The Camposanto Monumentale, or Monumental Cemetery, is a marble cloister on the northern edge of Pisa’s Piazza dei Miracoli. Its Gothic arcades surround a green courtyard, offering a quieter counterpoint to the crowds around the Leaning Tower and cathedral.
Construction began in 1277, with the design traditionally attributed to Giovanni di Simone. According to local legend, the courtyard contains soil brought from Golgotha by Crusader ships. Roman sarcophagi and medieval tombs line the galleries, while frescoes include the dramatic Triumph of Death, a powerful meditation on mortality.
The cemetery’s art also tells a story of loss and recovery. During the Second World War, shelling in July 1944 caused a fire that severely damaged the roof and frescoes. Decades of restoration have brought surviving paintings back into view. Take time to look through the tracery towards the cathedral and tower, and down at the worn gravestones set into the floor.
Allow at least 45 minutes, or longer if you want to study the art. Early morning and late afternoon can be quieter, with softer light across the courtyard. The Camposanto is about a 25-minute walk from Pisa Centrale; check current opening hours and ticket options before visiting, as they can change.