Octagonal baptistery
This is the oldest building in Florence. It served as the city’s first cathedral as early as 9th century AD.
Columns and unique floor
The interior’s ancient granite columns are believed to have come from the city’s old Roman capitol and the pavement mosaic likely belonged to an old Roman bakery.
Main entrance
Façade details
The exterior was embellished in the 11th century and the dome was added in the 12th and 13th centuries.
Mosaic dome
The interior’s mosaic ceiling is the only large-scale mosaic in the city and was inspired by Venetian trends.
Interior detail
South doors
In the 14th century, a majestic entrance was added: the bronze, 28-panel south doors that narrate John the Baptist’s (patron saint of Florence) life.
North doors
The other doors were not completed until the a century later, thanks to a plague outbreak and general political turmoil. The north door shows the Sacrifice of Isaac, and is an offering to celebrate the passing of the Black Death.
The stunning east doors
The east doors are the most magnificent. They took 27 years to complete and depict Old Testament scenes.
Piazza del Duomo, Firenze, Italy
Open 11:15 a.m. – 7 p.m.
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