Battistero di San Giovanni
The largest baptistery in Italy, in the Piazza dei Miracoli, known for its octagonal font, Nicola Pisano's pulpit and its extraordinary acoustics.
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About the museum
The Baptistery of San Giovanni was founded in 1152 as a complement to the Cathedral. The works were led by Diotisalvi, who signed the work with an inscription on a pillar, and continued until the end of the 12th century.
In the mid-13th century Nicola Pisano and his son Giovanni intervened, renewing the exterior with arcades and Gothic decoration. The baptistery is also linked to the octagonal baptismal font by Guido Bigarelli da Como and, above all, to Nicola Pisano's pulpit of 1260, considered the beginning of the revival of sculpture in Italy.
The building has a circumference of 107 metres, a height of almost 55 metres and a double dome, with an inner dome in the shape of a truncated cone and an outer hemispherical one. Inside, eight monolithic columns alternate with four pillars, and a matroneum (gallery), reached by a spiral staircase, runs around the hall. The floor of the presbytery enclosure is inspired by Arab design. The acoustics are exceptional: at regular intervals the staff sing a few notes to demonstrate the effect.
Highlights
- Pulpit by Nicola Pisano (1260)
- Octagonal baptismal font
- Exceptional acoustics, with a demonstration every 30 minutes
- Double dome and matroneum
- The largest baptistery in Italy
Permanent exhibition
- Il Battistero e il suo pulpito – Visit to the building, with the baptismal font, Nicola Pisano's pulpit and the matroneum.
- Founded
- 1152
- Operated by
- Opera della Primaziale Pisana
Admission & discounts
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 10 · Free admission for children under 11 if accompanied by an adult. |
|---|---|
| Visitors with disabilities | –companion free · Free admission for people with disabilities with an adult companion; a certificate may be requested. |
| Groups (10+ people) | –Reduced rates for school groups of at least 10 pupils (primary and secondary schools): €3 for a single monument, €6 for the full visit; one teacher for every ten paying pupils enters free. |
The ticket is valid for one year from the chosen date; with each ticket for a monument in the square, free admission to the Cathedral is also included. Tickets can be bought online from 90 days before the visit or at the ticket office. The website does not publish the prices as text (single and combined rates appear as an image).
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Only certified guide dogs are admitted. For information and assistance for visitors with disabilities, it is advisable to write at least five days in advance. Videos in Italian Sign Language (LIS) with subtitles about the square complex and service sheets for different needs are available.
Kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 10 |
|---|
Free admission for children under 11 accompanied by an adult. For visitors with autism spectrum disorder a Sensory Bag is available.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Torre 1
From Pisa Centrale station: line 1+ from the Stazione 1 stop (every 10 minutes) or the night line 21 to the Torre 1 stop; line 4 to the Del Parlascio stop. From the Sesta Porta bus station (via Battisti): lines 60, 70, 80, 120 and 130 to the Torre 1 stop. From the airport: PisaMover to the central station.
Amenities & dining
The free cloakroom is reserved for visitors to the Leaning Tower. Paid public toilets are available in the square (€1 with electronic payment), free with each ticket purchased.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Photography | Photography and filming for private use are allowed in the places open to the public; for professional use, authorisation from the Opera della Primaziale Pisana is required. |
| Good to know | Every 30 minutes the staff sing a few notes to demonstrate the acoustics of the building. Bulky luggage is forbidden: only backpacks or small bags are allowed (maximum 20×30×38 cm). Some areas may be closed for restoration. |
