Battistero di San Giovanni (Baptistery of St. John), Florence
The beautiful Florence Baptistery, dedicated to Saint John the Baptist鈥攑atron saint of the city鈥攕tands prominently on Cathedral Square, opposite the Duomo. Raised in the 7th century over an ancient Roman structure thought to be a temple honoring Mars, the building features a distinctive octagonal shape. Early Christians frequently chose this eight-sided design for baptisteries, symbolizing renewal鈥攖he six days of creation, one day of rest, and the day of rebirth through baptism.
During its renovation in 1059, artisans covered the baptistery in alternating bands of white and dark green marble, giving the exterior its striking striped appearance. Yet, the baptistery is perhaps most famous for the three remarkable sets of bronze doors. The south doors depict moments from Saint John's life, combined with beautiful representations of the eight Christian virtues. The north doors, crafted by Lorenzo Ghiberti over 21 long years, illustrate scenes from the life of Christ. Ghiberti later devoted another 27 years to the spectacular east doors, famously described by Michelangelo as the 鈥淕ates of Paradise.鈥� This extraordinary artwork features ten elaborate panels portraying the story of Joseph.
Inside, visitors can gaze upward at magnificent mosaics decorating the ceiling and view the baptismal font, in use since 1576. Francesco de鈥� Medici, Florence鈥檚 powerful ruler, had his son baptized here鈥攋ust one among numerous notable figures who have shared this honor, including generations of the influential Medici family. Indeed, nearly every Catholic Florentine, up until the 19th century, received baptism within these very walls, making the Baptistery a core component of the city's religious heritage.
Florence's beloved poet Dante references this cherished building in his masterpiece, the 鈥淒ivine Comedy.鈥� Born in May 1265, the poet was originally named Durante, meaning 鈥渆nduring,鈥� after his maternal grandfather鈥攖hough eventually, his family shortened the name to Dante.
Tip: Your standard ticket for the Duomo attractions includes access to the Baptistery, valid for 72 hours. Note that there's a strict dress code: shoulders and knees must be covered for both men and women, so please dress appropriately. To attend the daily mass, arrive around 10:30 AM at the door opposite the main entrance and mention 鈥渕ass鈥� or 鈥渕essa鈥� to the attendant.
During its renovation in 1059, artisans covered the baptistery in alternating bands of white and dark green marble, giving the exterior its striking striped appearance. Yet, the baptistery is perhaps most famous for the three remarkable sets of bronze doors. The south doors depict moments from Saint John's life, combined with beautiful representations of the eight Christian virtues. The north doors, crafted by Lorenzo Ghiberti over 21 long years, illustrate scenes from the life of Christ. Ghiberti later devoted another 27 years to the spectacular east doors, famously described by Michelangelo as the 鈥淕ates of Paradise.鈥� This extraordinary artwork features ten elaborate panels portraying the story of Joseph.
Inside, visitors can gaze upward at magnificent mosaics decorating the ceiling and view the baptismal font, in use since 1576. Francesco de鈥� Medici, Florence鈥檚 powerful ruler, had his son baptized here鈥攋ust one among numerous notable figures who have shared this honor, including generations of the influential Medici family. Indeed, nearly every Catholic Florentine, up until the 19th century, received baptism within these very walls, making the Baptistery a core component of the city's religious heritage.
Florence's beloved poet Dante references this cherished building in his masterpiece, the 鈥淒ivine Comedy.鈥� Born in May 1265, the poet was originally named Durante, meaning 鈥渆nduring,鈥� after his maternal grandfather鈥攖hough eventually, his family shortened the name to Dante.
Tip: Your standard ticket for the Duomo attractions includes access to the Baptistery, valid for 72 hours. Note that there's a strict dress code: shoulders and knees must be covered for both men and women, so please dress appropriately. To attend the daily mass, arrive around 10:30 AM at the door opposite the main entrance and mention 鈥渕ass鈥� or 鈥渕essa鈥� to the attendant.
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Battistero di San Giovanni (Baptistery of St. John) on Map
Sight Name: Battistero di San Giovanni (Baptistery of St. John)
Sight Location: Florence, Italy (See walking tours in Florence)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Florence, Italy (See walking tours in Florence)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Florence, Italy
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