Baptistery of San Giovanni, Florence

The Baptistery of Florence is octagonal and is one of the oldest buildings in the city. It was build between 1059 and 1128. The architecture is in Florentine Romanesque style. The Baptistery is renowned for its three sets of artistically important bronze doors and their relief sculptures. The east pair of doors was dubbed "the Gates of Paradise" by Michelangelo. Many notable Renaissance figures were baptized in this baptistery. In fact, until the end of the nineteenth century, all Catholic Florentines were.