Photos: Alvesgaspar, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Nicola Quirico, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Carlo Raso from Naples, Italy, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo credits
Photos: Alvesgaspar, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Nicola Quirico, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Carlo Raso from Naples, Italy, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Inside Florence's octagonal Baptistery
Your local guide
Matteo Colombo
View profile
Highlights
- A dome covered entirely in mosaic
- An eight-sided plan older than the cathedral
- Possibly built on Roman foundations
- Gold mosaic explained scene by scene
- A quieter interior next to a busy square
About this tour
This session goes inside Florence's Baptistery to look at its mosaic-covered dome and unusual eight-sided plan. You see the ceiling mosaics up close, and the octagonal shape of the building itself as the camera turns slowly around the interior. The space stays the whole focus throughout.
We spend most of the time looking up at the dome, since the detail is easy to underexplain quickly. I describe the building's construction history as we turn through the space, and take questions once we finish.
It suits anyone with an interest in early medieval buildings and mosaic work. It pairs naturally with the Gates of Paradise session just outside.
Included
- Live video walk with a local guide
- Questions to your guide all the way
- A short list of places to visit later
Not included
- Internet connection
- Travel to the city
Itinerary
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Welcome and sound check 5 min
The guide joins the video call, checks the picture and sound with you, and gives you a quick sense of Florence before heading out.
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Interior dome 15 min
The camera holds still under the Baptistery's mosaic-covered ceiling, and I explain the scenes depicted in gold across the dome above.
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Octagonal plan 15 min
Turning around the space, I point out the building's eight-sided plan, older than the cathedral itself and possibly built on earlier Roman foundations.
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Your questions 7 min
Time to ask anything about Florence: prices, safety, food, or whatever you are curious about.
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A short list to keep 3 min
Before you go, the guide sums up with a few things worth remembering: a dish to try: Bistecca alla fiorentina and Oltrarno, worth a slower look.
Good to know
- A stable wifi or mobile connection makes the picture smoother than a shaky one.
- Any phone, tablet or laptop with a camera works. You watch, the guide does the walking.
- Times are shown in Rome time, so check the time where you are before you book.
- The session is not recorded, and recording it yourself is not allowed. Feel free to take your own notes.
- Ask questions any time, out loud or in the chat. The guide will pause to answer.
- Sessions run in small groups, up to 10 people, so there is room for everyone to ask something.
Questions about this tour
What will the session cover?
The guide walks through Florence, showing you Interior dome and Octagonal plan live on camera, plus whatever else you would like to see.
What happens if my connection drops?
Rejoin with the same link within a few minutes and the guide will catch you up on anything you missed.
Can I ask the guide questions during the session, or is it a fixed script?
Anything, any time. Sessions leave room for your own questions throughout, not just at the end.
Do I need to know the history already?
No background needed. The guide explains everything as it comes up.
How it works
- You get one join link after booking.
- Join from any device: phone, tablet or laptop.
- We meet on Google Meet; the link comes with your booking. I walk Florence live with my phone.
Times shown in Rome time (CET)
Cancellation
Flexible
- Cancel up to 24 hours before the start: full refund.
- Cancel less than 24 hours before the start, or no-show: no refund.
- If the guide cancels or the date does not reach its minimum group: full refund.
- Cancel in My Account → Bookings; the refund is calculated from the start time in the tour's local time.
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Next: Thu 29 Oct · 10 seats left From 20,00 €
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