Remembered by Dante as “beautiful San Giovanni”, the octagonal-shaped Baptistery is one of the city’s oldest buildings; it acquired its current appearance in the 11th–12th centuries but probably dates as far back as the 5th century. The exterior is clad with green and white marble from Prato with geometric motifs and the dome has eight segments; decorative statues and low reliefs were added in the 16th century.
The three bronze doors are the work of Andrea Pisano (South Doors, c.1330), and Lorenzo Ghiberti (North Doors, 1402–25, and East Doors, 1425–52). The East Doors, decorated with Scenes from the Old Testament, face the Cathedral and were declared by Michelangelo ‘worthy to be the Gates of Paradise’ (the original doors are now in the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo and have been replaced with copies).
The tessellated marble floor inside dates to the end of the 12th century, while the gold-ground mosaics on the walls and cupola were executed between 1266 and the beginning of the following century by Venetian and Tuscan craftsmen. The Baptistery also houses the Tomb of Anti-Pope John XXIII, attributed to Donatello and Michelozzo and carved in the first half of the 15th century.
Battistero di San Giovanni
Piazza San Giovanni, 50122 Firenze FI, Italia
The monument is accessible to people with motor disabilities through a ramp.
In front of the Baptistery, Piazza S. Giovanni n. 7, there are toilets equipped for people in wheelchairs.
