Entering the Baptistery of Florence means feeling clearly something: the same sensations and emotions that already people like Giotto or Dante Alighieri felt in their time.
I am sure that the very first thing you are going to do once you enter this place is to raise your eyes to admire the Gothic mosaics of the dome.
Date of birth
The art historians have not yet agreed on its “date of birth” .
IX century... XI century...?
Anyway, the Florentine people were used to see their "Bel San Giovanni" as Dante Alighieri was used to call it long before the Cathedral, Santa Croce, Santa Maria Novella were built and because of this the Baptistery was and is one of the most beloved places of worship in Florence.
Surprises
Of course, when someone thinks to the Baptistery the thoughts go immediately to its 3 doors on its Nord, east and south side. Not many visitors expect to see what this gem has inside . the surprise is endless.
Every time I am here I have the impression of being inside a big treasure trove of precious things, It is enough to look around to see them all :
One of the first “Renaissance tomb” made by Donatello and Michelozzo for the anti-Pope Baldassarre Cossa (John XXIII).
The floor decoration literally carved in marble with geometric and figurative designs.
The floor mosaic of the ancient Roman Domus built in the area before the Baptistery (not easy to see).
The Dome
The amazing gem is the dome, decorated with mosaics from the first half of 1200 to the first half of 1300. The mosaics of the Baptistery's dome are considered among the most important of the Italian Middle Ages.
I'm sure once you get into the Baptistery you will not want to go out before having seen everything!
The length for this private tour of the Baptistery (inside and outside) is 1 hour.
Discounted tour rates in euro, per group, 2023:
1- 2 people=58,00 ; 3 people=68,00 ; 4 people=78,00 ; 5 people=88,00 ; 6 people=98,00 ; 7 people=108,00
(admission fees not included)
FAQ:
Do we need to buy a ticket to enter?
Yes, you do, but with the same ticket you can visit the ruins of the Cathedral of Santa Reparata, climb Brunelleschi's dome, climb the Belltower, visit the Duomo's museum. The full price ticket costs 18,00 euro and you can use it within 72 hours from first use.
Do we need to reserve the entrance in advance?
No, you don't, it is not possible at all to reserve the entrance. It is not necessary.
Can we arrange this tour shorter than 1 hour?
Of course, you can and the rate will be recalculated. All my tours are tailor-made.
Can we mix this tour with other tours?
Yes, you can.
Can we book only this 1 hour tour with you?
Yes you can, but it would be great if you book also another tour, maybe the Duomo Tour or the museum of the Duomo Tour:)
Do we need to dress appropriately for a church?
Yes, you do, legs up to the knee and shoulders must be covered.
