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Italy/Things to Do in Florence, solo trip

The Baptistery of St. John (solo trip)

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

81%Solo-Friendly
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What makes it 81% Solo-Friendly: The small site can be explored quickly, audio guides and restoration tour give rich context, but crowds and timed entry limit lingering, so it suits independent travelers very well.

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

Positives:

  • Solo pacing: You can linger at each door panel and mosaic scene at your own speed.
  • Cool interior: The shaded Baptistery feels pleasantly cool on hot days.

Challenges:

  • No large bags: All medium or large bags must go in free luggage storage outside before entry.
  • Limited seating: There are no benches inside; expect to stand while you view mosaics.
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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 solo trip?

  1. Admire Lorenzo Ghiberti’s “Gates of Paradise” bronze panels up close
  2. Explore the jewel-toned mosaics of the golden cupola interior
  3. Use a solo-friendly audio guide for flexible learning
  4. Enjoy cooler temperatures inside during summer
  5. Opt for timed tickets to minimize waiting time

Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours

Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Allows time to admire the facade, explore interior mosaics, and use an audio guide without rushing.

(View The Baptistery of St. John on Map)

Solo-Friendly Activities in The Baptistery of St. John

Examine the “Gates of Paradise”:

Circle the exterior to study the intricate bronze-relief panels on the east door.

Tip: Arrive early to avoid crowds and capture photos in soft morning light.

Skip the line with a Ghiberti Pass:

Use the €15 Ghiberti Pass for timed entry to the Baptistery, Opera del Duomo Museum, and Santa Reparata.

Tip: Book your slot online before arrival to secure your preferred time.

Play a self-guided audio tour:

Download a multilingual audio app that covers the Baptistery’s mosaics, floor, and history.

Tip: Buy and install the app in advance to use it offline inside the building.

Join the restoration-site tour:

Climb scaffolding to stand close to the golden cupola mosaics on Fridays or Saturdays.

Tip: Reserve the €65 English-language tour weeks ahead, as spots fill quickly.

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

  1. Buy tickets online: Secure a timed-entry slot with the Ghiberti Pass to skip ticket lines.
  2. Combine visits: Pair your Baptistery ticket with the Duomo and museum for full context.
🏖️ 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)?

In summer, visit before 10 AM to avoid heat on the marble exterior. In winter afternoons, the facade’s green and white pattern contrasts best with softer light.

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

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Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Ghiberti Pass ticketEUR 15
Audio guide appEUR 8
Total EstimatedEUR 23

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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