Based on a design by Giovanni di Simone, the first stone of the imposing Camposanto monumentale (sacred burial ground) was laid in 1277 and construction was completed in 1464. A marvellous series of frescoes by noted artists cover the interior perimeter walls, beginning with the Triumph of Death, attributed to Buonamico Buffalmacco, and continuing with works by Spinello Aretino, Antonio Veneziano, Andrea da Firenze, Taddeo Gaddi, Piero di Puccio and Benozzo Gozzoli.

Unfortunately, a round of artillery struck the lead roof of the Camposanto in 1944, causing serious damage as the frescoed walls of the painting cycle melted and sagged. While the damaged frescoes were being peeled from the walls the original preliminary drawings (sinopie) of the works were uncovered. These sinopie, restored to their original beauty, are an example of exceptional historical-artistic reference and are safely conserved in the nearby Museo delle Sinopie.