A Gothic baptistery built under the Cathedral apse, with a font by Jacopo della Quercia and bronze reliefs by Donatello and Ghiberti.
The Baptistery of San Giovanni was built in the 14th century to support the east end of the Cathedral, which rises above it on a platform; the church choir sits over the baptistery. The interior has Gothic vaults frescoed with scenes from the Creed. Its centrepiece is the hexagonal baptismal font (1417-1430) in marble and gilded bronze, a collaboration among the leading sculptors of early Renaissance Italy. Jacopo della Quercia designed the structure; Lorenzo Ghiberti contributed two reliefs; Donatello made the bronze Feast of Herod relief and the figures of Faith and Hope. Together they make the room a small museum of the origins of Florentine and Sienese Renaissance sculpture.
| Admission | Adult Included in the OPA SI Pass (about EUR 16-20 / ~$18-23) · Child Reduced rates on the OPA SI Pass |
|---|---|
| Typical visit | 20-30 minutes |
| Best time | Mid-morning |
| Getting there | Entrance from the stairs on Piazza San Giovanni behind the Cathedral apse |
| Address | Piazza San Giovanni, 53100 Siena SI, Italy |
Good to know
- Best for
- art lovers, sculpture fans
Location
Piazza San Giovanni, 53100 Siena SI, Italy
43.3181, 11.3293 View on map
Highlights
- Hexagonal font (1417-1430)
- Donatello's Feast of Herod relief
- Reliefs by Ghiberti and Jacopo della Quercia
- Vaults frescoed with scenes of the Creed
Tips for visiting
- The entrance is on the street behind the Cathedral, not inside it
- Study the hexagonal bronze font and its gilt panels
- Covered by the OPA SI Pass
When to visit
Mid-morning on weekdays.
Accessibility
Steps down from the piazza level; limited accessibility. Contact the Opera on +39 0577 283048.
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the Baptistery entrance?
On Piazza San Giovanni, down the steps behind the Cathedral apse.
Who made the baptismal font?
Jacopo della Quercia designed it, with bronze reliefs by Donatello, Ghiberti and others, between 1417 and 1430.