|
|||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The 'field of miracles' is the grassy square that is home to the Leaning Tower, the Cathedral and the Baptistery. It is its peculiar soil composition that have created the phenomenon o f the Leaning Tower. The soil is extremely sandy in certain areas which makes for unstable foundations and hence the lean. It is a striking contrast to view the monuments that have their home on this field standing on grassy carpets and is perhaps what gives the whole scene a surreal effect. The campo is home to the Duomo that stands in the middle of the square. Directly in front of the duomo is the circular Baptistry. On the other side of the Duomo is the leaning tower of Pisa. For any tourist this square is the best way to spend time if you are on a limited visit. Along the north edge of the Campo dei Miracoli is the most beautiful cemetery in the world, the Camposanto. It is the most famous colonnaded quadrangle created in Gothic style and filled with earth imported from Jerusalem for some unknown reason. It is known for the frescoes that once adorned the walls of the cloister and there are some two thousand metres of them. The frescoes were painted by Benozzo Gozzoli and all that remains after the bombing that melted the roof, is the Triumph of Death cycle a morbid depiction but then what can you expect in a grave yard. Tear you horrified eyes away from this and you can find many sculptures of artistic value strewn around the cloister whose pavement is made of gravestones! |