Dante's Plaque: Battistero di San Giovanni

. . . NEL MIO BEL SAN GIOVANNI. 

DANTE, INF., XIX 17.

….IN MY BEAUTIFUL SAINT JOHN

“ my beautiful St John” is the affectionate nickname Dante gave the Baptistery of Florence, the church where he was baptized. At that time, the baptism was done by immersion in a font surrounded by four lower basins. The poet says in this “canto” to have broken one of the basins while rescuing a child from drowning. The damage he caused drew criticism and here Dante feels the need to explain what happened once and for all!

In 1576, on the occasion of the baptism of Grand Duke Francesco I’ eldest son, Buontalenti conceived a new baptismal font and changed the ancient medieval structure. The Baptistery is one of the best preserved Florentine churches, still in its original form since Dante’s time.

Dante’s stone plaque is placed at the foot of the Baptistery (Via Martelli side). Not far away, there is another plaque where Dante expresses his great desire to return one day to his dear Saint John to receive a laurel wreath. Please click here to read about this.