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The Baptistery of St. John, Florence

4.6

World heritage site · Religious Site · Hidden Gem · Architectural Building

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The Baptistery of St. John is one of the oldest buildings in the city, constructed between 1059 and 1128. It's renowned for the three sets of bronze doors. Observe how the eight lower panels of the south doors depict the virtues of hope, faith, charity, humility, fortitude, temperance, justice, and prudence. The most famous set, the east doors, are a copy; the originals are being preserved in the Duomo's museum. You still get a sense of their importance and you can admire the depiction of "The Story of Joseph." Inside the baptistery, be sure to look up at the domed, mosaic ceiling. To visit The Baptistery of St. John and get the most from your holiday in Florence, create itinerary details personal to you using our Florence holiday maker.

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Tours to The Baptistery of St. John

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The Baptistery of St. John reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating

4,442 reviews

Google

4.7

By Tracy L

This beautiful 8 sided building was considered the most important building where poor and rich were baptised together. Sadly the renovation meant the ceiling was not visible but outside and the...

This beautiful 8 sided building was considered the most important building where poor and rich were baptised together. Sadly the renovation meant the ceiling was not visible but outside and the... more »
By thankunextbeach

Overshadowed by the massive Duomo, this complements the surrounding areas and don't forget to check out the Gate of Paradise, it took almost three decades to finish the doors and it shows that it was.... more

Overshadowed by the massive Duomo, this complements the surrounding areas and don't forget to check out the Gate of Paradise, it took almost three decades to finish the doors and it shows that it was.... more »
By TheShis

This is a lovely baptistery, located next to the famous Duomo. The building itself features a gorgeous exterior (don't miss the bronze door) and a fantastic interior (which is, however, not worth the.... more

This is a lovely baptistery, located next to the famous Duomo. The building itself features a gorgeous exterior (don't miss the bronze door) and a fantastic interior (which is, however, not worth the.... more »

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Google

By Dee-Aye Acuna

Amazing exterior and I would say that with the paint and color of the church, it appears differently in photos, like a drawing coming into life. Definitely a work of art. This is a good spot to start your travel around the town center

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By Nicole Chu

Unique aesthetic on the outside, and intricate ceiling on the inside. It was smaller than I anticipated and we didn’t spend long, but it was beautiful to admire. We visited in the afternoon and didn’t have to wait to get in.

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By Fabien Bourgogne

Magnificent baptistery just in front of the most beautiful cathedrals I have ever seen. The architecture is so atypical with awesome colours. This is a must see attraction in Florence!

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By Noha Afifi

Such a beautiful Baptistery. The marble facade and the mosaic ceiling are extremely beautiful. It also have beautiful bronze doors. It is a must see attraction in Florence and it is right next to the Duomo cathedral. The whole square is beautiful and full of touristic attractions.

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By Cathleen Colehour

The Baptistery of St. John is a stunning octagonal basilica that stands next to The Duomo in Florence. It was started in 1059 and completed some 60 years later. The dome itself is a wonderful architectural example, but the decoration/painting/detail are positively breath-taking. To think that this magnificent structure was completed 900 years ago is mind-boggling.

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