The Baptistery’s origins are uncertain, but it is known that the foundations date to the Roman times. The central doors have been called ‘the Gates of Paradise’ and were designed by Lorenzo Ghiberti who chose scenes from both the Old and New Testament. He worked on these it is believed between 1403 and 1424. The floor’s marble inlay features Islamic-style patterns and the apse is decorated with 13th Century mosaics. Coppo di Marcovaldo and Cimabue were among those involved in the cupola’s decorative mosaic work.
