Baptistery of San Giovanni

Baptistery of San Giovanni

Introduction The Baptistery of San Giovanni is dedicated to the city's patron saint, John the Baptist. Before the completion of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, it served as the city’s main church. After the cathedral was built, it became the baptistery where Florence’s children were baptized — Dante Alighieri was baptized here.

The Baptistery of San Giovanni is located in front of the cathedral. It is an octagonal building made of white marble, constructed between the 11th and 13th centuries.

The baptistery has three bronze doors: the south door was created by Andrea Pisano, while the north and east doors were crafted by Lorenzo Ghiberti. Among them, the east doors are exceptionally exquisite and were praised by Michelangelo as the “Gates of Paradise.” The interior ceiling of the baptistery is adorned with Byzantine-style mosaic artworks depicting biblical scenes such as the Last Judgment and the Creation. It also houses the tomb of Pope John XXIII, designed by Donatello. Transportation Address: Piazza San Giovanni, located in front of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Tickets/Opening Hours Opening Hours: Weekdays 12:00–19:00, Sundays and the first Saturday of each month 8:30–14:00, Easter Monday, April 25, and May 1 8:30–19:00. Closed on January 1, Easter Sunday, September 8, December 24, and Christmas Day.

Ticket: €3 (ticket sales stop 30 minutes before closing)

Florence, Italy