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Italy/Things to Do in Florence, couple trip

The Baptistery of St. John (couple trip)

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How Couple-Friendly is The Baptistery of St. John?

85%Couple-Friendly
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What makes it 85% Couple-Friendly: The glittering mosaics and legendary bronze doors create a memorable shared moment, and the 1-hour visit fits romantic itineraries, though the cramped nave offers little seating or privacy.

Google
Reviews4.6/ 5
(from 9,340 reviews)

Positives:

  • Artistic detail: Handcrafted mosaics and doors span centuries of craftsmanship.
  • Intimate setting: Smaller crowds allow for a quiet, up-close experience.
  • Central location: Steps from the Cathedral make it easy to combine visits.

Challenges:

  • Queues at peak times: Lines can exceed 30 minutes from midday onward.
  • No seating inside: Prepare to stand while viewing interior mosaics.
  • Limited audio guide: No free audio guide; you must bring your own app or tour.
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🏖️ Explore The Baptistery of St. John with a local guide: GetYourGuide's 10 BEST Activities and Tours around The Baptistery of St. John. Local guides know the hidden gems you'd otherwise miss, read what other travelers experienced, and book easily.

What is The Baptistery of St. John?

  • An octagonal baptistery at Piazza San Giovanni, forming a central element of Florence’s cathedral complex
  • Constructed between the 11th and 12th centuries in Florentine Romanesque style, clad in white and green marble
  • Renowned for its bronze doors—most famously Lorenzo Ghiberti’s “Gates of Paradise”—and its elaborate mosaic-decorated dome

What is so special about The Baptistery of St. John for couple trip?

  1. Admire the renowned bronze "Gates of Paradise" doors together.
  2. Stand beneath golden mosaics to appreciate medieval artistry.
  3. Enhance your visit with a small-group or restoration-site tour.
  4. Enjoy a quieter, intimate setting near the busy Duomo complex.

Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours

Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Couples can admire the façade, explore the interior mosaics, and join a short tour without rushing.

(View The Baptistery of St. John on Map)

Couple-Friendly Activities in The Baptistery of St. John

Admire the exterior façade:

Walk around Piazza San Giovanni and study the white-and-green marble pattern and bronze "Gates of Paradise" doors.

Tip: Photograph the doors at a slight angle in the morning to avoid harsh shadows.

Explore the interior mosaics:

Enter to see the golden cupola mosaics, zodiac floor designs, and scenes on the inner walls.

Tip: Spend a few minutes beneath the dome center to capture the full mosaic pattern above.

Join a small-group guided tour:

Learn detailed art and architectural stories in a 2-hour skip-the-line tour.

Tip: Book the Saturday 3 PM tour online in advance to secure two adjacent seats.

Take the restoration-site tour:

Climb scaffolding to stand close to the cupola mosaics in a limited 10-person visit.

Tip: Reserve the Friday 11 AM English tour at least two weeks before your travel date.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to The Baptistery of St. John

  1. Buy tickets online: Skip the ticket line by booking entry or the Ghiberti Pass in advance.
  2. Pair with Duomo tour: Combine your visit with the Cathedral and Museum pass to save time.
  3. Use early access: Enter at 8:15 AM when doors open to avoid crowds.
🏖️ Tour The Baptistery of St. John like a local: GetYourGuide's Top 10 Activities and Tours in The Baptistery of St. John. Local experts uncover hidden treasures you'd never find alone, browse authentic traveler reviews, and book your perfect adventure hassle-free.

Reviews of The Baptistery of St. John

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Cory Miller

Cory Miller

Aug 2025

Beautiful chapel to St. John located right across the street from the Duomo in Florence. Part of our guided tour, I enjoyed the rich history of this building pointed out by the guide, including the Roman burial area underneath the floor

Seokjin Ham

Seokjin Ham

Jun 2025

The baptistery is one of the oldest buildings in Florence, dedicated to the city’s patron saint, John the Baptist. While its exact origins remain uncertain, some scholars believe it may have been built atop a Roman structure dating back to the 4th century. The current building was consecrated in 1059 by Pope Nicholas II and officially became Florence’s baptistery in 1128. The structure is a master...

Tomi Valny

Tomi Valny

Jun 2025

Baptistery of St. John standing in front of the Cathedral of Florence and its famous for its ceiling mosaics. These are now in restauration process so cannot be seen, but anyway, if you buy a Brunelleschi pass, you can visit the Baptistery of St. John too, together with Dome and Campanille. One can only admire the only restored part of the mosaics above the altar, which is quite impressive. All to...

Martin Vanta

Martin Vanta

May 2025

Florence’s Baptistery of Saint John, located directly across from the Cathedral, is one of the city’s oldest buildings, with roots going back to the 4th or 5th century. It is perhaps best known for its stunning bronze doors—especially the “Gates of Paradise” by Lorenzo Ghiberti. Although the interior was under partial renovation during my visit, the space remains deeply atmospheric and visually ca...

Keith

Keith

May 2025

The Battistero di San Giovanni is one of the oldest buildings in Florence. It is an architectural wonder which apparently took its inspiration from the Pantheon. Even though there is currently restoration work underway, it is well worth visiting. Beautiful mosaics and bronze doors including the stunning Gates of Paradise.

When is the best time to visit The Baptistery of St. John (Florence, Italy)?

Arrive at opening in summer to beat the midday heat; in winter, combine your visit with the nearby Cathedral to stay warm indoors.

✈️ Ready to go? Check the latest flight deals to Florence on Trip.com

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Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Standard admission (2 adults)EUR 30
Small-group guided tour (2 adults)EUR 50
Coffee nearby (2 espressos)EUR 6
Total EstimatedEUR 86

Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve

Map of The Baptistery of St. John

Address: Piazza San Giovanni, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy

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About The Baptistery of St. John

Opening Hours

Monday:8:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Tuesday:8:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Wednesday:8:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Thursday:8:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Friday:8:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Saturday:8:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Sunday:8:30 AM – 7:30 PM

Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Website

Official Website

Phone Number

+39 055 230 2885

Average price

US$ 15.31
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Average price

US$ 15.31
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