The Bs--Bargello and Baptistry

The Baptistry sits opposite the main entrance to Santa Maria del Fiore (the Duomo). Dating back to the fourth century, the Baptistry features gilded doors (the original panels hang in the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo) by Ghiberti telling the story of Christ. Ghiberti also designed the east entrance doors depicting scenes from the Old Testament, now known as the Gates of Paradise. Dante was baptized here.

The Bargello Museum houses the finest collection of sculptures from the Renaissance in the world. Donatello's young David is undergoing restoration, right in front the the public. The original designs for the Baptistry door competition are here. Giambologna's Mercury statue (think teleflorist delivery) is housed here. Unfortunately, no pictures are allowed inside the museum. There are a number of sculptures in the loggia and in the piazza areas, as well