Located in Piazza del Duomo, right in front of the Florence Cathedral, the Battistero is an octagonal monumentwas built in the 4th-5th century AD, over the ruins of a 1st century Roman temple dedicated to Mars.
Being one of the oldest buildings in Florence, the Baptistery has been the centre of the religious life in the city since the earliest days of the Christian cult. In fact, up until the end of the 19th century, all Catholics in Florence were baptized within its doors.
Also known as the Baptistry of Saint John, it has three entrance doors open on the east, north and south of the square. The main entrance is to the east, in front of the Florence Cathedral. Its interior deserves a visit, to admire the splendid mosaics that decorate the octagonal cupola and the marble pavement.