Battistero (Baptistery)

Location

Pisa
Italy
IT
General info: 

The circular Baptistery in Pisa is the largest of its kind in Italy, with a circumference of 104 metres / 348 feet.
The building commenced in 1153 by Deotisalvi. More than 100 years later, it was worked on further and the upper part was created in a rather Gothic style and a large dome was added shortly after. The vast interior is fairly plain and features one of the first great Pisano pulpits, sculpted in 1260 by Nicola Pisano and a massive, carved font.

One of the most interesting features in the Baptistery is the simply astonishing acoustics, which echo around the interior. To enjoy these wonderful acoustics it is worth arriving early in the morning, before the building gets too busy. When a choir sings in the Pisa Baptistery it is memorable to say the least.

Getting there: 

The Battistero is located in the centre, right next to the tower.

Costs: 

Admission: 4€
Opening hours: April to September - 08:00 to 19:40, March and October - 09:00 to 17:40, November to February - 09:00 to 16:40

You might be interested in

Antonio Gaudi definitely made his mark in the city and one of his most prized designs is the Casa Milà, or La Pedrera as it is called by the locals. The building was made in the early 20th century and was considered rather unusual.

The Everglades national park is famous around the world for being the natural habitat of several alligator species.

The whole city of Miami a lively and cheerful place, but the real hotspot is the Lincoln Road Mall in the South Beach. It is a complex of shopping malls in a pedestrian zone.

Cuba is only a few miles away from Florida, so thousands of immigrants from Havana made Miami their new home. Little Havana is a neighborhood in Miami, where the Hispanic cultural influence is strong.

Piazza Navona is probably Rome’s most celebrated square with its ornate fountains, baroque palazzi and colourful cast of street artists, hawkers and tourists.

Akihabara is the major market for electronics in Tokyo. It is bustling, busy and fun to watch, and has been around already since the world war II.