Lovers of art and history will be delighted upon visiting the Museum of the Cathedral (the Museodell’Opera del Duomo). The museum, sitting pretty within the walls of a grand 13 century mansion a few meters away from the Leaning Tower, is home to many of the beautiful relics and artifacts that originally inhabited the Cathedral, its bell tower and the other buildings on Miracle Square. Rich paintings, delicate statuettes and a host of other treasures await you above the fresh green lawns of the inner courtyard.

The museum’s building was once an old convent, in Miracoli Square. It was converted into a museum, which became operational from 1986. The purpose of creating this museum was to safeguard the many artistic treasures that were initially housed in the Cathedral. During the Second World War, the city of Pisa was bombarded, which resulted in terrible damage, especially to the Camposanto. Most of the beautiful sarcophagi and intricately painted frescoes were burned to cinder. This urged the Pisans to create this museum, to protect the rich artistic history of Pisa and to create an environment where one can peacefully study the development of Italian art.

To fully appreciate the Cathedral and its adjoining buildings, one must visit this museum. Brimming with stories to tell, the different artifacts and relics are displayed along with information that paint out the history of the Miracle Square, it’s artists and ultimately, the history of Pisa. Many pieces of original art and sculptures from the Leaning Tower, the Cathedral, the cemetery and baptistery can be viewed here. If you can read music, you could try to decipher the medieval sheet music preserved here. If you’re an admirer of fine craftsmanship, study the intricately designed ivory chests. The collection is quite vast and unusual, and you’re sure to leave knowing more about the rich heritage of the glorious city of Pisa.

Visitors are recommended to buy a combination ticket that will give them entry to all three main buildings in the Square, as well as the two museums. Before making a trip to the Leaning Tower, try and visit this museum first. Study the enchanting ivory sculpture of the Virgin with child or the stones from St. Ranieri’s dwellings. 15th and 17th century paintings will delight your eyes, olden day instruments will tickle the musician’s heart and various Etruscan, Egyptian and Roman treasures will leave you spellbound. Be sure to catch the original frescoes that once decorated the walls of the cemetery. This is also the best place to take pictures of the Leaning Tower since its tilt highlighted the most from the view point of them museum. Finally, you can take a stroll along the crisp enclosed gardens of the museum building, before making your way to the other great monuments.

• Check out the rare exhibition of Marquette.
• Make sure you see the gold religious objects, vestments, illuminated manuscripts, and some amazing wood inlay pieces.
• This is a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle. The courtyard is a haven of peace from the swarms of tourists outside the walls.
• You can only visit this museum upon purchasing a ticket.

• Buy a combination ticket for the best deal. For 9 Euros, you will be granted access to 4 monuments/museums.

• Bus numbers 21 and 4
• The train station is also nearby

• Il Toscana (Italian/ Moderate)
• Le RepubblicheMarinare (Seafood, Italian)
• Osteria Bernardo (American)
• OsteriadeiCavalieri (Italian/ Expensive)
• Ristoro Al VecchioTeatro (Italian/ Moderate)

Love this? Explore the entire list of places to visit in Pisa before you plan your trip.

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