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Battistero di San Giovanni in Corte: A Gothic Jewel in Pistoia

Discover Pistoia's Gothic masterpiece: The Battistero di San Giovanni in Corte, a historical and architectural gem in Piazza del Duomo.

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The Battistero di San Giovanni in Corte, also known as the Baptistery of San Giovanni di Rotondo, is an octagonal Gothic-style building in Pistoia's Piazza del Duomo. Built in the mid-14th century, it stands as a prime example of Tuscan Gothic architecture, distinguished by its white and green marble exterior and its historical significance as a former Roman Catholic baptistery.

A brief summary to Battistero di San Giovanni in Corte

  • Monday 10 am-1 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-1 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-1 pm
  • Friday 10 am-1 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on a Saturday to experience the local market atmosphere in the nearby Piazza della Sala.
  • Combine your visit with a tour of the Duomo of Pistoia to appreciate the contrast between the two architectural styles.
  • Check local event listings, as the baptistery is now used for cultural events.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Pistoia train station, walk straight along Via XX Settembre, then turn left onto Via Roma. Continue onto Piazza del Duomo. The Battistero will be on your right, across from the Duomo. The walk is approximately 15 minutes. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    From Pistoia train station, take bus line 5 towards the city center. Get off at the 'Piazza San Francesco' stop, which is a short walk to Piazza del Duomo. The Battistero will be on your right, across from the Duomo. The bus ride is approximately 3 minutes. A single ticket costs €2.

  • Taxi

    From Pistoia train station, a taxi ride to Piazza del Duomo takes approximately 5 minutes. Taxi stands are available outside the train station. The estimated fare is €9.3.

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Discover more about Battistero di San Giovanni in Corte

Located in the Piazza del Duomo, the Battistero di San Giovanni in Corte is a captivating octagonal building that stands opposite the Duomo of Pistoia. Its name derives from the ancient church of Santa Maria in Corte, which once stood on this site. Construction of the mainly Gothic-style building began in 1301 and was completed around 1366 by Cellino di Nese. The exterior is entirely covered in white and green marble from Siena, Prato, and Carrara, showcasing a refined synthesis of Florentine, Pisan, and Sienese elements. The building reaches a height of about 40 meters, with a steep roof and a lantern-covered oculus at the apex. The design features three finely decorated portals with bas-reliefs and sculpted marble capitals. The main portal is adorned with a lunette depicting John the Baptist, the Madonna and Child, and St. Peter. Inside, the baptistery has a simple brick interior. The baptismal font, dating back to 1226 and signed by Lanfranco da Como, features a large central basin for immersion and smaller basins for infant baptism. The octagonal shape of the baptistery symbolizes the eighth day, representing Christ's resurrection and the promise of eternal life through baptism. Today, the Battistero di San Giovanni in Corte is used for cultural events.

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