Attractions and Places To See around Calenzano - Top 20

Unfortunately, the dome of the Baptistery is currently being restored, so you can't admire it. At least the images are all photographed and described. Nevertheless, you can still see the beautiful marble carvings and some beautiful mosaics beneath the dome. Since the tour is included in the package with most tickets, I would still recommend going in. Please note: Buy tickets in advance, leave your backpacks in advance (behind the cathedral), and don't wear shorts or cover your arms.

Baptistery of St. John the Baptist

The Baptistery of San Giovanni is one of the oldest places of worship in Florence: in the Middle Ages it was thought to be a pagan temple of Roman times dedicated to Mars, later converted into a church. It is characterized by a fascinating octagonal geometric structure and is entirely covered with white and green marble from Prato. Stunningly beautiful, it is hard to imagine that a person could have imagined, drawn and built such a building so many years ago. Whether the viewer is a believer or not, this building will not leave anyone indifferent.

A beautiful building. However, unlike the cathedral, it currently costs 10 euros to enter. However, after looking at the Battistero from the outside, you expect something extraordinary and may be a little disappointed.

Here is the appropriate website to book a ticket https://www.florence-museum.com/de/kathedrale-von-florenz-dom.php

The doorframe of the southern door is also worth noting - the guides always go only to the eastern door.

The Baptistery of San Giovanni in Florence, dedicated to John the Baptist, the city's patron saint, represents, along with the cathedral and the bell tower, one of the most magnificent ensembles, comparable to the Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa. The octagonal building is characterized by the alternation of white and green marble, a stylistic feature that goes back to the classical taste of the Renaissance. The outside of the baptistery is decorated by three bronze portals: in the south by Andrea Pisano and in the north and east by Lorenzo Ghiberti, whose eastern portal is also known as "Porta del Paradiso" (Gate of Paradise). The gilded bronze panels on these doors tell stories from the life of John the Baptist and from the New and Old Testaments. The interior of the baptistery is particularly impressive for its dome, decorated with a large mosaic by Coppo di Marcovaldo depicting the Last Judgment and showing a classic division between blessed and damned souls around a majestic Christ. It is believed that Dante Alighieri, the author of the Divine Comedy, was inspired by the depictions in the Baptistery for his description of the inferno.

One of Florence's most significant landmarks, the Palazzo Vecchio is a masterpiece of 14th-century civil architecture. Originally built as the seat of the city parliament and the center of secular power in Florence, this imposing palace has served various functions over the centuries. Today it serves as the city's town hall and is a must-see for any visitor who wants to experience Florence's rich history and culture. The Palazzo Vecchio impresses not only with its robust architecture and the famous tower that dominates the city's skyline, but also with its magnificent interiors decorated with precious works of art and historic frescoes. A visit offers the opportunity to delve into the past and learn more about Florence's political and social history. Of particular note is the magnificent "Salone dei Cinquecento" (Hall of the Five Hundred), the largest room in the palace used for public gatherings. Here you can find impressive murals by Vasari depicting scenes from the city's history. The private apartments of the Medici family, who lived in the palace for a time, are also of great interest. The Palazzo Vecchio stands in Piazza della Signoria, one of the liveliest and most historically significant squares in Florence, surrounded by other masterpieces of art and architecture. The square and the palace itself are the setting for many important events in Florence's history. Visitors should take the time to climb the tower of the Palazzo Vecchio, from which one can enjoy a breathtaking view of Florence and its surroundings. The climb is strenuous, but the view makes the effort worthwhile.