Italy: The largely Byzantine style mosaic central ceiling of the Florence Baptistery (Baptistery of Saint John), Piazza del Duomo and Piazza San Giovanni, Florence

The octagonal Florence Baptistery (Battistero di San Giovanni), also known as the Baptistery of Saint John, is one of the oldest buildings in Florence, constructed between 1059 and 1128 in the Florentine Romanesque style.

The Baptistry is renowned for its three sets of artistically important bronze doors with relief sculptures. The south doors were created by Andrea Pisano and the north and east doors by Lorenzo Ghiberti. The east doors were dubbed by Michelangelo the Gates of Paradise.

The Italian poet Dante and many other notable Renaissance figures, including members of the Medici family, were baptized in this baptistry.

Copyright:

CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Photographer:

David Henley

Credit:

Pictures From History