Piazza dei Miracoli
Italy: Pisa
Ever wanted to go see the Leaning Tower of Pisa, or how about the Piazza dei Miracoli? Would you like to go see The Fountain with Angels? Or maybe a trip to The Cathedral is more your style? All these can be discovered in this blog. Enjoy!
Leaning Tower of Pisa: The construction of this imposing mass was started in the year 1174 by Bonanno Pisano. When the tower had reached its third storey the works ceased because it had started sinking into the ground. The tower remained thus for 90 years. It was completed by Giovanni di Simone, Tommano Simone (son of Andreo Pisano), crowned the tower with the belfry at half of 14th century. The top of the Leaning Tower can be reached by mounting the 294 steps which rise in the form of a spiral on the inner side of the tower walls.
Piazza dei Miracoli: The monuments which transform a common name of square into the “Piazza dei Miracoli” are: the Cathedral, the Baptistery, the Bell or Leaning Tower and the Monumental Churchyard. A combination of works of architecture and sculpture which rise stately and austere, but at the same time refined and full of charm, placed around a wide tender green lawn. It is in this natural simplicity that the white marbles, so highly worked and rendered precious by human genius, have found a perfect setting. In the evening the sight is perhaps even more beautiful because as the sun sets a dim and soft illumination substitutes its light, rendering the play of lights more suggestive and penetrating.
The Fountain With Angels: The origin of this beautiful piece of art from 17th century is simple – a source of water for Pisan citizens… In 18th century, during era of Operatio Quarantotti, was simple fountain rebuilt and equipped by marble Baroque sculpture of three angels sculpted by Flaminio Vacca.
The Cathedral: This grandiose masterpiece of Romanesque – Pisa Style was started in the year 1063 by the great architect Buschetto. It is therefore, the first work undertaken in the spot that became later the “Piazza dei Miracoli“. It was possible because of the enormous wealth amassed by the powerful Sea Republic which at that time Pisa was, particularly after a successful excursion on Palermo. The Cathedral, designed in Latin-Cruciform, basically has a romanesque architectural style, but at the same time interprets and absorbs elements of various styles, forming thus a unique style which has something of sublime. The Cathedral was adorned through the years with numerous works of art.Giovanni Pisano is certainly the artist who excels in these works, especially because he has given us the famous, extremely rich and ingenious Pergamo (Pulpit).
Of The Italian Life 