Ark and Laura in Florence 2005 (69 of 172)

Dante called the Baptistery "Il mio bel San Giovanni." He was baptized in this church that stands opposite to the Duomo. It is the oldest building in Florence and stands on the ruins of a Paleo-Christian monument in the foundations of which were found traces of Roman construction. The Baptistery is an example of Tuscan Romanesque architecture built on an octagonal plan with colored marbles. It was dedicated to Saint John the Baptist and was the cathedral of Florence until 1128. The three doors are located at the cardinal points of the building. In the Middle Ages, it was believed to be a Roman pagan temple dedicated to Mars. Its balanced geometrical layout and decorations in white and green marble from Prato originates from the harmonious intergration of Romaneque and Paleochristian architecture developed during between the 11th and 13th centuries. The external sculptures and basreliefs above the doors and on the doors themselves are the most important works ever made in Tuscany.