Florence, Day 4: Florence Baptistry

In the early morning, we wanted to visit Florence Duomo. It was not open yet as we were half an hour early. Therefore we crossed the street to check out Florence Baptistry first. The octagonal baptistery in Florentine Romanesque style was built between 1059 and 1128.

Florence Baptistry is famous for its bronze doors, the Gates of Paradise, with relief sculptures. While we were there, the Gates of Paradise was under restoration. That is why I don’t have pictures. In fact, the Gates of Paradise in Florence Baptistry is actually a copy. The original is restored in a dry condition in Florence Duomo Museum, also known as Museo dell'Opera del Duomo. However, Museo dell'Opera del Duomo is also under restoration. 

The interior of the octagonal dome is covered with mosaics. The mosaic ceiling tells stories of the Last Judgement with a huge Christ, the Angels of the Judgement, and the Punishment of the Damn.

The geometric patterns in the floor are beautiful.