The largest baptistery in Italy, begun in 1152, known for Nicola Pisano's pulpit and an echo demonstration performed by staff.
The Baptistery was begun in 1152 by Diotisalvi and finished in the 14th century, which explains the mix of Romanesque lower storeys and Gothic upper decoration. Circular in plan and topped by a dome, it is the largest baptistery in Italy and also leans slightly. Its most celebrated interior feature is the hexagonal marble pulpit signed by Nicola Pisano in 1260, a founding work of Italian Renaissance sculpture, while the octagonal font stands in the centre. Visitors are shown the building's remarkable acoustics: a custodian sings a chord that sustains and echoes for many seconds under the dome. Tickets are sold separately from the Tower and are valid for one year from the chosen date.
| Admission | Adult About EUR 5-7 (~$6-8) when bought separately; confirm the current rate at opapisa.it · Child Reduced or free for young children; confirm at opapisa.it |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily; opening times vary by season (typically from 9:00AM or 10:00AM, closing between about 5:00PM in winter and 8:00PM or later in summer). Check opapisa.it |
| Typical visit | 30 minutes |
| Best time | On the hour or half hour, when a staff member demonstrates the dome's acoustics |
| Getting there | On Piazza dei Miracoli opposite the Cathedral façade; 2.5 km from Pisa Centrale |
| Address | Piazza del Duomo, 56126 Pisa PI, Italy |
Good to know
- Best for
- architecture lovers, music and acoustics fans
Location
Piazza del Duomo, 56126 Pisa PI, Italy
43.7233, 10.3943 View on map
Highlights
- Nicola Pisano's hexagonal pulpit of 1260
- Acoustic demonstration under the dome
- Octagonal marble font
- Largest baptistery in Italy
Tips for visiting
- Climb the gallery for a view down into the font and across the square if the gallery is open
- Stay for the acoustic demonstration, which takes only a few minutes
When to visit
Weekday mornings; check the schedule for the half-hourly acoustic demonstration.
Accessibility
The ground floor is accessible, though the gallery above is reached by stairs. Disabled visitors can arrange assistance with the Opera della Primaziale Pisana.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
What is the echo demonstration?
A custodian sings a short series of notes at set times and the dome sustains the harmonics for many seconds. It is included in the ticket.
Is the Baptistery included in a combined ticket?
Combined tickets for several monuments are sold at opapisa.it; check the current options before buying.