SINOPIE MUSEUM

The Sinopie Museum (Museo delle Sinopie) in Pisa, Italy, is a unique museum located in the heart of the city, near the famous Leaning Tower and the Piazza dei Miracoli. This museum offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the creative process behind some of the most famous frescoes of the medieval period.

The term "sinopie" refers to the preparatory sketches that artists made on walls before painting their frescoes. These sketches were made using a reddish-brown pigment called sinopia, giving the museum its name. The Sinopie Museum houses these preliminary drawings, which were discovered during the restoration of the Camposanto Monumentale after it was damaged in World War II.

Visitors to the Sinopie Museum can see these original sketches, which provide insight into the artistic techniques and planning stages of medieval frescoes. The museum’s collection includes works from notable artists who contributed to the decoration of the Camposanto’s walls.

In addition to the sinopie, the museum also offers multimedia displays and detailed explanations of the fresco technique, making it an educational experience for those interested in art history and restoration. The Sinopie Museum is a must-visit for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of medieval art and the creative processes of the period.