About the Baptistry of Saint John the Baptist (Battistero di San Giovanni Battista) in Siena, Italy:
Built between 1316 and 1325, likely by architect Camaino di Crescentino, it serves as a significant example of Sienese Renaissance art and architecture. The Baptistery was constructed to extend the choir of Siena’s Cathedral, a challenging task due to its location at the edge of a steep hill. The roof of the Baptistery supports the cathedral’s extended choir.
The façade, designed in a Gothic style with black and white marble matching the cathedral, remains unfinished in its upper section, possibly due to the Black Death’s impact on the workforce.
The interior features a rectangular hall divided into a nave and two aisles by two columns. The vaults and walls are adorned with vibrant frescoes, making it one of the finest expressions of 15th-century Sienese art. The Baptistery’s opulent interior contrasts with its plain, unfinished exterior, offering a serene yet awe-inspiring atmosphere. Visitors often praise the baptismal font and frescoes for their craftsmanship, though some note it may feel less grand compared to the cathedral itself.
The centerpiece is a hexagonal baptismal font (1417–1431), a masterpiece of early Tuscan Renaissance art crafted in marble, bronze, and vitreous enamel. The font’s six gilded bronze panels depict scenes from the life of St. John the Baptist, a narrative cycle that captures key moments of the saint’s life. It was designed by Jacopo della Quercia and features contributions from prominent sculptors:
Jacopo della Quercia: Designed the marble shrine (1427–1429), sculpted the statuette of St. John the Baptist atop the font, and created the “Annunciation to Zacharias” panel (1428–1429) and five prophet statues in niches.
Donatello: Crafted the “Feast of Herod” panel (1427), which arguably marks the first use of perspective in art. In this case, Donatello etched thin lines into the bronze to create the illusion that the (extremely low) relief extends back into space. It would be years before painters like Masaccio adapted the same technique to fresco. He also contributed two bronze angels.
Lorenzo Ghiberti: Created the “Baptism of Christ” (1427) and “St. John in Prison” panels, using the innovative stiacciato (low-relief) technique for perspective.
Giovanni di Turino: Sculpted the “Birth of John the Baptist” (1427), “Justice,” “Charity,” and “Providence” statues, and three bronze angels.
Goro di Neroccio: Contributed the “Fortitude” statue (1431).
The interior is richly decorated with frescoes, primarily by Lorenzo di Pietro (Vecchietta) and his school (1447–1450). These include the Articles of Faith in the vaults, with apostles and prophets, and scenes like the Flagellation and Road to Calvary in the apse.
Additional frescoes by Benvenuto di Giovanni, Michele di Matteo da Bologna (1477, apse vault), and possibly Piero Orioli adorn the space. The frescoes are celebrated as a pinnacle of Sienese Renaissance painting.
Other Artworks include a polyptych by Andrea Vanni, originally from Santo Stefano alla Lizza, features a Madonna and Child with saints, including St. John the Baptist. The predella is attributed to Giovanni di Paolo.
Statues from the school of Giovanni Pisano and a 1907 depiction of the Baptism of Jesus by <strong>Alessandro Franchi</strong> on the high altar add to the Baptistery’s richness.
The relic of St. John the Baptist’s arm, housed in the cathedral’s Chapel of St. John, is displayed annually from June 19–24.
Traveling to the Baptistry of Saint John the Baptist (Battistero di San Giovanni Battista) in Siena, Italy:
The Baptistery is a short walk from Siena’s main attractions such as Piazza del Campo.
Address: Piazza S. Giovanni, 53100 Siena SI, Italy
Phone: Contact: +39 0577 286300 for inquiries or to confirm schedules.
Please note that tickets must be purchased to visit the Baptistry of Saint John the Baptist in Siena.