The Baptistry, Battistero San Giovanni, is adjacent to the Duoma and is one of Florence’s oldest buildings. It is believed that this previously pagan temple’s foundations date from as early as the 4th century, and this treasured building is where the city folk have baptized their children since the 11th century. The interior dome of the Baptistry features famous mosaics of the Last Judgement, but the most famous highlights are the 3 sets of gilded bronze doors. The doors facing south, the work of Andrea Pisano, feature scenes from the life of John the Baprist, San Giovanni, and also representations of the ‘virtues’. These doors were originally the main doors facing east, but where replaced with the work of Lorenzo Ghiberti. Ghiberti laboured over the northern doors for about 11 years and represents scenes from the New Testament. He was then commissioned to sculptor the eastern doors, which took him about 27 years, and features scenes from the Old Testament. Michelangelo dubbed the doors the ‘Gates of Paradise’.

Florence's Baptistry is a highly recommended attraction and will leave even the most cultureless individual awe struck. The detail and decoration of this marvellous building, as well is in other great buildings in Florence, is magnificent. The detail and decoration of many of the fine Florence hotels is indeed magnificent too.