Florence cathedral baptistery – History, Tickets, and Prices
The Battistero di San Giovanni, nestled in the heart of Florence, is revered as the city’s oldest monument. Located adjacent to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (the Duomo), the baptistery holds immense historical and cultural significance in Florence.
A Rich History
The building was officially named the city’s baptistery in 1128, and for centuries, most Florentine citizens were baptized within its walls. Religious ceremonies continue to be held here to this day.
The Foundations’ Ancient Origins
Although named as the city’s baptistery in the 12th century, the building’s foundations date back much further. Legend suggests that the site initially housed a Roman temple dedicated to Mars. Excavations in the early 20th century confirmed that the baptistery indeed sits atop Roman structures from the 3rd century AD.
A Significant Re-Consecration
On November 6, 1059, Pope Nicholas II, also the Bishop of Florence, re-consecrated the baptistery, dedicating it to Saint John the Baptist, Florence’s patron saint. Saint John’s effigy was also featured on Florence’s ancient currency, the florin.
The Renowned Doors
The Baptistery’s Doors: An Artistic Marvel
The building’s western side means its three entrances face north, east, and south. Initially, these entrances likely had wooden doors, later replaced by renowned gilded bronze doors crafted by Andrea Pisano (approx. 1290-1348) and Lorenzo Ghiberti (1378-1455). To protect them from atmospheric pollution (and tourists), the original doors were moved to the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo (located behind the Duomo).
Pisano’s Contribution
ndrea Pisano created the earliest set of doors between 1330 and 1336, featuring 28 panels, with 20 depicting scenes from Saint John the Baptist’s life and the remaining 8 representing virtues like Hope, Faith, Fortitude, Temperance, Charity, Humility, Justice, and Prudence. Pisano’s inspiration may have partially come from the bronze doors of the Pisa Cathedral, destroyed in a fire in 1595. He received assistance from Venetian metalwork experts for this project. Initially, these doors were installed at the eastern portal, the baptistery’s main entrance, but were later moved to the southern portal in 1424 when Ghiberti completed his first series of doors.
Ghiberti’s Masterpieces
In 1401, a competition was held to commission a second series of bronze doors. Lorenzo Ghiberti, a young goldsmith, triumphed over more experienced rivals like Filippo Brunelleschi. His work began in 1403 and concluded in 1424. The new doors, placed in the prestigious eastern portal, depicted 20 scenes from the New Testament and 8 showing the four Church Fathers and the four Evangelists. Notably, Ghiberti was assisted by his father and artists like Donatello, Michelozzo, Paolo Uccello, and Masolino, marking the start of their illustrious careers.
Ghiberti’s second series of doors, completed in 1452, is famously known as the “Gates of Paradise” (a term attributed to Michelangelo, according to Vasari). These doors, which featured ten panels with scenes from the Old Testament, were immediately installed at the eastern portal. They were later moved to the Museo del Duomo in the 1990s.
The Ceiling Mosaics
The Dazzling Ceiling Mosaics
Upon entering the baptistery, visitors are immediately drawn to the stunning ceiling mosaics with their magnificent golden glow. Funded by the Arte di Calimala, the mosaic work began around 1225 and took about eighty years to complete. Artists involved in the process included Coppo di Marcovaldo (ca. 1225-1276), Meliore di Jacopo (active ca. 1260-1280), and Cimabue (ca. 1240-1302), along with their workshops. The ceiling comprises eight segments, each depicting biblical stories from both the Old and New Testaments. The most striking are the mosaics of the Last Judgment, created between 1260 and 1275, featuring a central image of Christ the Judge attributed to Coppo di Marcovaldo or Meliore di Jacopo.
Papal Tomb
The Tomb of Antipope John XXIII
Internment around the baptistery was common until the end of the 1300s, but burial inside was a rare privilege. The tomb of Antipope John XXIII, created by renowned artists Donatello and Michelozzo, is notably located on the right wall of the chapel. This tomb, despite its occupant’s questionable reputation, is an artistic marvel featuring a gilded bronze effigy, an image of Madonna and Child, and a sculpted marble canopy.
Opening Hours
Baptistery of San Giovanni Florence: Visiting Hours
For 2024, the baptistery is open:
Every day 08:15 am – 10:15 am / 11:15 am – 6:30 am
Hours are subject to change at any time, as this is a religious building and used for religious services
It is possible to enter up to 30 minutes before the closing time. Appropriate attire covering knees and shoulders is required for entry.
To confirm that hours are available on the day you plan to visit, please refer to the official website : duomo.firenze.it
Ticket Prices – Admission Ticket Costs
The cost for various types of admission tickets:
- Standard ticket: €18.00
- Reduced ticket: €3.00 for children aged 6 to 11 years
- Free tickets are available for:
- Children under six years
- One free ticket for a school group instructor (per 10 students)
- One free ticket for group leaders (per 20 people)
- Police officers, if access is for explicit assistance purposes
- Writers with membership in the Italian Unknown Press, the Italian Public Article Request, or approved by the Duomo Exhibit
- Disabled individuals (and their companions if their presence is essential)
- Local escorts and Florentine tour guides with a group.
- Ministers, dignitaries
- Holders of the Firenze Card
Note: The purchased ticket is a single ticket for the Grande Museo del Duomo, which includes the Battistero di San Giovanni, the Tomb of San Nicola Reparata, the Brunelleschi’s Dome, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo. Entrance to the Duomo alone is free.
Ticket Information
The ticket you have selected will be valid for three days starting from the date and time you have chosen.
It can be used once for entry to each monument within 72 hours after the first use.
Booking is recommended for visiting Brunelleschi’s Dome and the Museum.
Access Information
How to Reach the Battistero di San Giovanni
Address: Battistero di San Giovanni – Piazza del Duomo – 50123 Florence (FI)
The baptistery in historic Florence is easily accessible on foot from any central location.