The soil in the central lawn was allegedly transported from the Holy Land on 53 ships during the Fourth Crusade.
The 1944 Allied bombing ignited the lead roof, which melted and cascaded down, irreparably damaging many of the original frescoes.
The restoration process involved detaching frescoes from the walls, revealing the original sinopia—preliminary charcoal or red-earth sketches—which are now displayed in a dedicated museum.
The Camposanto houses the tomb of the mathematician Leonardo Fibonacci.
The structure contains an extensive collection of Roman sarcophagi that were reused for Pisan burials during the Middle Ages.
Benozzo Gozzoli’s cycle of Old Testament frescoes, once considered the highlight of the interior, was heavily damaged in the 1944 fire.
The Camposanto is a monumental cemetery forming the northern boundary of Pisa's Piazza dei Miracoli. Originally intended to house the earth brought back from Golgotha by Crusaders, the structure features a large rectangular courtyard surrounded by Gothic-style arcaded galleries. The walls host an extensive collection of 14th- and 15th-century frescoes, most notably the 'Triumph of Death.' Much of the artwork suffered severe damage during a 1944 fire caused by Allied bombing and has since undergone intensive restoration. The site serves as the burial place for Pisa's most prominent citizens, featuring numerous Roman sarcophagi and medieval funerary monuments. The structure was commissioned by Archbishop Ubaldo dei Lanfranchi and designed by Giovanni di Simone. It remains one of the few remaining examples of medieval cemetery architecture designed as a cloistered garden.
From the center of the lawn looking toward the Gothic arched windows to capture the interplay of light and stone.
Look for the Sinopie Museum ticket combination to view the preliminary sketches that were discovered beneath the damaged frescoes.
Spend time in the central courtyard to appreciate the architectural symmetry and the contrast between the cloistered galleries and the open space.
Visit during the shoulder seasons to avoid the heat that often builds up within the enclosed stone arcades during summer.
Do not overlook the Sinopie Museum, as it provides the essential context for the damage and restoration of the frescoes inside the main structure.
Open daily throughout the year, though access may be restricted during major religious holidays or private ceremonies.
Respectful behavior is expected as this is a burial ground; maintain a quiet tone and dress modestly.
