Pisa, Lucca and Pistoia

The construction of the "Duomo" began in 1064 by the architect Busketo, who with this structure set the model for the distinctive Pisan Romanesque style of architecture. When the construction of this cathedral started, Pisa was on a height of political (and financial) power. Pisa was an important commercial centre controlling large parts of the Mediterranean merchant fleet and navy. In 1017 Pisa had militarily supported the Sardinian "Giudicati" (regional kings) to defeat Saracen troops in the north of Sardinia. Between 1030 and 1035, Pisa defeated rival towns in Sicily. In 1051–1052 admiral Jacopo Ciurini conquered Corsica. In 1063 admiral Giovanni Orlando, coming to the aid of the Norman Roger I, took Palermo from the Saracen. The gold treasure taken from the Saracens in Palermo allowed the Pisans to start the building of the cathedral - and all other building of the "Piazza del Duomo". But the victorious Pisans did not only bring gold back, when they looted an area. They dismantled complete buildings and shipped the marble home, to be used here. So there are a lot of inscriptions and even carvings all around the duomo, that once have been somewhere else - and are kind of "senseless" here. Actually these are kind of graffiti.

The construction of the "Duomo" began in 1064 by the architect Busketo, who with this structure set the model for the distinctive Pisan Romanesque style of architecture. When the construction of this cathedral started, Pisa was on a height of political (and financial) power. Pisa was an important commercial centre controlling large parts of the Mediterranean merchant fleet and navy. In 1017 Pisa had militarily supported the Sardinian "Giudicati" (regional kings) to defeat Saracen troops in the north of Sardinia. Between 1030 and 1035, Pisa defeated rival towns in Sicily. In 1051–1052 admiral Jacopo Ciurini conquered Corsica. In 1063 admiral Giovanni Orlando, coming to the aid of the Norman Roger I, took Palermo from the Saracen. The gold treasure taken from the Saracens in Palermo allowed the Pisans to start the building of the cathedral - and all other building of the "Piazza del Duomo". But the victorious Pisans did not only bring gold back, when they looted an area. They dismantled complete buildings and shipped the marble home, to be used here. So there are a lot of inscriptions and even carvings all around the duomo, that once have been somewhere else - and are kind of "senseless" here. Just spolia.

The construction of the "Duomo" began in 1064 by the architect Busketo, who with this structure set the model for the distinctive Pisan Romanesque style of architecture. When the construction of this cathedral started, Pisa was on a height of political (and financial) power. Pisa was an important commercial centre controlling large parts of the Mediterranean merchant fleet and navy. In 1017 Pisa had militarily supported the Sardinian "Giudicati" (regional kings) to defeat Saracen troops in the north of Sardinia. Between 1030 and 1035, Pisa defeated rival towns in Sicily. In 1051–1052 admiral Jacopo Ciurini conquered Corsica. In 1063 admiral Giovanni Orlando, coming to the aid of the Norman Roger I, took Palermo from the Saracen. The gold treasure taken from the Saracens in Palermo allowed the Pisans to start the building of the cathedral - and all other building of the "Piazza del Duomo". But the victorious Pisans did not only bring gold back, when they looted an area. They dismantled complete buildings and shipped the marble home, to be used here. So there are a lot of inscriptions and even carvings all around the duomo, that once have been somewhere else. Here is a carving - and the name "IOIOANNES"

The construction of the "Duomo" began in 1064 by the architect Busketo, who with this structure set the model for the distinctive Pisan Romanesque style of architecture. When the construction of this cathedral started, Pisa was on a height of political (and financial) power. Pisa was an important commercial centre controlling large parts of the Mediterranean merchant fleet and navy. In 1017 Pisa had militarily supported the Sardinian "Giudicati" (regional kings) to defeat Saracen troops in the north of Sardinia. Between 1030 and 1035, Pisa defeated rival towns in Sicily. In 1051–1052 admiral Jacopo Ciurini conquered Corsica. In 1063 admiral Giovanni Orlando, coming to the aid of the Norman Roger I, took Palermo from the Saracen. The gold treasure taken from the Saracens in Palermo allowed the Pisans to start the building of the cathedral - and all other building of the "Piazza del Duomo". But the victorious Pisans did not only bring gold back, when they looted an area. They dismantled complete buildings and shipped the marble home, to be used here. So there are a lot of inscriptions and even carvings all around the duomo, that once have been somewhere else. I am not sure, is this a graffiti? Or a spolia? "BONUS ET SUI NEPOTES" - "Bonus and his nephews".

The construction of the "Duomo" began in 1064 by the architect Busketo, who with this structure set the model for the distinctive Pisan Romanesque style of architecture. When the construction of this cathedral started, Pisa was on a height of political (and financial) power. Pisa was an important commercial centre controlling large parts of the Mediterranean merchant fleet and navy. In 1017 Pisa had militarily supported the Sardinian "Giudicati" (regional kings) to defeat Saracen troops in the north of Sardinia. Between 1030 and 1035, Pisa defeated rival towns in Sicily. In 1051–1052 admiral Jacopo Ciurini conquered Corsica. In 1063 admiral Giovanni Orlando, coming to the aid of the Norman Roger I, took Palermo from the Saracen. The gold treasure taken from the Saracens in Palermo allowed the Pisans to start the building of the cathedral - and all other building of the "Piazza del Duomo". But the victorious Pisans did not only bring gold back, when they looted an area. They dismantled complete buildings and shipped the marble home, to be used here. So there are a lot of inscriptions and even carvings all around the duomo, that once have been somewhere else. After having found this website icon.di.unipi.it/ricerca/html/epd.html#epd-div1-d0e795 I know, that a lot of old sarcophagi and gravestone were used here. The inscription reads " ISTE SEPUL- TURE SUNT DE MAISTRI"

The construction of the "Duomo" began in 1064 by the architect Busketo, who with this structure set the model for the distinctive Pisan Romanesque style of architecture. When the construction of this cathedral started, Pisa was on a height of political (and financial) power. Pisa was an important commercial centre controlling large parts of the Mediterranean merchant fleet and navy. In 1017 Pisa had militarily supported the Sardinian "Giudicati" (regional kings) to defeat Saracen troops in the north of Sardinia. Between 1030 and 1035, Pisa defeated rival towns in Sicily. In 1051–1052 admiral Jacopo Ciurini conquered Corsica. In 1063 admiral Giovanni Orlando, coming to the aid of the Norman Roger I, took Palermo from the Saracen. The gold treasure taken from the Saracens in Palermo allowed the Pisans to start the building of the cathedral - and all other building of the "Piazza del Duomo". But the victorious Pisans did not only bring gold back, when they looted an area. They dismantled complete buildings and shipped the marble home, to be used here. So there are a lot of inscriptions and even carvings all around the duomo, that once have been somewhere else. After having found this website icon.di.unipi.it/ricerca/html/epd.html#epd-div1-d0e795 I know, that a lot of old sarcophagi and gravestone were used here. The inscriptions read: "Hoc Sepulcrum Est FILIORum CARBONIS" "IERARDO FILIO ALBITHI"

The construction of the "Duomo" began in 1064 by the architect Busketo, who with this structure set the model for the distinctive Pisan Romanesque style of architecture. When the construction of this cathedral started, Pisa was on a height of political (and financial) power. Pisa was an important commercial centre controlling large parts of the Mediterranean merchant fleet and navy. In 1017 Pisa had militarily supported the Sardinian "Giudicati" (regional kings) to defeat Saracen troops in the north of Sardinia. Between 1030 and 1035, Pisa defeated rival towns in Sicily. In 1051–1052 admiral Jacopo Ciurini conquered Corsica. In 1063 admiral Giovanni Orlando, coming to the aid of the Norman Roger I, took Palermo from the Saracen. The gold treasure taken from the Saracens in Palermo allowed the Pisans to start the building of the cathedral - and all other building of the "Piazza del Duomo". But the victorious Pisans did not only bring gold back, when they looted an area. They dismantled complete buildings and shipped the marble home, to be used here. So there are a lot of inscriptions and even carvings all around the duomo, that once have been somewhere else. After having found this website icon.di.unipi.it/ricerca/html/epd.html#epd-div1-d0e795 I know, that a lot of old sarcophagi and gravestone were used here. The inscription reads "IHC EST SEPulcrum MAISTRI GUIDO ET AR- RIGO BUNNO"

The construction of the "Duomo" began in 1064 by the architect Busketo, who with this structure set the model for the distinctive Pisan Romanesque style of architecture. When the construction of this cathedral started, Pisa was on a height of political (and financial) power. Pisa was an important commercial centre controlling large parts of the Mediterranean merchant fleet and navy. In 1017 Pisa had militarily supported the Sardinian "Giudicati" (regional kings) to defeat Saracen troops in the north of Sardinia. Between 1030 and 1035, Pisa defeated rival towns in Sicily. In 1051–1052 admiral Jacopo Ciurini conquered Corsica. In 1063 admiral Giovanni Orlando, coming to the aid of the Norman Roger I, took Palermo from the Saracen. The gold treasure taken from the Saracens in Palermo allowed the Pisans to start the building of the cathedral - and all other building of the "Piazza del Duomo". But the victorious Pisans did not only bring gold back, when they looted an area. They dismantled complete buildings and shipped the marble home, to be used here. Over the centuries all walls of the cathedral, that could be reached, got dotted with carved graffiti. The tip / spire with the cross (left) and the rose, produced with a compass (right) are very common symbols.

The construction of the "Duomo" began in 1064 by the architect Busketo, who with this structure set the model for the distinctive Pisan Romanesque style of architecture. When the construction of this cathedral started, Pisa was on a height of political (and financial) power. Pisa was an important commercial centre controlling large parts of the Mediterranean merchant fleet and navy. In 1017 Pisa had militarily supported the Sardinian "Giudicati" (regional kings) to defeat Saracen troops in the north of Sardinia. Between 1030 and 1035, Pisa defeated rival towns in Sicily. In 1051–1052 admiral Jacopo Ciurini conquered Corsica. In 1063 admiral Giovanni Orlando, coming to the aid of the Norman Roger I, took Palermo from the Saracen. The gold treasure taken from the Saracens in Palermo allowed the Pisans to start the building of the cathedral - and all other building of the "Piazza del Duomo". But the victorious Pisans did not only bring gold back, when they looted an area. They dismantled complete buildings and shipped the marble home, to be used here. Over the centuries all walls of the cathedral, that could be reached, got dotted with carved graffiti. Many pilgrims have left tiny crosses.

The construction of the "Duomo" began in 1064 by the architect Busketo, who with this structure set the model for the distinctive Pisan Romanesque style of architecture. When the construction of this cathedral started, Pisa was on a height of political (and financial) power. Pisa was an important commercial centre controlling large parts of the Mediterranean merchant fleet and navy. In 1017 Pisa had militarily supported the Sardinian "Giudicati" (regional kings) to defeat Saracen troops in the north of Sardinia. Between 1030 and 1035, Pisa defeated rival towns in Sicily. In 1051–1052 admiral Jacopo Ciurini conquered Corsica. In 1063 admiral Giovanni Orlando, coming to the aid of the Norman Roger I, took Palermo from the Saracen. The gold treasure taken from the Saracens in Palermo allowed the Pisans to start the building of the cathedral - and all other building of the "Piazza del Duomo". But the victorious Pisans did not only bring gold back, when they looted an area. They dismantled complete buildings and shipped the marble home, to be used here. Over the centuries all walls of the cathedral, that could be reached, got dotted with carved graffiti. The winged "Lion of Saint Mark" may represent the evangelist Saint Mark - or the Republic of Venice - or both.

The construction of the "Duomo" began in 1064 by the architect Busketo, who with this structure set the model for the distinctive Pisan Romanesque style of architecture. When the construction of this cathedral started, Pisa was on a height of political (and financial) power. Pisa was an important commercial centre controlling large parts of the Mediterranean merchant fleet and navy. In 1017 Pisa had militarily supported the Sardinian "Giudicati" (regional kings) to defeat Saracen troops in the north of Sardinia. Between 1030 and 1035, Pisa defeated rival towns in Sicily. In 1051–1052 admiral Jacopo Ciurini conquered Corsica. In 1063 admiral Giovanni Orlando, coming to the aid of the Norman Roger I, took Palermo from the Saracen. The gold treasure taken from the Saracens in Palermo allowed the Pisans to start the building of the cathedral - and all other building of the "Piazza del Duomo". But the victorious Pisans did not only bring gold back, when they looted an area. They dismantled complete buildings and shipped the marble home, to be used here. Standing in the nave, facing east. The five-aisle cathedral is about 100 m long and 30 m wide. The granite columns between the nave and the aisles came originally from the mosque of Palermo. The cathedral was severely damaged by a fire in 1595. The pulpit (left) and the large mosaic of the apse survived that blaze.

The construction of the "Duomo" began in 1064 by the architect Busketo, who with this structure set the model for the distinctive Pisan Romanesque style of architecture. When the construction of this cathedral started, Pisa was on a height of political (and financial) power. Pisa was an important commercial centre controlling large parts of the Mediterranean merchant fleet and navy. In 1017 Pisa had militarily supported the Sardinian "Giudicati" (regional kings) to defeat Saracen troops in the north of Sardinia. Between 1030 and 1035, Pisa defeated rival towns in Sicily. In 1051–1052 admiral Jacopo Ciurini conquered Corsica. In 1063 admiral Giovanni Orlando, coming to the aid of the Norman Roger I, took Palermo from the Saracen. The gold treasure taken from the Saracens in Palermo allowed the Pisans to start the building of the cathedral - and all other building of the "Piazza del Duomo". But the victorious Pisans did not only bring gold back, when they looted an area. They dismantled complete buildings and shipped the marble home, to be used here. Standing in the nave, facing east. The five-aisle cathedral is about 100 m long and 30 m wide. The granite columns between the nave and the aisles came originally from the mosque of Palermo. The cathedral was severely damaged by a fire in 1595. The pulpit (left) and the large mosaic of the apse survived that blaze.

The construction of the "Duomo" began in 1064 by the architect Busketo, who with this structure set the model for the distinctive Pisan Romanesque style of architecture. When the construction of this cathedral started, Pisa was on a height of political (and financial) power. Pisa was an important commercial centre controlling large parts of the Mediterranean merchant fleet and navy. In 1017 Pisa had militarily supported the Sardinian "Giudicati" (regional kings) to defeat Saracen troops in the north of Sardinia. Between 1030 and 1035, Pisa defeated rival towns in Sicily. In 1051–1052 admiral Jacopo Ciurini conquered Corsica. In 1063 admiral Giovanni Orlando, coming to the aid of the Norman Roger I, took Palermo from the Saracen. The gold treasure taken from the Saracens in Palermo allowed the Pisans to start the building of the cathedral - and all other building of the "Piazza del Duomo". But the victorious Pisans did not only bring gold back, when they looted an area. They dismantled complete buildings and shipped the marble home, to be used here. The large mosaic of the apse, depicting Christ Pantocrator, was completed in 1302. It is survived the fire, that severely damaged the church in 1595. The mosaic shows a show a strong Byzantine style. The black and white pattern remind me on the Mezquita de Cordoba.

The construction of the "Duomo" began in 1064 by the architect Busketo, who with this structure set the model for the distinctive Pisan Romanesque style of architecture. When the construction of this cathedral started, Pisa was on a height of political (and financial) power. Pisa was an important commercial centre controlling large parts of the Mediterranean merchant fleet and navy. In 1017 Pisa had militarily supported the Sardinian "Giudicati" (regional kings) to defeat Saracen troops in the north of Sardinia. Between 1030 and 1035, Pisa defeated rival towns in Sicily. In 1051–1052 admiral Jacopo Ciurini conquered Corsica. In 1063 admiral Giovanni Orlando, coming to the aid of the Norman Roger I, took Palermo from the Saracen. The gold treasure taken from the Saracens in Palermo allowed the Pisans to start the building of the cathedral. The elaborately carved pulpit was carved by Giovanni Pisano (1302–1310) probably in cooperation with his father Nicola, who created the pulpit in the neighbouring baptistry. The pulpit survived the fire, that severely damaged the cathedrale in 1595. It was packed away during the renovation. After centuries it got rediscovered and is back in the cathedral since 1926. The pulpit is probably the main attraction inside the cathedral. One large tourist group just moved on, the next one is behind me.

The construction of the "Duomo" began in 1064 by the architect Busketo, who with this structure set the model for the distinctive Pisan Romanesque style of architecture. When the construction of this cathedral started, Pisa was on a height of political (and financial) power. Pisa was an important commercial centre controlling large parts of the Mediterranean merchant fleet and navy. In 1017 Pisa had militarily supported the Sardinian "Giudicati" (regional kings) to defeat Saracen troops in the north of Sardinia. Between 1030 and 1035, Pisa defeated rival towns in Sicily. In 1051–1052 admiral Jacopo Ciurini conquered Corsica. In 1063 admiral Giovanni Orlando, coming to the aid of the Norman Roger I, took Palermo from the Saracen. The gold treasure taken from the Saracens in Palermo allowed the Pisans to start the building of the cathedral. The elaborately carved pulpit was carved by Giovanni Pisano (1302–1310) probably in cooperation with his father Nicola, who created the pulpit in the neighbouring baptistry. The hexagonal pulpit survived the fire, that severely damaged the cathedrale in 1595. It was packed away during the renovation. After centuries it got rediscovered and is back in the cathedral since 1926. It is a masterwork - and would deserve a good photo - and not a blurry shot like this.

The construction of the "Duomo" began in 1064 by the architect Busketo, who with this structure set the model for the distinctive Pisan Romanesque style of architecture. When the construction of this cathedral started, Pisa was on a height of political (and financial) power. Pisa was an important commercial centre controlling large parts of the Mediterranean merchant fleet and navy. In 1017 Pisa had militarily supported the Sardinian "Giudicati" (regional kings) to defeat Saracen troops in the north of Sardinia. Between 1030 and 1035, Pisa defeated rival towns in Sicily. In 1051–1052 admiral Jacopo Ciurini conquered Corsica. In 1063 admiral Giovanni Orlando, coming to the aid of the Norman Roger I, took Palermo from the Saracen. The gold treasure taken from the Saracens in Palermo allowed the Pisans to start the building of the cathedral. The elaborately carved pulpit was carved by Giovanni Pisano (1302–1310) probably in cooperation with his father Nicola, who created the pulpit in the neighbouring baptistry. The hexagonal pulpit survived the fire, that severely damaged the cathedrale in 1595. It was packed away during the renovation. After centuries it got rediscovered and is back in the cathedral since 1926. It is a masterwork.

The construction of the "Duomo" began in 1064 by the architect Busketo, who with this structure set the model for the distinctive Pisan Romanesque style of architecture. When the construction of this cathedral started, Pisa was on a height of political (and financial) power. Pisa was an important commercial centre controlling large parts of the Mediterranean merchant fleet and navy. In 1017 Pisa had militarily supported the Sardinian "Giudicati" (regional kings) to defeat Saracen troops in the north of Sardinia. Between 1030 and 1035, Pisa defeated rival towns in Sicily. In 1051–1052 admiral Jacopo Ciurini conquered Corsica. In 1063 admiral Giovanni Orlando, coming to the aid of the Norman Roger I, took Palermo from the Saracen. The gold treasure taken from the Saracens in Palermo allowed the Pisans to start the building of the cathedral. The elaborately carved pulpit was carved by Giovanni Pisano (1302–1310) probably in cooperation with his father Nicola, who created the pulpit in the neighbouring baptistry. The hexagonal pulpit survived the fire, that severely damaged the cathedrale in 1595. It was packed away during the renovation. After centuries it got rediscovered and is back in the cathedral since 1926. It is a masterwork. Influenced by French Gothic and Ancient Roman art, Pisano and his father are precursors of the Italian Renaissance. Here is the crucification scene.

The construction of the "Duomo" began in 1064 by the architect Busketo, who with this structure set the model for the distinctive Pisan Romanesque style of architecture. When the construction of this cathedral started, Pisa was on a height of political (and financial) power. Pisa was an important commercial centre controlling large parts of the Mediterranean merchant fleet and navy. In 1017 Pisa had militarily supported the Sardinian "Giudicati" (regional kings) to defeat Saracen troops in the north of Sardinia. Between 1030 and 1035, Pisa defeated rival towns in Sicily. In 1051–1052 admiral Jacopo Ciurini conquered Corsica. In 1063 admiral Giovanni Orlando, coming to the aid of the Norman Roger I, took Palermo from the Saracen. The gold treasure taken from the Saracens in Palermo allowed the Pisans to start the building of the cathedral. The elaborately carved pulpit was carved by Giovanni Pisano (1302–1310) probably in cooperation with his father Nicola, who created the pulpit in the neighbouring baptistry. The hexagonal pulpit survived the fire, that severely damaged the cathedrale in 1595. It was packed away during the renovation. After centuries it got rediscovered and is back in the cathedral since 1926. It is a masterwork. Influenced by French Gothic and Ancient Roman art, Pisano and his father are precursors of the Italian Renaissance. One of the pulpit´s nine large reliefs depicts the Magi. Here is a detail of the relief - the "Dream of the Magi".