Camposanto Monumentale Pisa - a very tall tower with a clock on it's side
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Camposanto Monumentale Pisa

4.6
·980 reviews·Pisa, Italy

A historic cemetery in Pisa, renowned for its stunning medieval frescoes and ancient sarcophagi, offering a unique artistic and historical experience.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Camposanto Monumentale Pisa - a very tall tower with a clock on it's side

Camposanto Monumentale Pisa

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic cemetery in Pisa, renowned for its stunning medieval frescoes and ancient sarcophagi, offering a unique artistic and historical experience.

4.6
(980 reviews)

"It's a museum where most frescoes are under your feet, which is weird, but interesting."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Walk on the Stones

Be mindful that many ancient sarcophagi and frescoes are at ground level. Tread carefully!

🎟️ Combo Ticket is Key

Get the cumulative ticket for access to Camposanto, Baptistery, and museums. Best value!

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Medieval Frescoes

Medieval Frescoes

Walls of the cloister

Admire stunning, large-scale frescoes from the 14th century, including 'Triumph of Death' and 'Last Judgment'.

InstagramReddit
Ancient Sarcophagi

Ancient Sarcophagi

Ground level and display areas

Walk among a remarkable collection of Roman, medieval, and Renaissance sarcophagi, many serving as tombstones.

InstagramReddit
The Cloistered Quadrangle

The Cloistered Quadrangle

Central courtyard

Experience the serene atmosphere of this historic burial ground, designed as a cloistered quadrangle.

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Planning Your Visit

Respectful Exploration

The Camposanto Monumentale is a historic cemetery, a place of rest for notable Pisans. Treat it with reverence, as many frescoes and sarcophagi are at ground level. Be mindful of ongoing restorations and avoid disturbing the peace. TikTok

Combined Ticket Value

To experience the Camposanto and other Pisa attractions like the Leaning Tower and Baptistery, opt for a combined ticket. This offers the best value and seamless access to multiple sites within the Piazza dei Miracoli. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Good for fresco viewing
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🐳Un museo inaspettato🐳 . . . La prima volta che sono stato qui fu diversi anni fa e ricordo ancora che all'uscita mi chiesi com'era possibile che un museo così bello e affascinante fosse poco pubblicizzato 🧐 ⠀ 👉Siamo a Calci, un piccolo comune in provincia di Pisa ed è nella meravigliosa cornice della Certosa che sorge il Museo di storia naturale di Calci, uno dei più antichi del mondo con i suoi ...
@vagabondisquattrinati
38.9K likes • 642.7K views

🚶‍♀️ Walk on the Stones

Be mindful that many ancient sarcophagi and frescoes are at ground level. Tread carefully! InstagramReddit

🎟️ Combo Ticket is Key

Get the cumulative ticket for access to Camposanto, Baptistery, and museums. Best value! InstagramReddit

This trip to Italy is starting to make me feel like Robert Langdon 😮 #pisaitaly #historybuff #arthistory #italy #catholictiktok
@urbanistariel
8.3K likes • 87.2K views
Minha experiência conhecendo a Torre di Pisa 🇮🇹 ✨Aproveite esse momento para conhecer lugares próximos como: 1) Praça do Milagre; 2) Catedral de Pisa; 3) Batistério de Pisa; 4) Camposanto Monumentale; 5) Museu Nacional de San Matteo (não abre nas segundas); 6) Borgo Stretto (tem diversos bares e restaurantes); 7) Ponte di Mezzo. Deixei algumas dicas no final do vídeo 😁 #pisa #torredipisa #dica...
adrielsalvadorr
93 likes • 2.9K views

🖼️ Fresco Restoration

Look for ongoing restoration work on the frescoes; it's fascinating to see them brought back to life. Reddit

🤫 Quiet Reflection

This is a cemetery. Maintain a respectful and quiet demeanor throughout your visit. TikTok

Ti mostro Pisa in un giorno. Dimmi tu cosa merita davvero e cosa salteresti 💪🏽

Ecco le 14 tappe imperdibili (con i prezzi!) 🔸Duomo di Pisa
🔹Battistero – incluso
🔸Camposanto Monumentale
🔹Torre Pendente 💰 biglietto cumulativo 27€ 🔸Lungarni Pisani 💰Gratis 🔹Piazza dei Cavalieri
💰Gratis 🔸Palazzo Reale (Museo Nazionale) 💰Gratis 🔹Murale Tuttomondo di Keith Haring 💰Gratis 🔸Chiesa di Santa Maria del...
si.mo.ne33
6 likes • 199 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Walk on the Stones

Be mindful that many ancient sarcophagi and frescoes are at ground level. Tread carefully! InstagramReddit

🎟️ Combo Ticket is Key

Get the cumulative ticket for access to Camposanto, Baptistery, and museums. Best value! InstagramReddit

🖼️ Fresco Restoration

Look for ongoing restoration work on the frescoes; it's fascinating to see them brought back to life. Reddit

🤫 Quiet Reflection

This is a cemetery. Maintain a respectful and quiet demeanor throughout your visit. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.6
(980 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Camposanto Monumentale to be a fascinating historical gem, particularly for its impressive medieval frescoes and ancient sarcophagi. Many appreciate its less crowded atmosphere compared to other Pisa attractions and the educational value of its art and history. Some express concern about the preservation of ground-level artworks due to foot traffic. InstagramReddit

"My opinion....best historical piece in Pisa and it is a cemetary of famous Pisans. You are literally walking over marble graves. A huge building where you can admire amazing and huge frescoes on all walls. Mine best was the devil's where you can admire influence of Dante's Inferno and final judgment. All over the Camposanto are information panels explaining the frescoes.
While visiting, we had the chance to see how the frescoes are being restored."

Rok Stražar

"Very lovely to see. Not so crowded like the rest!
Included in the ticket if you buy the ticket with everything included.
On the wall there are some nice frescos and the tomb stones are magnificent to see."

Bob Coene

"The cemetery where Pisa’s famous figures are buried is fascinating, especially because of the various epitaphs. The tombstones are engraved with intricate designs, reflecting the grief and remembrance of their families. There are also giant murals, making it well worth a visit."

Vienna

What People Like

Magnificent frescoes
Ancient sarcophagi
Peaceful atmosphere

What People Dislike

Frescoes underfoot

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most affordable and frequent way to reach Pisa from Florence is by train. The journey takes about an hour and costs around 9-10 euros. Trains are very frequent, and you can often buy tickets at the station. TikTokReddit+1

While there are parking options in Pisa, it's generally recommended to use public transport or walk if you're already in the Piazza dei Miracoli area, as parking can be challenging and expensive. TikTok

It's a pleasant walk of about 20-30 minutes from Pisa Centrale train station to the Piazza dei Miracoli, where the Camposanto is located. You can also take a local bus. TikTok

The train is the most recommended method for traveling between Pisa and Florence due to its affordability, frequency, and convenience. TikTokReddit+1

Yes, there are luggage storage facilities available in Pisa, particularly near the train station, which can be useful if you're visiting Pisa for a day trip. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Camposanto Monumentale is typically included in the cumulative ticket for the Piazza dei Miracoli. This ticket also grants access to the Baptistery and the museums. InstagramReddit+1

A combined ticket for the Leaning Tower, Baptistery, and Camposanto Monumentale usually costs around 27 euros, offering good value for visiting multiple sites. Instagram

Yes, it is highly recommended to purchase your tickets online in advance, especially for the Leaning Tower, to secure your preferred time slot and avoid long queues. TikTok

Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times before your visit. Instagram

Compared to the Leaning Tower, the Camposanto is generally less crowded, offering a more peaceful experience. However, it can still get busy during peak tourist seasons. Reddit

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

The Camposanto Monumentale is a historic cemetery and a significant artistic site, housing medieval frescoes and ancient sarcophagi, making it a unique museum. Instagram+2

Focus on the impressive medieval frescoes on the walls and the numerous ancient sarcophagi, many of which are used as tombstones. InstagramReddit

Guided tours are often available for the Piazza dei Miracoli complex, which may include the Camposanto. Check with local tour operators or the official site for options. TikTok

The grounds are relatively flat, but some areas might have uneven surfaces due to the ancient nature of the site. It's advisable to check accessibility details beforehand. Instagram

Capture the grandeur of the cloister and the intricate details of the frescoes and sarcophagi. Early morning light can be ideal for photography. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The central cloister offers a beautiful perspective of the architecture and surrounding frescoes. Look for interesting angles of the sarcophagi and the vaulted ceilings. Instagram+1

Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the Camposanto Monumentale for personal use. However, always be respectful of other visitors and the site itself. Instagram

Early morning or late afternoon often provide softer light and fewer crowds, making them ideal for capturing the atmosphere and details of the frescoes and architecture. Instagram

Drone photography is typically prohibited in and around historical sites like the Piazza dei Miracoli to protect the monuments and ensure visitor safety. Instagram

Use a tripod if possible for low-light conditions and to capture fine details. A wider aperture can help isolate subjects, while a moderate ISO will minimize noise. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Camposanto Monumentale offers a unique educational experience for families. While it's a cemetery, the vibrant frescoes and ancient sarcophagi can capture children's imaginations. It's a less crowded alternative to the Leaning Tower, allowing for a more relaxed exploration. TikTok

Encourage kids to look for specific figures in the frescoes or imagine the stories behind the sarcophagi. The sheer scale of the artwork and the historical context can be a great way to introduce them to medieval art and history in an engaging way. Remember to emphasize the importance of respectful behavior in this solemn place. TikTok

🏛️ Art & History Enthusiasts

For those passionate about art and history, the Camposanto Monumentale is a must-visit. It's a treasure trove of medieval frescoes, many of which are significant examples of Italian art from the period. The collection of ancient sarcophagi also provides invaluable insights into Roman and medieval funerary customs. Instagram+1

Pay close attention to the details of the frescoes, noting the artistic styles and the narratives they convey. The ongoing restoration efforts offer a fascinating look into conservation science. The historical context of the site, from its construction to its damage and subsequent preservation, adds another layer of depth to the visit. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Artistry of the Frescoes

The walls of the Camposanto Monumentale are adorned with magnificent 14th-century frescoes, many of which depict scenes from the Bible, the Inferno, and the Last Judgment. These works were created by renowned artists of the time, including Buonamico Buffalmacco. Tragically, many of these masterpieces were severely damaged during Allied bombing in 1944, but extensive restoration efforts have brought much of their beauty back to light. Instagram+1

Visitors can marvel at the detailed narratives and vibrant colors, even in their restored state. The 'Triumph of Death' and 'Last Judgment' are particularly striking, offering a glimpse into medieval artistic and theological perspectives. Information panels are available to help visitors understand the context and symbolism of each fresco. Reddit

It's important to note that some of these frescoes are now located underfoot as part of the original burial structure, which can be a unique and sometimes unsettling experience for visitors. Reddit The ongoing restoration process itself is a testament to the site's importance and the dedication to preserving its artistic heritage. Reddit

A Unique Burial Ground

Established in 1278, the Camposanto Monumentale was originally conceived as a sacred burial ground to house sarcophagi that were previously in the Cathedral. This unique design makes it one of the world's first structures to function as both a cemetery and a museum. InstagramReddit+1

The grounds are filled with a remarkable collection of sarcophagi dating from Roman, medieval, and Renaissance periods. Many of these ancient stone coffins are intricately carved and serve as the final resting places for Pisa's most distinguished citizens. Walking through the cloister, you are literally treading on history, with many of these sarcophagi forming the very floor. Reddit

This blend of art, history, and solemnity creates a profound atmosphere. While it is a place of rest, its artistic treasures and historical significance make it a compelling destination for those interested in medieval art and funerary practices. Instagram