The Gates of Paradise (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is The Gates of Paradise?
What makes it 79% Kids-Friendly: Children get €5 tickets, can play Bible-scene spotting games, and elevators help with accessibility, but the site lacks interactive displays, requires low voices, and offers no on-site restrooms.
Positives:
- Free Outdoor Viewing: No ticket required to see the replica panels on the Baptistery exterior.
- Under-7s Enter Free: Children under 7 can join museum visits and tours at no charge.
Challenges:
- Ticket Lines: Queues can form at peak times—buy the Ghiberti Pass online to skip waiting.
- Narrow Museum Corridors: Some passageways are tight; use a child carrier instead of a bulky stroller.
What is The Gates of Paradise?
- A series of gilded bronze doors forming the east portal of the Baptistery of San Giovanni in Florence
- Ten high-relief panels by Lorenzo Ghiberti depicting key Old Testament narratives
- Designer Lorenzo Ghiberti cast and gilded them between 1425 and 1452, setting a benchmark for sculptural refinement in the early Renaissance
What is so special about The Gates of Paradise for with kids?
- See Ghiberti’s golden bronze panels up close without a ticket fee
- Compare pristine originals indoors with a Ghiberti Pass and family map
- Keep kids engaged with a Bible-scene scavenger hunt and gelato reward
- Book a family-friendly guided tour; under-7s go free
- Plan early visits in summer and winter afternoons for comfort and fewer crowds
Recommended visit duration: 1–2 hours
Why 1–2 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Enough time to see the outdoor doors, visit the originals in the museum, and complete a scavenger hunt without rushing young children.
Kids-Friendly Activities in The Gates of Paradise
Admire the Replica Doors Outside:
Study Lorenzo Ghiberti’s gilded bronze panels on the Baptistery exterior.
Tip: Visit at mid-morning or late afternoon for softer light and fewer crowds; let kids spot familiar Bible scenes like Adam & Eve.
Explore the Originals in the Opera del Duomo Museum:
Compare the cleaned, gilded originals in the climate-controlled “Hall of Paradise.”
Tip: Use a Ghiberti Pass; ask for a family map at the desk so kids can follow key reliefs up close.
DIY Doors Scavenger Hunt:
Turn panel-spotting into a game by finding specific Old Testament stories.
Tip: Pick up a printed hunt sheet at the ticket office or print one beforehand; reward kids with a gelato after finding all items.
Join a Family-Friendly Guided Tour:
Follow a kid-focused guide who tells fun stories behind each panel.
Tip: Book online in advance; tours are free for children under 7 and keep little ones engaged with interactive questions.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to The Gates of Paradise
- Buy Tickets in Advance: Reserve Ghiberti Passes online to jump the line at the ticket office.
- Start Outside, Then Inside: Begin with the free replica, then move to the museum to maintain kids’ interest.
- Use the ‘Access to Opera’ App: Download the free app for videos and audio to deepen kids’ engagement at their own pace.
- Bring Water and Snacks: There’s no café inside; refill bottles at nearby fountains and carry light snacks for breaks.
Reviews of The Gates of Paradise
Eddie Vicencio
…Great Atmosphere one of the best places to enjoy the vacation in Italy.
Seokjin Ham
The east doors of the baptistery are considered a masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture. Known as the Gates of Paradise, the name was inspired by Michelangelo, who famously remarked that the doors were worthy of the gates of heaven. Created by Lorenzo Ghiberti between 1425 and 1452, the doors are crafted in gilded bronze, standing approximately 5.2 meters high and 3 meters wide. Ghiberti employed v...
Hassaan M
These are replicas of Ghiberti's original eastern doors of the baptistry that are currently housed in the Duomo musuem. I found these to be solemn and a work of high art considering that they are very detailed and a fruit of 27 years of hard work. Don't miss these if you are visiting Il Duomo as they stand right in front of it but in an easy to overlook spot.
A Cuchy
Beautiful craftsman ship. Even though these are a replica the impression from the size and the gorgerous golden reliefs of stories from the Old Testament are still a sight to behold. You can't miss it them as you visit the front of the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella. The originals has wisely been moved inside to the Opera del Duomo Museum.
L RR
Among the many monuments that worth to be seen in Florence, it the Porta del Paradiso is one of the great works that some times remains hidden. It often happens that, focusing own attention on the most famous places in the city such as Piazza della Signoria, the Ponte Vecchio and the Duomo, it is lost sight of the masterpieces that is possible to have under own eyes. One of the works that perhaps...
When is the best time to visit The Gates of Paradise (Florence, Italy)?
Summer mornings are cooler and less crowded. In spring, the piazza is lively but bring a hat. Winter afternoons offer warm museum galleries away from the chill.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Ghiberti Pass for 2 Adults | EUR 30 |
| Ghiberti Pass for 1 Child (7–14) | EUR 5 |
| Family Guided Tour (2 Adults) | EUR 50 |
| Family Guided Tour (1 Child 7–14) | EUR 15 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 100 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of The Gates of Paradise
Address: Piazza del Duomo, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
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About The Gates of Paradise
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+39 055 230 288510 BEST nearby Activities
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