Visit the Baptistery of St. John in Pisa: a masterpiece of art and history
Discover the Baptistery of St. John in Pisa: here’s essential information for visiting the world’s largest baptistery.
Baptistery of Pisa: the tickets most chosen by travelers
Baptistery & Cathedral of Pisa: Priority Entrance Ticket + Audio Guide
Witness two of Pisa's iconic attractions and admire its architecture
4.6
from 17.5€
Why visit the Baptistery of St. John in Pisa
The Baptistery of St. John in Pisa embodies the grandeur of Romanesque-Gothic architecture, a must-see in the famous Piazza dei Miracoli.
Founded on August 15, 1152, the Baptistery is not merely a splendid addition to the Cathedral but a marvel on its own, distinguished by the majestic circular structure designed by architect Diotisalvi, making it the largest baptistery in the world. In the 13th century, the exterior was adorned with sculpted decorations and an extraordinary pulpit that became an artistic model. This is where the "renaissance" of Italian sculpture began, leaving a lasting mark on art history.
The striking arches on columns, crafted in white and gray marble, are paired inside with monolithic columns, creating a highly impactful visual atmosphere.
However, the real wonder awaits at the center of the structure: the double-dome system grants the Baptistery legendary acoustics, transforming it into a vast musical instrument. Every 30 minutes, a brief demonstration lets notes resonate in the vaults, creating an enveloping echo for a breathtaking sensorial experience.
Exploring the gallery, climbing the spiral staircases, and observing the details of Guido Bigarelli's baptismal font offer visitors a unique perspective, suspended between art and spirituality, where every step invites rediscovery of the centuries-old history of this magical place.
How to visit the Baptistery of St. John
An important point to highlight is that you cannot visit the Baptistery on its own: entrance must be combined with the Cathedral and/or the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Given the worldwide fame of the square, it’s advisable to book in advance and consider a skip-the-line ticket, especially useful to avoid queues during peak times. This way, you can make the most of your time and admire these masterpieces with reduced waiting time.
If you want a more in-depth visit, the audio guide is a valuable tool, turning each architectural detail into a fascinating story and guiding you through a journey that unveils little-known secrets and anecdotes.
Baptistery of Pisa: tips for your visit
Useful information for visiting the Baptistery (FAQ)
Is the Baptistery of Pisa free?
No, entry to the Baptistery requires a ticket.The entry ticket for the Baptistery is available as part of ticket packages that include other monuments in Piazza dei Miracoli. Prices vary depending on the number of attractions selected: for example, the ticket for the Baptistery and Cathedral costs €8, to which you can add options like an audio guide and skip-the-line ticket, along with including a visit to the Tower and other on-site attractions.
What was the purpose of the Baptistery?
The Baptistery was built as a sacred place specifically for baptisms. By the mid-thirteenth century, it featured a large octagonal font created by Guido Bigarelli da Como, used to immerse adults and children in the sacrament of baptism.
What was the Baptistery of Pisa used for?
Traditionally, the Baptistery was used for the sacrament of baptism, an essential rite for Christians.
What is the largest Baptistery in the world?
The stunning Baptistery of Pisa, located in Piazza dei Miracoli and dedicated to St. John the Baptist. It holds the title of the largest baptistery in Italy—and even worldwide—thanks to its impressive size and architectural grandeur.
What are the opening hours of the Baptistery of Pisa?
Every day from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in winter and from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. in summer, with last entry permitted up to 30 minutes before closing.
How to get to the Baptistery
If you arrive in Pisa by train, after getting off at the central station, you have various options to easily reach Piazza dei Miracoli, where the Baptistery of San Giovanni is located.
1. Taking Line 1+ from Stazione 1 (direction Park Pietrasantina) will take you directly to the Torre 1 stop, right in front of Piazza dei Miracoli.
2. Alternatively, you can take Line 4 from Stazione 8, which departs every 20 minutes and stops at Del Parlascio, close to the square.
3. If you come by bus from Sesta Porta, in Via Battisti you can take lines 60, 70, 80, 120, or 130, all of which stop at Torre 1, bringing you conveniently to your destination.
4. For those arriving by plane, the PisaMover connects Pisa Airport to the central station. From there, follow the same instructions as if arriving by train. If you're unsure, you can also follow the signs for the Leaning Tower, which is a few steps from the Baptistery.
5. If you prefer walking, you can reach Piazza dei Miracoli from the central station in about 20 minutes (1.7 km).
