If you want an aerial view of the Duomo but don’t have the patience for the long lines at the Leaning Tower, climb to the top of the 55-metre (180-foot) Pisa Baptistery. This famous structure is both the largest baptistery in the country and the Piazza dei Miracoli’s second-oldest building.
The Pisa Baptistery was built over a period of 200 years, from 1152 to 1363, and is a remarkable hybrid of architectural styles. It has two distinctive levels: one Romanesque and the other Gothic.
The baptistery’s façade is best viewed from the path around its base. At the entrance, take a look at the reliefs, which depict the Labors of the Months, the Harrowing of Hell, King David and the Apostles.
Enter the baptistery to experience its unique acoustics. Check the resonance of the hall by standing in the middle and singing several different notes. Eventually, you will hit one that sounds far louder than the rest due to the way in which the frequency echoes back on itself in the round chamber. If the baptistery is too noisy or you don’t want to sing, stick around for a small, closed-door demonstration of the acoustics by the staff. This happens every half hour.
On the second level of the baptistery, look out onto the Duomo from above. A metal screen encircles the walkway but there is a small gap that affords unobstructed views and photo opportunities.
Study the baptistery’s masterful pulpit, sculpted by artist Nicola Pisano and featuring reliefs of Christ’s life. A Gothic font rests alongside the pulpit.
Towering west of the Duomo on the Piazza dei Miracoli, the Pisa Baptistery is accessible on foot from anywhere in central Pisa. If you are arriving from further out, take a bus to the piazza or drive and park on Via Pietrasantina for a fee.
The baptistery is open daily. There’s an entrance fee. Purchase a multi-attraction bundle ticket for a discount.
