BATTISTERO DI SAN GIOVANNI

The Baptistery of St. John is a religious structure and one of the most authentic icons in Florence, Italy. It is one of the city's oldest buildings, and was constructed between the 11th and 12th centuries. The baptistery is famed for its three sets of ornately carved bronze doors, designed by different artists in the 14th century and is also known for its octagonal shape and the mosaics.

The Baptistery of St. John is a religious structure in Florence, Italy. The building is noted for its architecture, and especially for its three sets of elegantly important bronze doors with relief sculptures. Many other notable Renaissance figures were also baptized in this same baptistery, including members of the Medici family.

The exterior of the building is decorated with intricate mosaics and statues, while the interior is simple and well-lit. The Baptistery of St. John was designed to be a place of worship and baptism, and it remains an active church to this day.

The artwork inside the Baptistery is quite beautiful and includes a number of important works by Florentine artists. It is one of the oldest buildings in Florence and has a long and interesting history. The bronze doors of the Baptistery are among its most famous features as they were created by different artists in different periods to tell stories from the Bible.

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Highlights

• Upon entering the Baptistery of St John, one cannot help but be awestruck by the sheer size and beauty of the interior. The octagonal space is lit by natural light from the large oculus in the dome, and the walls and ceilings are adorned with stunning mosaics.
• Admire the central mosaic on the ceiling depicts the baptism of Christ, and is surrounded by eight scenes from his life.
• Explore the octagonal structure which is considered one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in the world.
• Look closely at the exterior which is decorated with mosaics and relief sculptures, while the interior is home to some of the most famous works of art by Italian Renaissance artists.
• Marvel at the set of bronze doors by Lorenzo Ghiberti that are considered to be one of the finest examples of Renaissance art.
• If you are interested in learning about the history of the Baptistery, then take a guided tour. These tours are offered in multiple languages and give you a comprehensive look at how this structure has changed over time.