In 1153 Diotisalvi, architect of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, began construction on the baptistry of Pisa.  An inscription between two pillars inside the building states that the monument was rebuilt in 1278.

There is very little information regarding the exact working procedures and construction methods employed. The building is encircled by archlets decorated with heads and sculptures by Nicola and Giovanni Pisano, considered their most important works. A beautiful baptismal font lies at the centre of the monument; a 1260 pulpit by the great Nicola Pisano is set close to the alter.

Opening Times
• November and February: from 09am to 5pm
• December and January: from 9.30am to 4.30pm
• March: from 8.30am to 5.30pm
• April to September: from 8am to 8 pm
• October: from 8.30am to 7pm
Access to the monuments is permitted until 30 minutes before closing time.

Admission
• 1 monument: € 5.00 (choice between Baptistry, Camposanto Monumentale, Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, Museo delle Sinopie)
• 2 monuments: € 6.00
• 5 monuments: € 10.00

School groups
• 1 monument: € 2.00
• 2 monuments: € 3.00
• 5 monuments: € 5.00
School groups visiting the Piazza del Duomo monument complex in Pisa can avail of an educational workshop run by expert staff.

Directions from Pisa Centrale station
• LAM Rossa 1 San Jacopo service - Torre 1 bus stop