The Florence Baptistery: A Historical Overview

History of the Baptistery

The Florence Baptistery is an integral part of the Duomo complex, which also includes the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the Campanile. Historians believe that construction of the Baptistery, also known as Battistero San Giovanni or Saint John’s Baptistery, began in 1059, making it one of the oldest buildings in Florence.

This octagon-shaped structure is particularly renowned for its bronze doors, featuring intricately carved depictions of biblical scenes. Designed by Andrea Pisano, the south doors were the first set commissioned for the Baptistery, showcasing 28 bronze reliefs. The upper 20 reliefs illustrate scenes from the life of St. John the Baptist, while the eight lower reliefs depict virtues like Prudence and Fortitude. These remarkable doors were mounted at the south entrance of the Baptistery in 1336.

Lorenzo Ghiberti and the Gates of Paradise

Lorenzo Ghiberti is closely associated with the Baptistery doors, as he and his workshop designed the building’s north and east doors. In 1401, Ghiberti triumphed in a competition to create the north doors, a prestigious event organized by Florence’s Wool Merchants’ Guild. Ghiberti competed against Filippo Brunelleschi, who would later become the architect of the Duomo. The north doors are akin to Pisano’s south doors, featuring 28 panels; the top 20 depict the life of Jesus, from the “Annunciation” to the “Miracle of Pentecost,” while the lower panels represent saints such as Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and others. Ghiberti commenced work on these doors in 1403, and they were installed at the north entrance of the Baptistery in 1424.

Due to his success with the north doors, the Calimala Guild asked Ghiberti to craft the east doors, which face the Duomo. These doors, cast in bronze and partially gilded, took Ghiberti an impressive 27 years to complete. The east doors surpassed the beauty and artistry of the north doors, demonstrating Ghiberti’s unparalleled skill in achieving perspective on a low-relief surface, a feat that continues to amaze art historians. The east doors consist of 10 panels depicting detailed biblical scenes and characters such as “Adam and Eve in Paradise,” “Noah,” “Moses,” and “David.” They were installed at the east entrance of the Baptistery in 1452. It was around 100 years later that Renaissance master Michelangelo referred to them as the “Gates of Paradise,” a name that remains in use today.

To safeguard the doors from the elements, the reliefs visible are now copies. The originals, along with the artists’ sketches and molds, are housed in the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo.

Baptistery Interior

While visitors can admire the door reliefs without an admission fee, it is worthwhile to purchase a ticket to experience the Baptistery’s stunning interior. The interior is adorned in polychrome marble, and its cupola is embellished with golden mosaics. These mosaics, arranged in eight concentric circles, illustrate scenes from Genesis, the Last Judgment, and the lives of Jesus, Joseph, and Saint John the Baptist. Additionally, the interior features the tomb of Antipope Baldassare Coscia, sculpted by renowned artists Donatello and Michelozzo.

Furthermore, the Baptistery serves a deeper purpose beyond aesthetics. Many notable Florentines, including Dante and members of the Medici family, were baptized here. Indeed, throughout the 19th century, all Catholics in Florence underwent baptism in Battistero San Giovanni.

Practical Information

Location: Piazza Duomo in the historic center of Florence.

Hours: Sundays 8:15 am to 1:30 pm, Tuesday-Friday 8:15 am to 10:15 am, 11:15 am to 7:30 pm, Saturdays 8:15 am to 7:30 pm.

Admission: A cumulative ticket to the entire Duomo complex costs €18 and is valid for 72 hours after the first entry.

Information: For more details, visit the Baptistery website or call +39 055 2302885.