Florence Baptistery
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Latest page update: 5 December 2024
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By Dion Protani
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When visiting Florence one of the must-see sights is the Florence Baptistery, dedicated to St. John the Baptist (Florence's patron saint), not just because it's located in the religious heart of the city, but also as it is a unique example of Romanesque art.
It's the oldest religious site in Florence: built on the site of a Roman temple from the 4th-5th century A.D. and consecrated In 1128. |
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The famous bronze doors
Even if it looks small compared to the magnificence of the Florence Cathedral that stands next to it, the octagonal baptistery draws attention due to its large bronze doors that cover three of the four sides of the structure. The south doors were made by Andrea Pisano (with scenes from the life of St. John made around 1330) and Lorenzo Ghiberti designed the so called “Gates of Paradise" (the north doors, that depict stories from the life of Christ) and the east doors (with scenes from the Old Testament).
Even if it looks small compared to the magnificence of the Florence Cathedral that stands next to it, the octagonal baptistery draws attention due to its large bronze doors that cover three of the four sides of the structure. The south doors were made by Andrea Pisano (with scenes from the life of St. John made around 1330) and Lorenzo Ghiberti designed the so called “Gates of Paradise" (the north doors, that depict stories from the life of Christ) and the east doors (with scenes from the Old Testament).
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The Baptistery's interior
Inside the baptistery the decoration also alludes to Biblical episodes, with astonishing mosaics in the dome that renders this one of the largest domes of mosaic art constructed during that time. There is also the tomb of Antipope John XXIII, work of Donatello and Michelozzo.
Also from Donatello, the “Penitent Magdalene” used to be displayed in the baptistery but is now housed in the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo for restoration. Aside from this, other major works of art that were formerly housed in the baptistery are now kept at the Museum dell’Opera, including the original doors that covered its exterior (the ones on display in the baptistery are actually copies but still a must-see!).
Inside the baptistery the decoration also alludes to Biblical episodes, with astonishing mosaics in the dome that renders this one of the largest domes of mosaic art constructed during that time. There is also the tomb of Antipope John XXIII, work of Donatello and Michelozzo.
Also from Donatello, the “Penitent Magdalene” used to be displayed in the baptistery but is now housed in the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo for restoration. Aside from this, other major works of art that were formerly housed in the baptistery are now kept at the Museum dell’Opera, including the original doors that covered its exterior (the ones on display in the baptistery are actually copies but still a must-see!).
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Opening times:
Monday to Friday: 08:15 - 10:15, 11:15 - 20:00 Saturday: 08:30 - 18:30 Sunday: 08:30 - 13:30 |
Admission:
Adults: €15 (€10 from December 21st to March 21st ) The entrance to the Baptistery is included in the ticket to visit also the Museum dell’Opera del Duomo, Giotto's Bell Tower and Santa Reparata. |
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City: Florence
Province: Metropolitan City of Florence Region: Tuscany Consecrated: 1128 Architectural style: Romanesque Close by: Florence Cathedral, Giotto's Bell Tower, Piazza Duomo Recommended accommodation: Hotel Spadai |
Directions: It takes no more than 15 minutes to the baptistery from the Central Station (Stazione FS di Santa Maria Novella), guided by the Cathedral’s dome which stands out among the roofs of the city centre. After crossing the station's square (Piazzale della Stazione) keep walking along Via Panzani, until you reach the large square. The baptistery stands in both the Piazza del Duomo and the Piazza San Giovanni, across from Florence Cathedral. The visitors entrance is through the north door.
