Welcome to the outstanding Piazza dei Miracoli -- the Square of Miracles.
This square is highly regarded as one of the most beautiful of its kind and now that you're
here, I'm sure you can understand why.
The piazza is also known as Piazza del Duomo - the Cathedral Square -- which is actually
its real name.
However, in 1910, the Italian writer and poet Gabriele d'Annunzio described the square in
one of his books.
He wrote; "The Ardea rotated over the sky of Christ, over the meadow of Miracles."
Ever since, the piazza is more known as the Piazza dei Miracoli.
The piazza and its buildings were constructed between the 11th and the 15th century.
During this period, Pisa was one of the most dominant cities in Italy and the new piazza
needed to reflect their power.
The city of Pisa spent huge amounts of money to construct a new religious complex.
As the new complex was supposed to convey power and influence, they weren't satisfied
with only building a new cathedral.
No, instead they built no less than four amazing structures; the Duomo Cathedral, the Baptistry,
the Camposanto Cemetery and the bell tower, also known as the Leaning Tower.
The result is what you have in front of you today -- one of the greatest squares ever
built.
What many people don't realize is that there is also a symbolic meaning in the different
buildings.
Together, they all represent the different periods in life.
The baptistery represents the start of life; birth.
The Cathedral represents the life while the cemetery represents death.
Piazza dei Miracoli was rightfully so declared a World Heritage Site in 1987; not only for
its beauty but also as it a way of recognizing it as one of the main centers for medieval
art in the world.
Even though many tourists visit the place, it almost never feels too crowded.
The plain green fields together with the majestic white buildings always project an aura of
peace and serenity.
It's easy to understand why Gabriele d'Annunzio described this place as the meadow of Miracles.