Camposanto monumentale
The monumental cemetery closing the north side of the Piazza dei Miracoli, with 14th-century frescoes such as the Triumph of Death and ancient sarcophagi.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Camposanto was founded in 1277 to gather the tombs scattered around the Cathedral, at the wish of Archbishop Federico Visconti. It is the last monument to have risen in the Piazza dei Miracoli and closes its northern side. According to tradition, the soil of the central space was brought from Palestine at the time of the Second Crusade.
In the 14th century the walls of the cloisters were decorated with frescoes by Francesco Traini and Bonamico Buffalmacco, including the famous Triumph of Death, inspired also by Dante's Divine Comedy. The cycle continues with the Stories of the Saints of Pisa and the Stories of the Old Testament, up to Benozzo Gozzoli in the mid-15th century.
From the 16th century the site received the tombs of the professors of the University of Pisa and of the Medici family. At the beginning of the 19th century, thanks to Carlo Lasinio, appointed curator, it became one of the first public museums in Europe. Along the galleries are displayed sarcophagi, Roman inscriptions, sculptures and funerary monuments of illustrious figures.
Highlights
- Triumph of Death by Buffalmacco
- Stories of the Saints of Pisa and of the Old Testament
- Sarcophagi and Roman inscriptions
- Galleries with funerary monuments
- Earth in the centre said to come from Palestine
Permanent exhibition
- Gallerie affrescate e monumenti funebri – Route along the cloisters with the 14th- and 15th-century frescoes, the sarcophagi and the funerary sculptures.
- Founded
- 1277
- Operated by
- Opera della Primaziale Pisana
Admission & discounts
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 10 · Free admission for children under 11 if accompanied by an adult. |
|---|---|
| Visitors with disabilities | –companion free · Free admission for people with disabilities with an adult companion; a certificate may be requested. |
| Groups (10+ people) | –Reduced rates for school groups of at least 10 pupils (primary and secondary schools): €3 for a single monument, €6 for the full visit; one teacher for every ten paying pupils enters free. |
The ticket is valid for one year from the chosen date; with each ticket for a monument in the square, free admission to the Cathedral is also included. Tickets can be bought online from 90 days before the visit or at the ticket office. The website does not publish the prices as text (single and combined rates appear as an image).
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Only certified guide dogs are admitted. For information and assistance for visitors with disabilities, it is advisable to write at least five days in advance. Videos in Italian Sign Language (LIS) with subtitles about the square complex and service sheets for different needs are available.
Kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 10 |
|---|
Free admission for children under 11 accompanied by an adult. For visitors with autism spectrum disorder a Sensory Bag is available.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Torre 1
From Pisa Centrale station: line 1+ from the Stazione 1 stop (every 10 minutes) or the night line 21 to the Torre 1 stop; line 4 to the Del Parlascio stop. From the Sesta Porta bus station (via Battisti): lines 60, 70, 80, 120 and 130 to the Torre 1 stop. From the airport: PisaMover to the central station.
Amenities & dining
The free cloakroom is reserved for visitors to the Leaning Tower. Paid public toilets are available in the square (€1 with electronic payment), free with each ticket purchased.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Photography | Photography and filming for private use are allowed in the places open to the public; for professional use, authorisation from the Opera della Primaziale Pisana is required. |
| Good to know | Large luggage is forbidden: only backpacks or small bags are allowed (maximum 20×30×38 cm). |
