Battistero di San Giovanni in Corte
A 14th-century octagonal gem of Tuscan Gothic architecture, clad in striking white and green marble, offering a peaceful sanctuary in Pistoia's histor...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Battistero di San Giovanni in Corte
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 14th-century octagonal gem of Tuscan Gothic architecture, clad in striking white and green marble, offering a peaceful sanctuary in Pistoia's historic heart.
"A nice simple baptistery with a lovely marble font as its centre-piece."
Free Entry! 🎉
Enjoy free admission to the Battistero and Cathedral. Audio guides and bell tower tours are extra.
Bell Tower Tour Timing
Tour times aren't always posted. Arrive early, e.g., 12:15 PM for a 12:30 PM tour in May.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Octagonal Architecture
Piazza del Duomo
Admire the striking octagonal design of this 14th-century Tuscan Gothic masterpiece.
Marble Cladding
Exterior
Marvel at the intricate white and green marble exterior, a hallmark of Pistoia's architectural style.
Bell Tower Views
Bell Tower
Climb the bell tower for panoramic views of Pistoia and the surrounding Tuscan landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Exploring the Duomo Complex
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Entry! 🎉
Enjoy free admission to the Battistero and Cathedral. Audio guides and bell tower tours are extra.
Bell Tower Tour Timing
Tour times aren't always posted. Arrive early, e.g., 12:15 PM for a 12:30 PM tour in May.
Friendly Staff :)
Staff are lovely and helpful, even if they briefly step away.
Quiet Sanctuary
Experience a peaceful atmosphere, a welcome respite from busier Tuscan cities.
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Entry! 🎉
Enjoy free admission to the Battistero and Cathedral. Audio guides and bell tower tours are extra.
Bell Tower Tour Timing
Tour times aren't always posted. Arrive early, e.g., 12:15 PM for a 12:30 PM tour in May.
Friendly Staff :)
Staff are lovely and helpful, even if they briefly step away.
Quiet Sanctuary
Experience a peaceful atmosphere, a welcome respite from busier Tuscan cities.
Part of Duomo Complex
Explore the surrounding Piazza del Duomo, Cathedral of San Zeno, and Palazzo dei Vescovi.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Battistero di San Giovanni in Corte to be a beautiful and peaceful monument, especially appreciated for its free entry and striking marble architecture. While some note its simpler scale compared to other Tuscan cities, its charm and the helpfulness of the staff are frequently praised. The bell tower tour offers rewarding views, though timing can be a bit elusive.
"Entry to the cathedral and Battistero is free, but you can buy tickets for an audio guide of the cathedral and a tour of the bell tower in the Battistero. There are no signs for the bell tower tour time, but during May it was at 12.30. So arrive at 12.15.
If no one is at the ticket desk, please wait a few minutes. The clerk takes visitors to the cathedral to get their audio tour started.
Lovely staff! Thank you so much."
Seth Palmer
"Quiet sanctuary with some fine art"
David M Bruce
"Not on the grand scale of Siena, Pisa & Florence but never-the-less a nice simple baptistery with a lovely marble font as its centre-piece."
paul appleby
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Battistero di San Giovanni in Corte is located in the heart of Pistoia, in Piazza del Duomo. It's easily accessible on foot if you're already in the city center. If arriving by car, look for parking areas outside the ZTL (limited traffic zone) and walk in. 
Yes, Pistoia is well-connected to Florence by regional trains, making it a convenient day trip. The train journey typically takes around 40-60 minutes.
Pistoia is a very walkable city. Once you're in the historic center, most attractions, including the Battistero, are within easy walking distance of each other.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Battistero di San Giovanni in Corte and the Cathedral of San Zeno is free. However, there are separate tickets for an audio guide of the cathedral and a tour of the bell tower.
Opening hours can vary, and it's best to check locally or look for signs upon arrival. Some sources mention it's used as a gift shop for the Duomo complex.
There are no signs for bell tower tour times, but visitors have reported that during May, a tour was available at 12:30 PM, and it's advised to arrive by 12:15 PM. It's recommended to inquire locally for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, the Battistero di San Giovanni in Corte is located directly in front of the Cathedral of San Zeno in Piazza del Duomo, making it easy to visit both as part of the Duomo complex.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. While many visitors capture exterior shots, it's always best to check for signage or ask staff before taking photos inside religious buildings.
The Piazza del Duomo offers excellent vantage points for photographing the Battistero, especially with the Cathedral and Palazzo dei Vescovi in the background. Early morning or late afternoon light can be particularly beautiful.
Drone footage has been captured around Pistoia, showcasing the city's landmarks including the Battistero from above. However, be aware of local drone regulations and restrictions.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The Battistero is described as a quiet sanctuary with some fine art. It features a lovely marble font as its centerpiece and is noted for its bare interior.
The Battistero di San Giovanni in Corte is a splendid monument of 14th-century Tuscan architecture, built in a Gothic style. It's known for its octagonal shape and striking white and green marble cladding.
Yes, it's often described as a nice, simple baptistery. If you're not taking a bell tower tour, a brief visit to admire the architecture and interior is quite feasible.
The Battistero is situated in Piazza del Duomo, alongside the Cathedral of San Zeno, the Palazzo dei Vescovi (housing museums), and the Torre di Catilina.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider the bell tower tour if your children are old enough to appreciate the climb and the views. The historical context of the Duomo complex can also be an engaging way to introduce children to Italian history and architecture in a less overwhelming setting than larger cities.
🏛️ History & Architecture Enthusiasts
+1Exploring the entire Duomo complex, including the Cathedral of San Zeno and the Palazzo dei Vescovi, provides a deeper understanding of Pistoia's historical and artistic heritage. The opportunity to climb the bell tower also offers a unique perspective on the city's urban planning and historical layout.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Significance
+1While not as grand in scale as some of its more famous Tuscan counterparts, the Battistero offers a refined beauty. Its design emphasizes clean lines and a sense of balance, making it a visually appealing monument. The use of contrasting marble colors adds a unique character, setting it apart from other religious structures.
+1Many appreciate the Battistero for its simplicity and elegance. It serves as a quiet sanctuary, offering a moment of reflection amidst the bustling Piazza del Duomo. The interior, though described as mostly bare, features a notable marble font, which is considered a centerpiece.
Exploring the Duomo Complex
+1Adjacent to the Cathedral is the Palazzo dei Vescovi, a historic bishop's palace that now houses museums. Visitors can explore its collections, which include notable artworks like the Millefiori tapestry, one of the largest Flemish tapestries in the world. This complex offers a rich cultural experience, allowing visitors to delve into Pistoia's history and art.
For those seeking a more comprehensive experience, the bell tower tour offers a unique perspective. While tour times may require some planning, the ascent provides panoramic views of Pistoia and the surrounding Tuscan countryside, making it a worthwhile addition to your visit.
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