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Pisa Baptistry
The second-oldest building in Pisa’s famous Piazza dei Miracoli is the largest baptistery in Italy. Built between 1152 and 1363, the Pisa Baptistery is a marvelous example of the blending of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, with each level built in a different style.
At nearly 180 feet (55 meters) high the baptistery provides wonderful views of the Duomo and is an excellent alternative vantage point for those who don’t have time for long queues to enter the Leaning Tower.
Follow the path that leads around the Pisa Baptistery’s circumference to admire its scale and the Romanesque architecture of its lower level. A series of blind arches run around its marble facade, with a beautifully decorated arch above its entrance. Look for the reliefs showing the Labors of the Months, the Apostles, the Harrowing of Hell and King David that flank the portal.
Once inside you’ll immediately notice the acoustics of the building. If you are lucky enough to find yourself alone here, test the resonance of the building and sing a note from the center of the room. If not, each half hour the staff closes the doors for a little while to demonstrate these acoustics by singing a short melody.
Climb the steps to the second level of the baptistery for elevated views of the Duomo. A gap in the protective metal screen on this level allows you to take unobstructed photographs.
Appreciate the baptistery’s pulpit, the work of master sculptor Nicola Pisano. Reliefs on the pulpit show moments from the life of Christ. A Gothic font accompanies the pulpit and features a modern statue of St. John the Baptist.
The Pisa Baptistery is located in the Piazza dei Miracoli and can be easily reached from most parts of central Pisa on foot. Buses regularly service the piazza, while those arriving by car will find metered parking just a short walk away on Via Pietrasantina. You can visit the baptistery daily and you can couple your ticket with other attractions in the square to get a reduced fee.
Give yourself lots of time at Pisa Baptistry. Below are the most popular things to do:
- Pisa Cathedral Guided Tour and Optional Leaning Tower Ticket
- All Inclusive Guided Tour: Baptistery, Cathedral & Tower
- The Leaning Tower & Pisa Half Day
- Best of Pisa Guided Tour with Optional Leaning Tower Ticket
If you're chasing even more activities, check out our Pisa City Centre things to do page.
Guide to Exploring around Pisa Baptistry
Best Lodging Options Near Pisa Baptistry
Per night/room
Nov 8 - Nov 9
NH Pisa
Piazza Stazione 2, Pisa, PILocated in Pisa City Centre, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Mezzogiorno and University of Pisa. Leaning Tower and Piazza del Duomo are also within 1 mi (2 km). Pisa Central Station is only a 1-minute walk.
Per night/room
Oct 28 - Oct 29
Hotel Bologna
Via Mazzini 57, Pisa, PILocated in Pisa City Centre, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Mezzogiorno and University of Pisa. Leaning Tower and Piazza del Duomo are also within 1 mi (2 km). Pisa Central Station is 8 minutes by foot and Pisa San Rossore Station is 25 minutes.
Per night/room
Nov 1 - Nov 2
Hotel Relais Dell Orologio
Via Uguccione della Faggiola 12-14, Pisa, PILocated in Pisa City Centre, this luxury hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Torre dei Gualandi, Leaning Tower, and University of Pisa. Piazza del Duomo and Cathedral of Pisa are also within 10 minutes. Pisa San Rossore Station is 15 minutes by foot and Pisa Central Station is 19 minutes.
Per night/room
Oct 30 - Oct 31
Villa Tower Inn
Via Bonanno Pisano 62, Pisa, PILocated in Pisa City Centre, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Piazza dei Miracoli, Pisa Baptistry, and Cathedral of Pisa. University Hospital of Santa Chiara and Leaning Tower are also within 10 minutes. Pisa San Rossore Station is 9 minutes by foot and Pisa Central Station is 22 minutes.
Per night/room
Oct 31 - Nov 1
Time Out
Via Santa Maria, 50, PisaLocated in Pisa City Centre, this townhouse accommodation is within a 5-minute walk of Torre dei Gualandi and Leaning Tower. Piazza del Duomo and Cathedral of Pisa are also within 10 minutes. Pisa San Rossore Station is 15 minutes by foot and Pisa Central Station is 17 minutes.
Per night/room
Nov 7 - Nov 8
B&B Window To The Tower
Via Santa Maria 165, Pisa, PILocated in Pisa City Centre, this townhouse accommodation is steps from Museo dell'Opera del Duomo and Leaning Tower. Piazza del Duomo and Cathedral of Pisa are also within 5 minutes. Pisa San Rossore Station is 12 minutes by foot and Pisa Central Station is 20 minutes.
Per night/room
Nov 11 - Nov 12
Grand Hotel Bonanno
Via Carlo Francesco Gabba, 17, Pisa, PISituated near the airport, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Museum of Mathematical Instruments, Leaning Tower, and Piazza del Duomo. Pisa Baptistry and Cathedral of Pisa are also within 15 minutes. Pisa San Rossore Station is 14 minutes by foot and Pisa Central Station is 22 minutes.
Hotel Il Giardino
Piazza Daniele Manin, 1, Pisa, PILocated in Pisa City Centre, this hotel is steps from Museo delle Sinopie, Piazza del Duomo, and Pisa Baptistry. Leaning Tower and Cathedral of Pisa are also within 10 minutes. Pisa San Rossore Station is 7 minutes by foot and Pisa Central Station is 23 minutes.
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