Battistero di San Giovanni (Baptistery of St. John), Florence
The exquisite Florence Baptisery, named after Saint John the Baptist, patron saint of the city, is situated in the Cathedral Square and San Giovanni Square, diagonally opposite the Duomo Cathedral. Constructed in the 7th century atop a Roman structure believed to have been a temple dedicated to Mars, it has an octagonal shape (common for baptisteries for many centuries since early Christian times), the number eight a symbol of regeneration in Christianity, representing the six days of creation, the day of rest, and the day of re-creation through the sacrament of baptism.
During its reconstruction in 1059, the baptistery was decorated with white and dark green marble, creating a striking zebra-like pattern, but is more known for its three sets of bronze doors. The south doors, designed by Andrea Pisano, depict scenes from the life of Saint John and elegantly illustrate the eight virtues of Christianity in bronze. The north doors, crafted by Lorenzo Ghiberti, took him 21 years to complete and portray the life of Christ. Ghiberti was then commissioned to create the east door, which he worked on for an additional 27 years. Michelangelo famously dubbed them the "Gates of Paradise", and the ten panels on this door depict "the Story of Joseph."
Inside, visitors can admire magnificent mosaics adorning the ceiling and a baptismal font that has been in place since 1576, used for the baptism of the son of Francesco I de' Medici, the ruler of Florence. Aside from members of the Medici family, the structure is witness to the baptisms of many Renaissance-era personalities and almost all Catholic Florentines until the 19th century. Exploring this architectural marvel is, therefore, delving into the rich Catholic history of Florence.
***DANTE'S FLORENCE TOUR***
Dante was born to Alighiero di Bellincione d'Alighiero and his first wife, Gabriella degli Abati, who came from a wealthy landowning family. Their eldest son was born in May 1265 and was initially named Durante ("enduring"), after his maternal grandfather; however, his parents eventually chose to use the shortened form of the name. Evidence of his birthdate near the end of May is derived from Dante's own account in Canto 22 of the "Paradiso", where he references the sign of Gemini, suggesting that his intellectual and literary attributes are influenced by the constellation under which he was born. He also mentions the baptistery affectionately in another passage.
Tip:
Admission to the Baptistery is included with the standard ticket that covers the Duomo sights, excluding the cathedral itself (which is free), within a 72-hour period. A dress code must be observed, with no shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Both men and women should ensure their knees and shoulders are covered. To attend the daily mass, arrive at around 10:30am at the door opposite the main entrance and inform the attendant that you wish to attend the "mass" or "messa."
During its reconstruction in 1059, the baptistery was decorated with white and dark green marble, creating a striking zebra-like pattern, but is more known for its three sets of bronze doors. The south doors, designed by Andrea Pisano, depict scenes from the life of Saint John and elegantly illustrate the eight virtues of Christianity in bronze. The north doors, crafted by Lorenzo Ghiberti, took him 21 years to complete and portray the life of Christ. Ghiberti was then commissioned to create the east door, which he worked on for an additional 27 years. Michelangelo famously dubbed them the "Gates of Paradise", and the ten panels on this door depict "the Story of Joseph."
Inside, visitors can admire magnificent mosaics adorning the ceiling and a baptismal font that has been in place since 1576, used for the baptism of the son of Francesco I de' Medici, the ruler of Florence. Aside from members of the Medici family, the structure is witness to the baptisms of many Renaissance-era personalities and almost all Catholic Florentines until the 19th century. Exploring this architectural marvel is, therefore, delving into the rich Catholic history of Florence.
***DANTE'S FLORENCE TOUR***
Dante was born to Alighiero di Bellincione d'Alighiero and his first wife, Gabriella degli Abati, who came from a wealthy landowning family. Their eldest son was born in May 1265 and was initially named Durante ("enduring"), after his maternal grandfather; however, his parents eventually chose to use the shortened form of the name. Evidence of his birthdate near the end of May is derived from Dante's own account in Canto 22 of the "Paradiso", where he references the sign of Gemini, suggesting that his intellectual and literary attributes are influenced by the constellation under which he was born. He also mentions the baptistery affectionately in another passage.
Tip:
Admission to the Baptistery is included with the standard ticket that covers the Duomo sights, excluding the cathedral itself (which is free), within a 72-hour period. A dress code must be observed, with no shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Both men and women should ensure their knees and shoulders are covered. To attend the daily mass, arrive at around 10:30am at the door opposite the main entrance and inform the attendant that you wish to attend the "mass" or "messa."
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Florence. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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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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In general, the 鈥渙sterias鈥� and the eateries nestled in Sant鈥橝mbrogio Market will offer cheaper and more casual food with an emphasis on home... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
In general, the 鈥渙sterias鈥� and the eateries nestled in Sant鈥橝mbrogio Market will offer cheaper and more casual food with an emphasis on home... view more
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Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Duomo Walking Tour
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
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Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
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Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Dante's Florence Walking Tour
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
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Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Florence's Hidden Art Treasures
The 鈥淐radle of the Renaissance,鈥� Florence is one of Europe鈥檚 most beautiful and busiest destinations, home to some of the world's greatest pieces of art and architecture. The iconic masters like Giotto, Botticelli, Raphael and Michelangelo, as well as their somewhat less-known but equally talented counterparts, such as Ghirlandaio, Sangallo and Castagno, have blessed this city with... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
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