History
Construction on the cathedral began in 1063 (1064 according to the Pisan calendar of the time) by the architectDescription
The original building plan was aExterior
The rich exterior decoration contains multicolored marble, mosaic, and numerous bronze objects from the spoils of war, among which is theInterior
The interior, subdivided at the front into a centralThe pulpit
The pulpit, a masterpiece made by Giovanni Pisano (1302-1310), survived the fire but was dismantled during the work of restoration and was not reassembled until 1926. With its intricate architecture and its complex sculptural decoration the work presents one of the most sweeping narratives of the 13th-century imagination which reflects the religious renewal and fervor of the era. On the slightly curved panels are sculpted with an expressive language the episodes of the life of Christ. The structure is polygonal (exactly as seen in the analogous works in the Baptistery of Pisa, in the Siena Cathedral Pulpit, and in the church of Saint Andrew); but this is the first example in a work of this type in which the panels are slightly curved. Other original features include: the presence of caryatids, sculpted figures in place of simple columns, that symbolize the Virtues; the use of scrolled 'shelving' in place of arches to support the raised platform; the sense of movement given by the numerous figures that fill up every empty space. For these qualities united to the skillful narrative art of the nine scenes the pulpit is generally considered to be a masterpiece, but more broadly it is considered a masterpiece of Italian gothic sculpture. This pulpit substituted the previous one made by Guglielmo (1157-1162) that was sent to the Cagliari Cathedral. Given the lack of documentation prior to its dismantling, the pulpit was placed in a location different from its original spot, and without doubt, its parts are not in their original positions either. It is unknown if the original work possessed a marble staircase.Works of art
The church also houses the relics of Saint Rainerius, patron saint of Pisa, and the fragmentary tomb ofOrgans
Inside the cathedral are found the Serassi organ made between 1831 and 1835, as well as an organ made in 1977 by the company Mascioni of Cuvio.Main artists who worked in the cathedral
*Of further interest
* At the end of the 10th century Pisa established March 25 as the beginning of its new year. This date was considered very important because it is both theOther images
Note
See also
*External links