Pisa - Campo Santo

According to local legend Archbishop Ubaldo dei Lanfranchi, returning from the Fourth Crusade, brought back several shiploads of earth from Golgotha, so that the citizens of Pisa might be buried in sacred soil. The construction of the Camposanto (Sacred Field), however, began only in 1278, under the direction of Giovanni di Simone. This cemetery enclosure, which bounds the north side of the Campo dei Mirácoli, is a large rectangular cloister aligned from east to west, having round-headed windows with Gothic tracery opening into the courtyard.

Must-see attractions nearby:

Leaning Tower

Baptistery

Campo dei Miracoli (Piazza del Duomo)

Cathedral

Campo Santo

National Museum

Santa Maria della Spina

On the floor of the cloister are the grave-slabs of Pisan patricians, and around the sides are antique sarcophagi. The walls were covered with 14th and 15th century frescoes, but as a result of a fire caused by artillery bombardment on July 21st 1944 these were either completely destroyed or badly damaged by molten lead running down from the roof.