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Monument · Pisa, Toscana
Battistero di San Giovanni
The largest baptistery in Italy, round, with the pulpit by Nicola Pisano and acoustics that guards often demonstrate by singing a few notes.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Battistero di San Giovanni
The Battistero di San Giovanni, opposite the cathedral façade, was begun in 1152 by the architect Diotisalvi and only finished in the 14th century, which is why it mixes a Romanesque base with the Gothic decoration of the upper levels. It is the largest baptistery in Italy, with a perimeter of more than one hundred meters, and it also has a slight lean, less visible than the tower's.
Inside, the space is almost stripped, with the octagonal baptismal font in the center and the pulpit by Nicola Pisano, from 1260, father of Giovanni Pisano. The pulpit panels show how the sculptor studied the Roman sarcophagi of the city and are considered a milestone of Italian sculpture before the Renaissance.
The dome has a rare acoustic: sound echoes for long seconds. At regular intervals, a staff member sings a few notes, which overlap and form a chord. An internal staircase leads to the upper gallery, from where you can see the interior from above and, through the windows, the cathedral and the tower.
The baptistery is included on the same ticket as the Camposanto and the square's museums, valid for one year from the chosen date.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
20 to 40 minutes, including the climb to the gallery.
Best time
Expect one of the acoustic demonstrations, which usually take place every half hour. The upper gallery has a good view of the cathedral's façade.
How to get there
It stands at the west end of the Piazza dei Miracoli, opposite the cathedral façade, near the Porta Nuova, one of the square's entrances.
Tip
Buy the combined ticket that includes the baptistery, Camposanto and the two museums, and use it at your leisure: it is valid for one year from the chosen date.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Battistero di San Giovanni
What is the acoustics demonstration at the baptistery?
A staff member sings a few notes at the center of the baptistery and the dome's echo makes the sound last and overlap, forming a chord. It usually takes place at regular intervals throughout the day.
Is the baptistery also tilted?
Yes, slightly, due to the same soft ground that tilted the tower. The tilt is much smaller and barely perceptible to the naked eye.
Can you go up in the baptistery?
Yes, there is a staircase to the upper gallery, from which you can see the interior from above and the cathedral through the windows.
Do you need a separate ticket?
The baptistery has its own ticket or a combined one with the Camposanto and the museums in the square. The tower has a separate ticket.