Baptistery of San Giovanni

Why go

The font gathers work by Donatello, Ghiberti and Jacopo della Quercia in a single room, so you can compare how different artists tell episodes from the life of John the Baptist. Vecchietta's painted vaults add another layer overhead. Its scale makes it easier to study individual panels than in the much larger cathedral.

What to look for

• Bronze panels around the hexagonal font tell episodes from John the Baptist's life.
• Donatello and Ghiberti contributed to the font's sculpture.
• Vecchietta's frescoes draw your eye from the font to the vaults.

Useful to know

• Allow about 35 minutes and examine the font from more than one side.
• Combine it with Siena Cathedral above; check the operator's current ticket options and timetable first.

Your next visit

Estimated · Declared scenario and planning estimates; no live opening, weather, queue or booking service.