Pisa Cathedral (Italian: Cattedrale Metropolitana Primaziale di Santa Maria Assunta; Duomo di Pisa) is a medieval Catholic cathedral dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, in the Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa, Italy, the oldest of the three structures in the plaza followed by the Pisa Baptistry and the Campanile known as the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The cathedral is a notable example of Romanesque architecture, in particular the style known as Pisan Romanesque. Consecrated in 1118, it is the seat of the Archbishop of Pisa. Construction began in 1063 and was completed in 1092. Additional enlargements and a new facade were built in the 12th century and the roof was replaced after damage from a fire in 1595.
Thanks to Google Earth Studio for this amazing aerial view.
Thanks to Google Earth Studio for this amazing aerial view.
Category
🏖
TravelTranscript
00:00Pisa Cathedral, Italian.
00:14Cattrell Metropolitana Primaziale di Santa Maria Assunta.
00:18Duomo di Pisa, is a medieval Catholic cathedral dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin
00:23Mary.
00:24In the Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa, Italy, the oldest of the three structures in the
00:29plaza followed by the Pisa Baptistry and the Campanile known as the Leaning Tower of
00:33Pisa.
00:34The cathedral is a notable example of Romanesque architecture, in particular the style known
00:39as Pisan Romanesque.
00:41Consecrated in 1118, it is the seat of the Archbishop of Pisa.
00:46Construction began in 1063 and was completed in 1092.
00:50Additional enlargements and a new facade were built in the 12th century and the roof was
00:54replaced after damage from a fire in 1595.
00:58The cathedral, with the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
01:01Construction on the cathedral began in 1063-1064 according to the Pisan calendar of the time,
01:07by the architect Bichetto, and expenses were paid using the spoils received fighting against
01:12the Muslims in Sicily in 1063.
01:16It includes various stylistic elements, classical, Lombard-Amelian, Byzantine, and Islamic, drawing
01:23upon the international presence of Pisan merchants at that time.
01:26In the same year, St. Mark's Basilica began its reconstruction in Venice.
01:31Evidence of a strong rivalry between the two maritime republics to see which could create
01:35the most beautiful and luxurious place of worship.
01:39The church was erected outside Pisa's early medieval walls.
01:42To show that Pisa had no fear of being attacked.
01:45Citation needed.
01:46The chosen area had already been used in the Lombard era as a necropolis and at the beginning
01:51of the 11th century a church had been erected here.
01:55But never finished, that was to be named Santa Maria.
01:58Bichetto's grand new church was initially called Santa Maria Maggiore until it was officially
02:02named Santa Maria Assunta.
02:05In 1092 the cathedral was declared primatial church, Archbishop Dagobert having been given
02:10the title of primate by Pope Urban II.
02:13The cathedral was consecrated in 1118 by Pope Gelasius II.
02:18Who belonged to the Caetani family which was powerful both in Pisa and in Rome.
02:23In the early 12th century the cathedral was enlarged under the direction of architect
02:27Reinaldo.
02:28Who increased the length of the nave by adding three bays consistent with the original style
02:32of Bichetto, enlarged the transept and planned a new facade which was completed by workers
02:38under the direction of the sculptors Guglielmo and Biduino.
02:42The exact date of the work is unclear, according to some.
02:46The work was done right after the death of Bichetto about the year 1100, though others
02:50say it was done closer to 1140.
02:53In any case, work was finished in 1180, as documented by the date written on the bronze
02:57knockers made by Bonanno Pisano found on the main door.
03:01The December 1187 papal election took place in Pisa Cathedral, with Paolino Scolari being
03:08elected Pope Clement III.
03:10Other notable interventions include the dismantling of Giovanni Pisano's pulpit between 1599 and
03:161601 which only in 1926 was reassembled and returned to the cathedral, with some original
03:21pieces missing, including the staircase, and the dismantling of the monument to Henry
03:27VII made by Lupo di Francesco that was found in front of the door of Sanranieri and later
03:32substituted by a simpler, symbolic version.
03:36The Pisa Baptistery with the cathedral and leaning tower of Pisa The original building
03:40plan was a Greek cross with a grand cupola at the crossing, but today the plan is a Latin
03:45cross with a central nave flanked by two side aisles on each side, with the apse and transepts
03:50having three naves.
03:52The inside offers a spatial effect similar to that of the great mosques thanks to the
03:56use of raised lancet arches, the alternating layers of black and white marble, and the
04:00elliptical dome.
04:02Inspired by the Moors.
04:04That is all.
04:05Subscribe and post comments for future videos.