Before I begin, the maker of this gate, Lorenzo Ghiberti, is seen on the left of the photo.
The world-famous bronze doors as seen in the photos are unfortunately a replica. The original work is in the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo if you are interested (hmm but I wasn't keen to pay the entrance fee).
Nonetheless, the copies are masterpieces too. Found at the east of the Florence Baptistery or Battistero di San Giovanni (Baptistery of St. John) facing the Duomo, Ghiberti’s East Doors were dubbed by Michelangelo "the Gates of Paradise" (It. Porte del Paradiso).
The 10 scenes on the Gates of Paradise are
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Other than the east doors, the north doors were also done by Lorenzo Ghiberti whereas the south doors were done by Andrea Pisano. Unfortunately all the 3 doors are meant for viewing pleasures only. The west door is where the entrance is to view the insides of the Florence Baptistery.
It is where the Italian poet Dante Alighieri and many other notable Renaissance figures, including members of the Medici family, were baptized in. In fact, until the end of the nineteenth century, all Catholic Florentines were baptized here.
Opening hours
Monday-Saturday: 12:15 pm - 7 pm
Sunday: 8:30 am - 2 pm
1st Saturday of the month: 8:30 am - 2:00 pm
Easter Monday: 8:30 am - 7 pm
April 25: 8:30 am - 7 pm
May 1: 8:30 am - 7 pm
Thursday, Friday, Saturday Holy: 8,30 am - 7 pm
Closed on January 1, Easter, September 8, Christmas
Admission - €4
Source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florence_Baptistery
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