The Baptistry, Italy’s largest structure of its kind, commenced construction in 1152 under Diotisalvi, who left his name inscribed on a column near the door. The thirteenth-century contributions of Nicola and Giovanni Pisano furthered its construction, culminating in completion in the late fourteenth century.

Upon entering, one is immediately struck by the vast yet unadorned interior, known for its remarkable acoustics demonstrated by the guard. Noteworthy is Nicola Pisano’s splendidly sculpted pulpit from 1260, a masterpiece predating his son’s cathedral work by half a century.

Pisa’s awe-inspiring Duomo, initiated in 1064 and finished roughly a century later, epitomizes the Pisan-Romanesque style, setting a standard often emulated in Tuscany’s architecture. Well-known for its four tiers of diverse colonnades, it boasts an intricate combination of dark grey marble and white stone.

Following a fire in 1595, much of the expansive interior underwent redecoration, and some chapels underwent renovation. However, Cimabue’s 1302 apse mosaic of Christ in Majesty remains a notable survivor.

Noteworthy is Giovanni Pisano’s pulpit, which he began crafting in 1302. It stands as the final installment of the illustrious series of pulpits created by Giovanni and his father, Nicola, spread across Tuscany in cities like Siena and Pistoia. This remarkable work showcases exceptional skill, featuring intricately carved figures that appear almost liberated from the stone.