Camposanto Monumentale, Duomo, Europe, featured, Italy, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Piazza dei Miracoli, Pisa

Piazza dei Miracoli, Pisa Italy

 


One of the most iconic architectural structures of Italy is part of this famous Piazza dei Miracoli, Pisa Italy or la Piazza del Duomo. That iconic building is the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The historic piazza is spectacular with its lovely green grass and treasured architecture. The hallowed features of the piazza that draw visitors from all over the globe are the baptistery, the duomo, the bell tower and the cemetery.

People come to see this lovely place for many reasons from just desiring to step foot in such a famous location to needing to photograph the site for extra credit on a school report or multi-media presentation. When they arrive, the scenes before them are captivating. Therefore, visitors soon understand why the square is considered the most beautiful piazza in Italy and even the world.Duomo Pisa, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Piazza dei Miracoli, Pisa Italy

This square has been a World Heritage Site since 1987. In Pisa, Italy, the spot is named la Piazza del Duomo or the “Cathedral Square.” However in 1910, an Italian author and poet wrote concerning the piazza describing it as a field of miracles under Heaven. The thought took hold and the piazza has become known as Piazza dei Miracoli.

Those visiting observe the Romanesque design style and the architectural details on the buildings’ exteriors and interiors. The Duomo was constructed starting in the mid-1060s. The Baptistery began rising in the mid-1100s. The Bell Tower, Campanile or the Leaning Tower of Pisa as it is better known was built in the late 1100s. Then, the Campo Santo or monumental cemetery building in Gothic style was constructed beginning in the late 1200s.


The spacious green grassy areas and the dominating historic structures are impressive. No matter how many people are in the square at the same time, no one feels crowded because of the immensity and the presence of the sacred edifices. Although the features are placed in opposition to the natural order of time as exists in the pathway of the sun across the sky from east to west, the west to east layout of the piazza represents the seasons of life.

Consequently, visitors can take the journey of birth to death as they tour the square. The baptistery represents birth, the duomo is the lifetime, the bell tower is like life’s culmination and the cemetery is death. The inspiring walk can bring new inspiration and perspective on living.

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Filed Under: Duomo, Europe, featured, Italy, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Piazza dei Miracoli, Pisa