How To Reach Baptistery Of St John

Reaching the Baptistery of St. John in Florence, Italy

Lying in the heart of Florence, the Baptistery of St. John is an iconic religious structure known for its architectural beauty and historical significance. There are several ways to arrive at this destination:

By Air

If you are traveling internationally, the closest airport is Florence Airport, Peretola (Aeroporto di Firenze-Peretola). Upon arrival, you can take a taxi, or the Volainbus shuttle service directly to the Florence city center. The journey typically takes about 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

By Train

Florence's main railway station is Santa Maria Novella (Firenze SMN), well-connected to major Italian cities via high-speed trains like Frecciarossa, Italo, and Intercity trains. After arriving at the station, the Baptistery is just a short walk away. The distance is less than a 10-minute walk, heading southeast towards the Duomo Square (Piazza del Duomo).

By Car

If you're driving into Florence, be aware that the city center is a limited traffic zone (ZTL) where unauthorized vehicles are not permitted during certain hours. It is advisable to park in one of the many lots outside the ZTL and either walk or take public transport to the Baptistery. The nearest parking area is the Parcheggio Parterre on Via Madonna Della Tosse.

By Public Bus

A dense network of public buses run by ATAF is available throughout Florence. Many lines stop near the Baptistery, including C2 and C3, which are the central loop lines. Remember to purchase your ticket before boarding and validate it once on the bus.

On Foot

Given that Florence is a compact city, the Baptistery is easily accessible on foot from many parts of the city center. The Baptistery is situated in the Piazza del Duomo, adjacent to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Florence Cathedral).

Once you reach the Piazza del Duomo, the Baptistery stands out with its distinctive Florentine Romanesque architecture. It's renowned for its three sets of artistically important bronze doors with relief sculptures. The east doors are known as the Gates of Paradise.

Tips for Visitors

• Make sure to check the opening times as they may vary throughout the year.
• Consider purchasing a combined ticket if you plan to visit other monuments in the area, such as the Cathedral and the Campanile.
• Wear comfortable shoes as you'll likely be walking on cobblestones.
• Respect the sacred nature of the Baptistery, dressing modestly is recommended.