Florence - Battistero di San Giovanni

Florentina was established in Roman times as a settlement for veteran soldiers. The name had changed already, when young Charlemagne conquered the town in 774. It became part of the Duchy of Tuscany, with Lucca as capital. Around 1000 Margrave Hugo chose Florence as residency instead of Lucca. After the death of Matilda of Tuscany (1115), the Florentines formed a republic was ruled by a council. The town prospered, despite a constant fight between the different factions and noble families.

In the 15th century, Florence was among the largest and wealthiest cities in Europe. This was, when the Medici family entered the political scene. As a dynasty of art loving, power hungry bankers, they made Florence the birthplace of the Renaissance.

A baptistry existed here already within the fifth century. It was replaced or altered in the sixth century.

Today´s octagonal "Baptistery of Saint John" was constructed between 1059 and 1128, making it one of the oldest buildings in Florence. It was reconsecrated in 1059 by Pope Nicholas II. The octagonal lantern was added to the pavilion roof around 1150. The baptistery was enlarged with a rectangular apse on the west side in 1202.

Just behind the Baptistery is the "Duomo di Firenze" with the 19th century facade and the Brunelleschi-dome.