The Baptistery | A real treasure of Florence Dome

The amazing Baptistery of San Giovanni is part of Florence's Duomo Complex and it is managed by Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore. You can get access to this magnificent religious building with a 72-hour ticket that grants you entrance into the Duomo Complex (Dome or Cupola included). The better way to discover this magnificent spot is with a local in a guided tour of Duomo Complex

A bit of history about Florence Baptistery

Not much is known about the origins of this Baptistery, but we do know that it has been a discussed topic for centuries. There are Florentine legends that say the Baptistery was once a Roman temple dedicated to Mars. This theory was gradually abandoned and definitely disproven when remains of an ancient private residence were found while digging under it for maintenance in the 19th century, along with some impressive mosaics! It's not clear if this structure has any relation at all with churches like Santa Reparata which date back hundreds of years earlier but you can discover them to find .

There are alsso some things which can attest with certainty; firstly written mention came when 897 AD when an emissary would go "to justice" (or face his judgment) at San Giovanni Church right beside them—also consecrated by Pope Nicholas II.

The Baptistery is a magnificent building that has been covered in marble for centuries. The inside of the Duomo was finished around 1300, but there are no written records to prove the time of its opening or who built this impressive structure.

It's interesting how we know so much more about its decoration than what existed before, such as exterior surfaces and materials used during construction time.

The doors

In the Baptistery, there are some really impressive pieces of art. The main work of art that gets the most attention is a huge door made in bronze by Andrea Pisano! The first 20 panels tell the story of John the Baptist, while the other eight show the 3 theological virtues (hope, faith and charity) Pisano decided to add humility as well.

The most famous eastern door in Florence, known as the Porta del Paradiso, is decorated in gold to represent salvation. This particular door was commissioned by an artist who wanted his work recognized after winning a contest in which many other prominent artists competed against each other including fellow artisan Filippo Brunelleschi.

The door known as "Porta del Paradiso" is Ghiberti's most famous work. Unfortunately the door was damaged by a flood in 1966, it is possible to admire the copy in the baptistery, but the original panels are kept in the Museo del Duomo which is located in Piazza del Duomo Florence Italy, 9 - where they have been restored.