Baptistery of San Giovanni

The Baptistery of San Giovanni, in Siena

The Baptistery of San Giovanni is one of the jewels of the monumental complex of the cathedral of Siena. The Siena audio-guided tour stops here, with respect, to evoke this Gothic building, famous for its marble façade and its baptismal font adorned with masterpieces.

The Gothic baptistery and its baptismal font

Positioned below the cathedral, the Baptistery of San Giovanni is one of the jewels of the monumental complex of Siena. Its construction began in 1316, under the direction of the architect Camaino di Crescentino, and its square form contrasts with the traditional octagonal structure of the Italian baptisteries. Its façade in white and green marble immediately attracts the gaze, but it remains unfinished in its upper part: originally, it was to be integrated into the grandiose project of enlargement of the Duomo, which was never completed. Inside, the baptistery shelters an exceptional treasure: its magnificent Renaissance baptismal font, adorned with gilded bronze panels sculpted by the greatest masters of the era, among whom Donatello, Lorenzo Ghiberti and Jacopo della Quercia. The frescoes and the painted vaults complete this decor of great richness. A sanctuary and a jewel of art, the Baptistery of San Giovanni is discovered with respect.

What to see

You admire, with respect, the square-shaped baptistery whose construction began in 1316, with a white and green marble façade that remained unfinished, and above all its magnificent Renaissance baptismal font adorned with gilded bronze panels sculpted by Donatello, Ghiberti and Jacopo della Quercia, under painted vaults. The Baptistery of San Giovanni is a jewel of the complex of the cathedral of Siena. It is a stop to be discovered with respect.

Practical information

The Baptistery of San Giovanni lies below the cathedral, in the heart of Siena, reachable on foot. A place of worship and a jewel of the monumental complex, it can be visited with respect; access and hours follow their own conditions, which vary. It is best to check them before coming.

What is particular about the Baptistery of San Giovanni of Siena?

Its square form, which contrasts with the octagonal Italian baptisteries, its white and green marble façade that remained unfinished, and above all its Renaissance baptismal font adorned with gilded bronze panels sculpted by Donatello, Ghiberti and Jacopo della Quercia.

Where is the Baptistery of San Giovanni of Siena?

Below the cathedral, in the heart of Siena, in Tuscany, in Italy.