Baptistery of San Giovanni

Overview

The Baptistery of San Giovanni is one of Florence's oldest buildings, an octagonal Romanesque structure with a stunning gold mosaic ceiling. Its three sets of bronze doors—especially Ghiberti's 'Gates of Paradise'—are masterpieces of Renaissance sculpture.

Highlights

• Gates of Paradise: Ghiberti's east doors (1425–1452) with 10 gilded panels depicting Old Testament scenes—the originals are in the Museo dell'Opera.
• Mosaic ceiling: 13th-century Byzantine-style gold mosaics depicting the Last Judgment, dominated by a 7-metre Christ.
• Tomb of Antipope John XXIII: Donatello and Michelozzo's 1427 wall tomb.

History

Dating to at least the 4th or 5th century (possibly built on a Roman site), the octagonal structure was Florence's cathedral until 1128. Dante was baptised here.

Visitor Tips

• Combined ticket: Included in the €30 cathedral pass.
• Morning light: The mosaics glow when sun enters the east windows.
• Duration: 20–30 minutes.