Children can still be baptised here on the first Sunday of the month. However there is only time for four, so make your request early!
The Baptistery of St John dates from the 11th century, making it one of the oldest buildings in Florence. Built in the Florentine Romanesque style, it has the status of a minor basilica. With its white and green marble façade, it is in keeping with the other two masterpieces in the Piazza del Duomo: the Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore, and the Giotto Campanile.
The three buildings are similar, but you can’t miss the baptistery: it’s octagonal, after all. The octagon has been a common shape for baptisteries for a long time. The number eight represents the six days of creation, the Day of Rest, and a day of re-creation through baptism.
Stairway to Heaven
It has three sets of bronze doors which bear panels telling the story of humanity and the redemption. The south doors were made be Andrea Pisano, whereas the north and east doors were made by Lorenzo Ghiberti. Though the originals are now held in the Grande Museo del Duomo for safekeeping, the copies of Ghiberti’s renowned doors of the Porta del Paradiso are still marvellous. None other than Michelangelo himself gave the door that name, and he knew what he was talking about.
Redemption, for some
Inside, a magnificent mosaic ceiling looms overhead. It dates from the 13th century, and the section above the altar depicts the Last Judgement, with the rewards of the saved at Christ’s right hand and the punishments of the damned at his left. Hieronymus Bosch would have been proud of the latter: sinners are variously roasted on spits, crushed by rocks and chewed on by beasts.
Please note that there is often a long line to enter into the Duomo of Florence. If the line is too long you will not visit the interior of the Cathedral on tour, and your guide will give you tips on the best time to return to avoid standing in line.
Discover the highlights of Florence and follow an expert and entertaining tour guide to the most significant places through the historical centre and learn about the amazing history of the city from the time it was the capital of the Renaissance to the time it became the capital of early unified Italy.
On your private half-day tour, you will:
Your tour begins in the prestigious Accademia Gallery, where you will enjoy timed entrance tickets to the museum, and explore stunning artwork, including Michelangelo's David.
Then see the religious centre of the city: admire the Duomo, whose impressive Dome was designed by Brunelleschi, and the Baptistery of Saint John, one of the oldest buildings in Florence. From the religious centre, you will walk to the political centre, and enjoy a pleasant stroll through Piazza Della Signoria, surrounded by its ancient buildings and the Loggia Dei Lanzi.
In this open-air museum, we will see original masterpieces by Giambologna and Cellini. From there, you'll cross the famous Ponte Vecchio, the medieval bridge on the Arno River. Your tour finishes with a delicious gelato (on us!) before your guide leaves you with recommendations for how to spend the remainder of your day.
This half-day tour of Florence's Renaissance artwork and architecture is a must for all visitors.
Please note: that there is often a long line to enter into the Duomo of Florence. If the line is too long you will not visit the interior of the Cathedral on tour, and your guide will give you tips on the best time to return to avoid standing in line.
Please note that there is often a long line to enter into the Duomo of Florence. If the line is too long you will not visit the interior of the Cathedral on tour, and your guide will give you tips on the best time to return to avoid standing in line.
Please note that there is often a long line to enter into the Duomo of Florence. If the line is too long you will not visit the interior of the Cathedral on tour, and your guide will give you tips on the best time to return to avoid standing in line.
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