Trip Planner:   Europe  /  Italy  /  Tuscany  /  Province of Florence  /  Florence  /  The Baptistery of St. John

The Baptistery of St. John, Florence

4.6

#8 of 114 in Historic Sites in Florence

Religious Site Architectural Building

• ©
• ©
• ©
• © +9
• ©
• ©
• ©
• ©
• ©
• ©
• ©
• ©
• ©

The Baptistery of St. John is one of the oldest buildings in the city, constructed between 1059 and 1128. It's renowned for the three sets of bronze doors. Observe how the eight lower panels of the south doors depict the virtues of hope, faith, charity, humility, fortitude, temperance, justice, and prudence. The most famous set, the east doors, are a copy; the originals are being preserved in the Duomo's museum. You still get a sense of their importance and you can admire the depiction of "The Story of Joseph." Inside the baptistery, be sure to look up at the domed, mosaic ceiling. Use our Florence holiday maker to add The Baptistery of St. John and other attractions to your Florence vacation plans.

more less

Create an itinerary including The Baptistery of St. John

Start planning

Unable to display map at this time. Please try again later.

© OpenMapTiles © OpenStreetMap contributors

The Baptistery of St. John Reviews

Rate this attraction

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

4,362 reviews

Google

4.7

facebook

4.8

462 likes

• By tinaNtravel

  The Battistero is in a separate building but the outside architecture is similar. The first thing you notice is the beautiful metal doors. Inside, the ceiling is amazing as are the walls. The altar...  more »

• By RonL40

  The Baptistery, inside and outside, is one of the most spectacular buildings in Florence. It is much more compact than several of the great basilicas. But no where else in Florence, or perhaps...  more »

View more on TripAdvisor »

Google

• By Maria Stiebert

  It’s a hexagonal building. It’s beautifully pained all over the sealing. The big Jesus sitting on a throne welcomes you warmly. The paintings are beautiful and well described in the pamphlets distributed there. The good thing is, you can buy a combined ticket for Dome, Copula, the bell tower and the baptistery. It’s all worth it. It’s a very peaceful place to sit and get amazed.

  more less
• By Spyridon Kakouris

  Its' very beautiful indeed, but it;s just a small building (it will take you around 10 minutes to see it all?) and the three of its impressive doors are in the museum next door anyway.

  more less

View more on Google »

Places to stay near The Baptistery of St. John

Plan your trip to Florence

• Get a personalized plan

  A complete day-by-day itinerary
  based on your preferences

• Customize it

  Refine your plan. We'll find the
  best routes and schedules

• Book it

  Choose from the best hotels
  and activities. Up to 50% off

• Manage it

  Everything in one place.
  Everyone on the same page.