Guide to Pisa Cathedral at Piazza dei Miracoli
Table of Contents
Exploring Pisa Cathedral
Officially known as the Primatial Metropolitan Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary, Pisa Cathedral is a catholic church dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. It is located at the centre of the Piazza dei Miracoli complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site with three of the oldest Romanesque architectural structures. Besides its aesthetic appeal, the cathedral holds historic, cultural, and religious value for countless people in different parts of the world. And since Pisa Airport (PSA) is just a 10-15 minute drive away, it is one of the easiest and nearest UNESCO sites to reach after landing in Pisa.
Since Pisa Airport (PSA) is just a short drive away, renting a car is the simplest yet useful mobility solution to reach this architectural marvel and the surrounding areas in Pisa. And the best part is that you can book them at cheap prices from our website in just three easy steps.
About Duomo di Pisa
Situated at the world-renowned Piazza dei Miracoli, Pisa Cathedral is a church constructed between 1063 and 1118. The building itself is made of marble and features a facade with a blend of white and black marble adorned with colourful inserts. Grandeur would be an understatement to describe its interior, which has a wooden ceiling with rich patterns, beautiful mosaics, and life-like sculptures.
One can see the construction style inspired by a blend of Pisan Romanesque and Gothic architecture, and classic, Byzantine, and Islamic traditions. The building here is also slightly sunken into the ground, much like the Leaning Tower of Pisa, but the tilt is not noticeable. The Pisa Cathedral, along with its bell tower, is a symbol of the cultural and political strength of the city and its people.
Pisa Cathedral Opening Hours and Ticket Prices
Considering that most visitors spend 45 minutes on average while exploring the Cathedral interior, knowing the opening hours and ticket options in advance can help you plan your visit in the best way possible.
| Opening Hours |
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|---|---|
| Daily Hours |
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| Entry Price | Visitors with any paid ticket to other monuments in the complex can enter for Free |
| Solo Cathedral Visits | If visiting only the Cathedral, you must collect a free, timed pass from the on-site ticket office |
| Combo Ticket Options |
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| Pisa Cathedral Dress Code | Respectful behaviour and modest dressing are expected from all visitors as the Cathedral is an active place of worship |
Nearby Attractions
Visiting Pisa Cathedral without exploring the other remarkable sites in the same complex means missing out on a big part of its charm. Take some extra time to discover the Baptistery, Camposanto, and, of course, the Leaning Tower, to make your visit truly unforgettable.
| Attraction | Distance from Pisa Cathedral | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Leaning Tower of Pisa | 1 min walk | A renowned landmark that can be climbed via a spiral staircase |
| Baptistery of St. John | 2 min walk | The largest baptistry in Italy, known for its acoustics |
| Camposanto Monumentale | 3 min walk | Historic cemetery with frescoes and Gothic cloisters |
| Museo dell’Opera del Duomo | 5 min walk | Artworks and relics from the Cathedral complex |
| Piazza dei Cavalieri | 10 min walk | Renaissance Square, the former political hub of Pisa |
Tips for Visiting Pisa Cathedral
- Plan your visit for early morning hours or late afternoon to avoid crowds.
- Since religious services are actively performed in the interior parts of the Pisa Cathedral, you can visit outside the service hours for sightseeing.
- You will be required to dress modestly, for it is a religious site.
- Though you can enter the cathedral for free, tickets will be required to enter other parts of the Piazza dei Miracoli.
- Save money by purchasing a combined ticket to visit nearby attractions, such as the Leaning Tower or the Camposanto Monumentale.
- Skip the long on-site queues by booking your online tickets in advance.
- As the Leaning Tower of Pisa is located next to the cathedral, you can visit the two in one go. It is best to visit the cathedral first because the tower can be accessed during a set time slot.
How to Reach Pisa Cathedral
Pisa Cathedral is located at the centre of Piazza dei Miracoli and is easily reachable on foot, by bus, or taxi from all major locations, including Pisa Airport. You can choose from several convenient options to get to the Cathedral via different routes.
| Mode of Transport | From | Approx. Duration | Route / Directions | Notes / Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walking | Pisa Centrale Station | 20 min | Head north along Via Francesco Crispi, cross the river, and follow signs to Piazza dei Miracoli | Pleasant walk if you have light luggage |
| Bus | Pisa Centrale Station | 10–15 min | Take Bus Line 4 or LAM Rossa → Stop: “Torre” near Piazza dei Miracoli | Tickets can be bought at kiosks or via app |
| Taxi / Ride-share | Pisa Centrale Station | 10 min | Direct via Via Bonanno Pisano | Convenient if travelling with family or luggage |
| From Pisa Airport (PSA) | Airport | 10–15 min | PisaMover train → Pisa Centrale → walk/bus/taxi to Cathedral | Easiest option straight from arrivals |
| By Car | City outskirts / Florence | Varies (15 min from outskirts of Pisa; 1 hr from Florence) | Follow signs for Pisa Centro → Parking near Piazza dei Miracoli | ZTL (restricted zones) apply, so use nearby car parks |
Getting to the Pisa Cathedral and other attractions at Piazza dei Miracoli is easy with the help of a self-drive car rental from Pisa Airport, which you can book from our website at cheaper rates. It is a time and money-saving option for you to kick-start your journey from the airport, where you can find most rental companies with on-site counters inside the P5 terminal building. Using our website, you can search and compare numerous offers from rental companies, including Avis, Budget, Hertz, Sicily By Car, Locauto, Europcar, Sixt, and Noleggiare. Booking a suitable car for your trip is easy with a wide range of vehicles categorised into mini, economy, luxury, SUV, minivan/van rentals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a ticket to enter Pisa Cathedral?
Pisa Cathedral can be entered for free, provided you have an entry ticket to any of the other monuments, including the Leaning Tower, Baptistery, or Camposanto, at Piazza dei Miracoli. An entry pass is automatically included with your ticket to other structures on-site. Though a timed pass is necessary for solo visits to the Cathedral.
Is photography allowed inside the Pisa Cathedral?
Although photography is allowed inside the Pisa Cathedral, a respectful behaviour towards the worshippers is expected. Therefore, you must avoid using flash and try to maintain silence in the inner parts of the building. If you are in any doubt, ask the on-site staff about what is permitted.
When is the best time to visit the Pisa Cathedral?
Early mornings and late afternoon hours offer the best time to explore Pisa Cathedral. You find the palace less crowded, and the lighting during this time further highlights the artwork’s detailed beauty. You may also plan your visit on weekdays, as weekends are packed with families. Also, try booking the earliest slot available to enjoy quieter areas before large tour groups arrive.
How long does a visit to Pisa Cathedral take?
A visit to Pisa Cathedral alone takes about 45-60 minutes. However, you will need at least 2-3 hours to explore the entire Piazza dei Miracoli complex, including the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Baptisery, Camposanto, and museums.
Is the Pisa Cathedral accessible to people with mobility issues?
Some areas of Pisa Cathedral are wheelchair-friendly; however, certain historic sections of the building may have steps. You should check with the on-site staff for guidance and consider finding a possible route for those in need of special assistance.
Where can I park near Pisa Cathedral?
Pisa Cathedral lies among the group of monuments at the Piazza dei Miracoli complex, which is a restricted entry zone for vehicles without a special permit. Hence, you can park your vehicle at any of the paid parking areas within walking distance from the Cathedral.
Can I bring food or drinks inside the Cathedral?
No, food and drinks are banned inside the Pisa Cathedral. Please ensure you eat before entering the Cathedral building or after you are done exploring the monument.