The octagonal Chapel of John the Baptist (Battisterio San Giovanni) dates from the 4th-5th centuries, making it the oldest religious building in Florence.

However, its present form dates from the 11th and 12th centuries. The bronze entrance door, known as the "Porta del paradiso", with a depiction of the Old Testament, which can be found just opposite the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, is sure to catch your eye.

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A similar chapel dedicated to baptisms can be found under the same name in nearby Pisa.

The sumptuous baptismal font will dazzle

During the Middle Ages, especially in large cities, the tradition was that no unbaptised person, including small children, could enter the church. Therefore, separate buildings, called baptisteries, were built to serve baptisms and other religious celebrations.

The interior of the baptistery is sure to impress all visitors. It contrasts sharply with the austere Gothic interior of the adjacent Cathedral of Our Lady of the Blossom, and the Baptistery of St John the Baptist was one of the most ornate buildings in Florence.

The floor and ceiling of the dome are decorated with the most beautiful European mosaics. In particular, the huge fresco with numerous gildings on the ceiling of the baptistery, which depicts Christ on a throne with 6 bands of different scenes, is particularly dominant. The mosaic ceiling is the work of many artists, mainly from Venice.

The exterior of the chapel has a typical Tuscan look with white and dark green marble panelling.

Three bronze doors

The three massive bronze doors leading to the baptistery are considered to be one of the absolute highlights of Tuscan medieval art.

• Thesouthern gate is the oldest and dates back to 1330 by the architect Andrea Pisano. It features scenes from the life of John the Baptist and is considered the last work of Gothic sculpture in Florence.
• TheNorth Gate was created between 1401 and 1424 by Lorenzo Ghiberti and features themes from the New Testament.
• The Gate of Paradise is one of Florence's most famous monuments and is also by Lorenzo Ghiberti. The name "Gate of Paradise" was coined by the famous Michelangelo Buonarroti himself. Ghiberti created the gate between 1425 and 1452 and depicts scenes from the Old Testament.

Admission and opening hours

Although one of the world's greatest cathedrals is the main focus of attention in Piazza del Duomo, where the Baptistery stands, we definitely recommend a visit to the Baptistery, especially for its beautiful interior.

There are no separate tickets for the baptistery only, you can choose from three different types of tickets:

• Brunelleschi Pass - Baptistery, Dome, Bell Tower, Museo dell'Opera dell Duomo: 30 eur (children under 14 for 12 eur)
• Giotto Pass - baptistery, bell tower, Museo dell'Opera dell Duomo: 20 eur (children under 14 for 7 eur)
• Ghiberti Pass - baptistery, Museo dell'Opera dell Duomo: 15 eur (children under 14 for 5 eur),

There are no discounts for seniors.

Tickets can also be purchased online at: operaduomofirenze.skiperformance.com.

When buying online, you choose the date and time, but the exact time must be observed only when entering the dome. Tickets are always valid for 3 days from the date of purchase and individual sights can be visited repeatedly.

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