Visit the Square of Miracles, Pisa’s Renaissance architectural complex

In its heyday (roughly between 1000-1300 AD), Pisa was a maritime power with strong dominance over the sea, trading into the Mediterranean and even as far as Syria. In fact, it even gained control over Sicily and Corsica, and rivaled Genoa in the north. The construction of the Square of Miracles (or Piazza dei Miracoli in Italian), a patch that’s partly paved and grassed, was a testament to its power and prosperity. 

It contains four world-famous buildings: The Pisa Cathedral, the Baptistery, the Leaning Tower and the Camposanto. These are the main attractions within the Square. Additionally, it also houses the Sinopie Museum and the Opera del Duomo Museum. In 1987, UNESCO declared the Square as a World Heritage Site. 

Know before you go to the Square of Miracles

• While it’s possible to visit the Square of Miracles for free and see its monuments from outside at no cost, entry to individual buildings will have a fee. Please check your ticket when booking to confirm which buildings grant visiting access.
• Since the Leaning Tower is the most popular attraction in the Square of Miracles, always pre-book your tickets as you can’t buy them on the spot, and tickets sell out quickly — especially during peak season.
• While you can visit the buildings in the Piazza dei Miracoli in any order you like, it is recommended that you start at the Baptistery, make your way to the Cathedral and the Leaning Tower, and then end your tour at the Camposanto.
• Set aside 4-5 hours to fully explore each monument in the Square of Miracles. 
• If you’re planning to visit the Baptistery and Cathedral, make sure your shoulders and knees are covered.

How did the Square of Miracles get its name?

The Square was named by the Italian writer Gabriele d’Annunzio, who mentioned it in his novel Forse che sì forse che no in the 20th century. He also referred to it as the ‘Prato dei Miracoli’ or ‘Meadow of Miracles’.