Florence BaptisterySan Giovanni is one of the most ancient buildings in the city. It was built in Florence during the Roman Empire in the 4th-5th century AD. It was built on the site of an ancient temple dedicated to the god of war, Mars. At this time, Christianity had already become the main religion in the empire, and therefore, on the site of the pagan temple, it was decided to build a baptismal, that is, a baptistery. They decided to dedicate the new building to John the Baptist (San Giovanni in Latin).
The Florence Baptistery is located in a small square near the Duomo Cathedral
The Florentine baptistery acquired its modern appearance in the 11th-12th centuries. Until the 19th century inclusive, it was the main place for baptism for city residents. Dante and the Medici were baptized here. Water for baptism was taken from a small spring located near the walls of the baptistery.
Behind the baptistery you can see the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
The baptistery is located in the historical center of Florence on a small square near the cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo). The famous eastern gate of the baptistery (the so-called “Gate of Paradise”), created in the 15th century, is located directly opposite the entrance to the Florence Cathedral. These gates got their name after Michelangelo, seeing them for the first time, said: “This gate is so beautiful that it could serve as a decoration for the gates of heaven.” By the way, the modern eastern gate of the baptistery is only an exact copy of the famous Gate of Paradise, which was moved to the Duomo Museum.
Light enters the baptistery through small windows
From the outside, the Florentine Baptistery looks the same as the Duomo: it is polychrome, faced with marble in green and white tones. The inside of the baptistery is richly decorated with mosaics and paintings. Little light enters the building through small windows and when entering the middle you find yourself in twilight.
There is a small window in the colorful dome of the baptistery
Among the interesting things inside the structure are the baptismal room of St. John, the tomb (sarcophagus) of Pope John XXIII (Donatello worked on its creation), the marble cladding of the 11th century, and the colorful mosaics of the dome.
The Florence Baptistery is open Monday to Saturday from 11:15 to 19:00. On Sunday you can get here from 8:30 to 14:00. On religious holidays the baptistery is open from 8:30 to 19:00. The combined ticket “Ghiberti Pass” to the Baptistery of San Giovanni, the Opera del Duomo Museum and the ancient basilica of Santa Reparata cost 15 euro in 2024.
Main hall of the baptistery
Be prepared to stand in lines for some time; a lot of tourists come here.
When you arrive in Florence, be sure to visit the local museums. We recommend that you purchase tickets to Uffizi Gallery and Academy galleryto avoid queues.