The Baptistery of St. John

The Baptistery of St. John

The Baptistery of St. John (also known as the Baptistery of Florence) is part of the Florence Cathedral Complex which also includes the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore with Brunelleschi's Dome, Giotto's Bell Tower and the Opera del Duomo Museum. Built in the 13th century, it celebrates the city's patron saint, St. John the Baptist. The complex features the Florentine Romanesque style and a characteristic octagonal shape. The exterior is covered in white marble and green marble of Prato.

When stepping inside, the interior decorations of the dome immediately catch the eye, featuring precious mosaic art and occupying three of the eight sides depicting scenes of the Universal Judgement. The baptistery is also renowned for its three sets of artistic bronze doors with relief sculptures: the south door was created by Andrea Pisano and the north and east doors by Lorenzo Ghiberti. Michelangelo nicknamed the east door the Gate of Paradise. Many important figures were baptized here, including: Italian poet Dante Alighieri and many other important Renaissance figures, including members of the De Medici family.