Discover The Stunning Baptistery Of Parma

Built between 1196 and 1307, the pink marble Baptistery of Parma is one of the most distinctive and memorable buildings in the entire city. It is also one of the most highly regarded and well-known of all medieval structures and is a clear example of the transition from Romanesque to Gothic art in Italy. Octagonal in shape, built out of pink Verona marble and standing tall, made of four tiers of open loggias topped by a row of blind arches and crowning pinnacles, it is a striking and impressive building. While the exterior is harmonious and elegant, inside is a riot of colour with painted frescoes and elaborate embellishments. The result is a deeply fascinating building with plenty to take in. If you've found the perfect vacation rental in Emilia Romagna, then be sure to visit Parma and stop by the Baptistery.

Lombard builders began work on the building in the 12th century but it wasn't complete until the 14th century. The construction was overseen by Benedetto Antelami who combined the Romanesque style with elements of the new Gothic style, as well as elements of Lombard (his home) tradition and French influences. Antelami was responsible for the design of almost all of the decorative sculptures. There are a great number of these works and they all adhere to typical medieval iconography but are especially well-made and beautiful. The lowest part of the baptistery is encircled by a zoophorus with bas-relief sculptures of animals, fabulous beasts, creatures from Hell, sea monsters, centaurs, mermaids, unicorns and Zodiac signs. The north door, or Portale della Vergine, is decorated with scenes of the Adoration of the Magi and the Annunciation, the twelve prophets, the Tree of Jacob on the right, the Tree of Jesse on the left and the Tree of life on the inside.

The west door, or Portale del Giudizio, has a figure of the Redeemer in the lunette while the south door, known as the Portale della Vita, shows a man eating honey in a tree with two rodents and a dragon at the base while on the sides are the chariots of Sun and Moon. Inside, the sculptures continue with worksdepicting the Months, the Seasons and the Signs of Zodiac and, above the altar, is a Christ in Glory surrounded by the symbols of the four evangelists and two angels. In addition to the sculptural works are 13th century frescoes inspired by Byzantine art which depict scenes from the Life of Christ and the Golden Legend.

In all, the result is astounding in its detail, scale, ambition and combination of influences and references and has lead to the creation of a building which is a must-see for anyone visiting Emilia Romagna.