Why is the piazza del duomo on the world heritage list

The Baptistery is the largest of its kind in Italy and was dedicated to St. John the Baptist. All three of these structures and their respective functions were merged into one. However, they continue to be recognized as individual structures and as individual entities. Gary has been traveing the world since I really enjoy this kind of pictures — the ones that show the famous landmark from really unusual angle — like the Cairo right behind the Sphinx, and this is a perfect example of such honest picture!

Thanks for sharing! From the World Heritage inscription for the Piazza del Duomo, Pisa : Standing in a large green expanse, Piazza del Duomo houses a group of monuments known the world over. History The Piazza del Duomo, Pisa is a unique attraction in Italy as it is home to four grandiose Medieval architectural structures.

Gary Arndt Gary has been traveing the world since The Square is also remembered for having been the scene of the first experiments of the intuitions of the Pisan scientist Galileo Galilei in the first decades of the seventeenth century.

Pisa Patrimonio Mondiale Standing in a large green expanse, the monumental complex of the Piazza del Duomo in Pisa is an extraordinary place, which has preserved over time the beauty and historical, artistic and landscape qualities of its heritage.

The Cathedral , dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta, or Duomo , represents an innovative Church model for the times, which influenced the architectural works in other Tuscan cities, such as Lucca and Pistoia — and also in the territories that were historically under the dominion of Maritime Republic of Pisa, such as Sardinia and Corsica.

Criterion ii : The monuments of the Piazza del Duomo considerably influenced the development of architecture and monumental arts at two different times in history.

First, from the 11th century up to , during the epitome of Pisa's prosperity, a new type of church characterized by the refinement of polychrome architecture and the use of loggias was established. The Pisan style that first appeared with the Cathedral can be found elsewhere in Tuscany notably at Lucca and Pistoia , but also within the Pisan maritime territory, as shown in more humble form by the "pieve" in Sardegna and Corsica.

Later, during the 14th century, architecture in Tuscany was dominated by the monumental style of Giovanni Pisano who sculpted the pulpit of the Cathedral between and , a new era of pictorial art - the Trecento - was ushered in after the epidemic of the Black Death Triumph of Death, a fresco by Bonamico Buffalmacco at the Campo Santo, c.

Criterion iv : The group of monuments of the Piazza del Duomo, composed of typical religious buildings constructed for distinct and specific functions, constitutes an outstanding example of medieval Christian architecture. Criterion vi : It was at the Cathedral of Pisa that Galileo Galilei , observing the oscillations of the bronze chandelier created by Battista Lorenzi, discovered at the age of 19 the theory of isochronism of small oscillations, a prelude to his pioneering work on dynamics.

From the top of the campanile, he conducted experiments, which led him to formulate the laws governing falling bodies. Two of the principal buildings of the Piazza dei Miracoli are thus directly and tangibly associated with a decisive stage in the history of physical sciences. The Piazza del Duomo, as seen today, is a monumental complex and a public space that results from a long process that dates back to the Middle Ages.

The inscribed property encompasses 8. The interventions made over the centuries, after the completion of the square, have preserved the integrity of the structures and the spatial relationship between the monuments themselves, and between the monuments and their historical context, is maintained and are at present visible and comprehensible.

The extension of the property has also ensured that the three main visual axes are adequately preserved. The creation of a buffer zone has also provided an additional layer of protection to the visual qualities and attributes of the property, although further protection might be warranted to the north and west of the inscribed property.

The monumental complex of the Piazza del Duomo of Pisa has retained over time the historical and artistic qualities and attributes that convey its Outstanding Universal Value. After the construction of the monumental buildings and of the square, the numerous interventions have strengthened the relationship between the square and the city, while respecting the values and significance of the buildings of the monumental complex.

In more recent times, all the restoration works have been carried out by qualified personnel and have met both international and national standards for practice. This is one of the most iconic sites on the whole list, one of the places I always reel off when asked "so what places are world heritage sites then". Alas it seems its fame is due mostly to its shortcomings, leading to some QI style remarks about how prevalent leaning towers are in Italy, or how a town in Germany has one that leans much more.

The focus on the campaniles vertical issues does somewhat miss the point though. The 'Field of Miracles' is one of the most astonishing ensembles of Romanesque architecture in Europe. The long wait and high fees for a climb of the tower rather put me off so instead we headed to the baptistery and cathedral. We were lucky to be the last people to enter the baptistery before a demonstration of its marvellous acoustics, which was a thoroughly enjoyable way to start our exploration. The well proportioned but slightly bare interior did offer lovely views of the surrounding marvels.

My real highlight though was the cathedral, the magnificent bronze doors hid a rather impressive interior with an impressive gilded wood ceiling and innumerable high quality art works.

With all the focus on the bell tower it was rather surprising to see such a high quality site right next door. Yes the notorious leaning tower did bring vast crowds, especially in early august, and yes many people were there only to have their photo taken 'holding it up', but I still found it a very worthwhile visit.

Pisa itself was a nice town by Italian standards thus it would be outstanding in most European countries and de'Coltelli by the river served magnificent gelato. It also has an airport very close to the city centre, but it wasn't necessarily as easy to get there and back as it perhaps could have been. Our swift trip around Pisa was rather rewarding and the astonishing charms of one of Europe's most beautiful architectural ensembles easily overcomes the vast crowds and shortcomings of the travel infrastructure.

There is much more to Pisa than some dodgy foundations and taking a step back to peer through the crowds reveals something of real charm. I visited this WHS in September Piazza del Duomo houses 4 masterpieces of medieval architecture: the cathedral, the baptistry, the Leaning Tower and the cemetery.

Climbing The Leaning Tower, one of Italy's most famous landmarks, was the highlight of my visit and a really unique and strange experience. Australia - Mar -. The visit was wonderful! The architecture amazed me. England - Jul -. Hi, I had a great time in Pisa, impromptu classical performances in the bell tower, a Bernada Fink concert,The locals, walks in the nature reserve, resturants, roman ruins, the light on the stone of the duomo ,colours, food, the cosmopolitan atmosphere, surrounding Tuscany, the list is endless I don't know about one day, for me one month wouldn't be enough.

United States of America - Apr -. Once you get past the cheap vendors, peddlars and pick pockets lining the approach to the Field of Miracles it is a truly beautiful place to see. All four white marble buildings in one large open area is a unique setting. Pisa needs to get the cheap vendors out of this area to make it what it really could be for people visiting from all over the world. I don't recommend it to friends visiting Italy because the vendors and pan handlers have ruined this priceless gem of art and architecture.

Shame on the people of Pisa for letting this happen to their own heritage. The first time I saw this place I truly understand why the Italian affectionately named it "Piazza del Miracoli".

The three white marble buildings were situated in the middle of green lawn under the blue sky. I was impressed by the colours of white from marble, green from grass, blue from the crystal clear sky under the tuscan sun and brown from the surrounding brick wall.

After walking in the mazed-like small old town, I finally saw the famous "Torre Pandante", which is the most beautiful belfry I have seen.

Even though this belfry was constructed for religious purposes, many people including me recognized it from the science schoolbook, and it's unusual lean structure. People around the world call it " The leaning tower of Pisa". As one of the symbol of Europe, millions of tourists come to admire its unique appearance every year.

For myself, the leaning of the belfry is not an important reason, but it's the marvelous of the whole complex, which is included the cathedral, the baptistery and the belfry, that make me to stun every time I have been there. The beauty of this place is deservedly its name "The place of a miracle". USA - Jun -. Really disappointed, after seeing other sites in Tuscany. Now it's just a tourist strip selling souvenirs, and thousands of stupid American tourists taking pictures leaning towards the tower.

Better plan the day to spend four hours in Luca on the train from Florence , and just one hour in Pisa, and go right back to Florence.