[UNFORGETTABLE ITALY] Pisa Baptistery

When we talk about Pisa, usually people think about the Leaning Tower of Pisa. It is the first thing that comes to mind. Maybe because it is very famous. But how many of you questioned yourself about other constructions that are located in that square?

There are 2 more buildings on the Piazza dei Miracoli or Piazza del Duomo, and the construction of both of them has started in the 12th century too.

And today I will show you the Pisa Baptistery of St.John. Its construction started in 1152 and was finished in 1363. From the first view, the baptistery looks the same or at least very similar to many other baptisteries in Italy. However, if you take a look at its history and architectural details, you will change your mind.

First of all, it is the largest baptistery in Italy. Its height is almost the same as the height of the tower of Pisa, 54.86 meters. And its diameter is 34.13 meters.

The designer of Pisa Baptistery is Diotisalvi. He combined Romanesque and Gothic styles. Therefore, the baptistery reflects the transition from the Romanesque style to the Gothic style. Original design of the baptistery was different, and it was changed by Nicola Pisano, who continued the work on the baptistery after Diotisalvi's death. Also, Nicola Pisano added an external roof to the baptistery, and together with the pyramidal inner roof, they create a perfect resonating chamber.

Another interesting fact is that since Pisa Baptistery was constructed on the same ground as the Leaning Tower of Pisa, it leans too. But not so much. It leans on around 0.6 degrees.

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The post was written for the UNFORGETTABLE ITALY contest.

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Location: Pisa
Date: October 2016
Camera: Nikon D5500