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The Duomo takes centre stage in the square of miracles. This breathtaking catherdral was started in 1064 and completed a one hundred years later. It is a basilica of traditional tuscan white marble, an elliptical dome and a façade of four levels of variegated colonnades. Squares and discs of coloured marble are set into this magnificent façade. You enter through huge bronze doors on the end near the Leaning Tower that are covered with reliefs depicting passages from the bible. These were cast in 1180 by Giovanni. The interior is lined with sixty eight columns that support black and white marble arches. The pulpit again sculpted by Giovanni Pisano is the highlight and is decorated with nine reliefs. The circular baptistry stands behind the duomo and was the second structure to be added to the square. It is a rather strange and yet attractive building as it was started in one style and finished in another, something not unusual for buildings in Italy. The lower three storeys are done with Romanesque arcades while the top peak is a conical dome of gothic design. Naturally it was added alot later. The interior of the building is extremely simple and is in complete contrast to the exterior due to its lack of decoration. In the baptistery the pulpit is the work of Niccolò Pisano who was Giovanni's father and as he son had done in the basilica covered the pulpit with reliefs of biblical scenes. This is the largest baptistry in Italy. If you get the chance try out the incredible acoustics. |