Diotisalvi

Diotisalvi, an Italian architect of the 12th century, is known for designing the lower part of the Pisa Baptistry, as indicated by an inscription dated 1153. Nicola Pisano continued his work more than a century later, and his son Giovanni completed it in the 14th century. Experts suggest that, since Diotisalvi's time, the Baptistry was supposed to have a covering, while Nicola and Giovanni's interventions focused on the external surface. The distinctive inverted dome was already present in the original design, inspired by the rotunda of the Anastasis at the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. Diotisalvi also left his mark on the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Pisa and on parts of the city walls, demonstrating his skill as an architect and builder. It is presumed that he honed his skills in the Cathedral workshop, being the third known architect in the Cathedral Square after Buscheto and Rainaldo. Although some attribute the Leaning Tower of Pisa to him, this remains a subject of debate. Other works attributed to Diotisalvi include the Chapel of Sant'Agata (1132), sections of the Pisa city walls (1154-55), and the bell tower of the Church of San Nicola (1170).