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Sinopie Museum

About

The Sinopie Museum in Pisa offers a rare glimpse into the hidden creative process behind medieval frescoes. Located beside the Camposanto in Piazza dei Miracoli, the museum preserves the original sinopie—the red‑pigment preparatory drawings uncovered after a devastating fire in 1944 exposed the layers beneath the cemetery’s frescoes. These sketches reveal the first ideas of 14th‑century masters, showing how figures, narratives, and compositions were planned before being painted in full colour. Walking through the museum feels like entering the artists’ workshop, where expressive outlines and subtle shading capture the energy of works never meant to be seen. Today, the Sinopie Museum stands as a unique testament to Pisa’s artistic heritage, offering visitors an intimate encounter with the foundations of Renaissance mural paintingEuropean Traveler.

Pisa Italy

Location

The Sinopie Museum is located in the historic ex-Spedale della Misericordia on Piazza dei Miracoli (Piazza del Duomo), right in the monumental heart of Pisa, Tuscany, Italy. It stands within the same UNESCO-listed square as the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Pisa Cathedral and the Baptistery, making it just a short walk from all three landmarks. Immediately nearby is the Camposanto Monumentale (Monumental Cemetery), whose fresco preparatory drawings are preserved inside the museum, as well as the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo and the medieval city walls with their panoramic walkway.

Sinopie Museum

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