Baptistery (Battistero)
- Address: Piazza San Giovanni, Florence
- Hours: Open daily 12:15pm - 7pm, Sun: 8:30am - 2pm. Closed Jan 1, Easter, Sept 8 and Dec 25
- Admission: € 4
ATTRACTION Keywords:
Cultural Experience,
Religious Experience,
Church / Cathedral,
Monument - Historical
One of the oldest buildings in Florence, it's thought that the octagonal Baptistery stands on the site of an ancient Roman temple. It may even have been built as early as the 5th century. The striking Romanesque cladding of white and green marble was added in the early 12th century.
Inside, the Baptistery features gold mosaics, marble columns and tombs. Look up to catch the best views of the gilded mosaics covering the cupola.
Perhaps the Baptistery's most famous attraction is its trio of gilded bronze doors, decorated with panels. Examine the panels up close to admire their incredible details.
Latest Reviews
Review by Anonymous, August 2007
Doing what: Florence Half-Day or Full-Day Sightseeing Tour
Review by Elizabeth T, December 2011
Doing what: Tuscany in One Day Sightseeing Tour
This was a fun day! My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed learning the history of the sites and seeing the beauty of the landscape. Definitely worth it! My only disappointment was that we did not arrive in Pisa until 30 minutes before everything closed..So were not able to purchase tickets to see the baptistery and see the inside of any of the buildings.
Practical Info
The Baptistery is next to the Duomo off Piazza del Duomo. It's a short walk from the train station in the north of central Florence.
