Year opened: Consecrated in 1118, the Cathedral was built in the 11th century as a powerful symbol of Pisa’s maritime strength and religious devotion.
Founder: Construction was commissioned by Buscheto, a Pisan architect, under the patronage of the Republic of Pisa, during its peak as a naval power.
Must-see highlight: Don’t miss the stunning mosaic of Christ in Majesty in the apse and the intricately carved pulpit by Giovanni Pisano, a masterpiece of Gothic sculpture.
Unique facts: The Cathedral blends Romanesque, Byzantine, and Islamic influences—a rare architectural fusion that reflects Pisa’s global connections. It also predates both the Leaning Tower and Baptistery, forming the heart of the entire Piazza dei Miracoli.