Battistero di San Giovanni
Battistero di San Giovanni
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
911 reviews
Excellent
538
Very good
291
Average
65
Poor
11
Terrible
6
RjessMMM
Vancouver, WA564 contributions
Oct 2022
This was part of larger ticket that we bought and this was a fairly quick visit. It is at the bottom of the stairs of the Duomo and basically this area provides another wonderful view of the Duomo. Much of this is under construction so the area is fairly compressed. Nonetheless it is definitely worth a visit to enjoy another aspect of the history of this wonderful city. The frescos and mosaics were spectacular. Enjoy.
Written November 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DianeER
Falls Church, VA2,079 contributions
Oct 2015 • Couples
Tips: if you have time, it’s worth it to come down here for a few minutes but note you must walk down a long flight of stairs next to the Duomo to get to it. Of course this means on exiting, you must climb back up the same flight of steep steps or take the long walk around.
The bronze panels by Ghiberti, Donatello and others make it worth a quick stop.
Tips: it only takes around 25 minutes to see this. If you don’t have enough time, it can definitely be missed.
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The bronze panels by Ghiberti, Donatello and others make it worth a quick stop.
Tips: it only takes around 25 minutes to see this. If you don’t have enough time, it can definitely be missed.
If you like my review, I hope you'll click the 'helpful' button; those of us who write reviews live for those and it motivates us to do more.
Written February 13, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Torte_Sue
Vonore, TN1,420 contributions
Apr 2016 • Couples
We purchased combination tickets with the Cathedral. Many people skip the Baptistery because it is a bit difficult to reach. You must walk down a steep hill or go s long way around the Cathedral. But it is definitely worth the 30-60 minutes.
The center is taken by the baptismal font which has bronze panels around around it. It was made in the 1420s and shows early Renaissance work including the addition of depth to the work. The panels were designed by Ghiberti of Florence Baptistery door fame as well as by Jacopa Della Quercia and Donatello.
The beautiful ceiling and frescoes are also worth seeing.
The center is taken by the baptismal font which has bronze panels around around it. It was made in the 1420s and shows early Renaissance work including the addition of depth to the work. The panels were designed by Ghiberti of Florence Baptistery door fame as well as by Jacopa Della Quercia and Donatello.
The beautiful ceiling and frescoes are also worth seeing.
Written April 22, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Puck55
39 contributions
Aug 2015
Wow, what a stunning place. The ceiling is beautiful. Absolutely worth the visit! Take a seat and stare in amazement at the richly decorated battistero which can give you the feeling like you weren't actually allowed to be there. During our visit it was nice and quiet (no queue !) so we could take our time.
Take the steps to the left of the battistero (whilst facing it), and at the top you'll find the ticket booth to your left. A combined (OPA Si ticket) was 12 euros. (The tickets with the bird's eye view in the cathedral are more expensive, but not always for sale).
My advice would be to buy the ticket (we were at the ticket booth around 10 am and didn't have to wait), wait for the cathedral to open (at 10.30 am), go there first, since it is an amazing experience seeing it empty, if only for a few minutes. After the cathedral, you can either choose to go to the museum to the right of the ticket booth for a terrific panoramic view of the city and/or go to the battistero. We went to the museum first, so we didn't have to wait long (5-10 mns) before we could go up. Afterwards, the battistero was still very much empty. We visited both in the morning. I wouldn't go there in the afternoon, simply because of the amount of people visiting.
However, if that's your only opportunity, please do not hesitate to go anyway!
Take the steps to the left of the battistero (whilst facing it), and at the top you'll find the ticket booth to your left. A combined (OPA Si ticket) was 12 euros. (The tickets with the bird's eye view in the cathedral are more expensive, but not always for sale).
My advice would be to buy the ticket (we were at the ticket booth around 10 am and didn't have to wait), wait for the cathedral to open (at 10.30 am), go there first, since it is an amazing experience seeing it empty, if only for a few minutes. After the cathedral, you can either choose to go to the museum to the right of the ticket booth for a terrific panoramic view of the city and/or go to the battistero. We went to the museum first, so we didn't have to wait long (5-10 mns) before we could go up. Afterwards, the battistero was still very much empty. We visited both in the morning. I wouldn't go there in the afternoon, simply because of the amount of people visiting.
However, if that's your only opportunity, please do not hesitate to go anyway!
Written August 19, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mary E
55 contributions
Nov 2019 • Family
The Baptistry is located on a lower level to the back of the cathedral. To get there, you have to go outside of the cathedral down the steps on the right hand side. It’s a small area but worth a quick stop inside. It’s beautiful. You can buy an admission ticket to the cathedral that also includes the Baptistry.
Written December 13, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wayne S
Mesa, AZ500 contributions
Jun 2019
The baptistery is part of the duomo and cathedral visit. It is attached and behind the cathedral. Worth the quick stop inside to see the beautiful artwork and font. It is small and you can walk in and out in 15 mins.
Written August 8, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Wandering Reviewer
Melbourne, Australia9,804 contributions
May 2018 • Friends
This is a must visit with plenty of history, art and religious things to keep you interested. Well worth a visit. Pay to enter. Pay extra to climb to the top which was worthwhile. All 79 steep steps.
It gets very busy so if you're hoping for that people free photo - forget it. Do explore the little chapels off to the site as they are lovely. Mosaic artwork on the floor stunning
The gift shop has some nice things.
Wheelchair and kid friendly.
It gets very busy so if you're hoping for that people free photo - forget it. Do explore the little chapels off to the site as they are lovely. Mosaic artwork on the floor stunning
The gift shop has some nice things.
Wheelchair and kid friendly.
Written May 11, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrew S
Bellingham, WA1,046 contributions
Jun 2019
It's right underneath the cathedral, down a serie of step stairs. Typically the crowds are much less. Both beautiful and a place that can be restful compared to the rest of Siena on a busy day.
Written May 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Irina I.
Chisinau, Moldova131 contributions
Sep 2019 • Family
Located just in the back of Siennas Cathedral, this place will amaze you with fantastic frescoes on the ceilings and walls.
Not too many tourists even in high season.
Definitely recommend to anyone who enjoys early sienese renaissance.
Not too many tourists even in high season.
Definitely recommend to anyone who enjoys early sienese renaissance.
Written September 14, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
westy54
Sydney, Australia9,047 contributions
Jul 2017 • Couples
The Baptistry of St John is behind and underneath the main Duomo. Entry is included in the combination ticket for the Duomo, library, museum and crypt.
The Baptistry was originally built in the early 14th century and is quite a reasonable size with vaulted rib ceilings. The ceilings, apse and all of the walls are adorned with magnificent, coloured frescoes that were completed during the mid 15th century.
The centre piece though is the spectacular hexagonal marble, bronze and enamel Baptisimal Font which was sculpted by di Turino, Ghiberti, Donatello and Jacopo della Quercia in the early 15th century, depicting scenes from the life of St. John the Baptist.
The Baptistry was originally built in the early 14th century and is quite a reasonable size with vaulted rib ceilings. The ceilings, apse and all of the walls are adorned with magnificent, coloured frescoes that were completed during the mid 15th century.
The centre piece though is the spectacular hexagonal marble, bronze and enamel Baptisimal Font which was sculpted by di Turino, Ghiberti, Donatello and Jacopo della Quercia in the early 15th century, depicting scenes from the life of St. John the Baptist.
Written August 10, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Battistero di San Giovanni
- Hotels near Battistero di San Giovanni:
- (0.00 mi) PALAZZETTO SAN GIOVANNI-in front of the Baptistry
- (0.01 mi) Il Battistero Siena
- (0.02 mi) B&B Palazzo del Magnifico
- (0.02 mi) Castelvecchio in Siena: charming apartment in the medieval city
- (0.03 mi) Nice View - New House in the heart of the Siena
- Restaurants near Battistero di San Giovanni:
- (0.01 mi) Caffetteria il Magnifico
- (0.01 mi) Osteria Il Ghibellino
- (0.01 mi) Enoteca sotto al Duomo
- (0.03 mi) Panificio Il Magnifico
- (0.03 mi) In Carrozza
Battistero di San Giovanni Information
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