Battistero di Parma

The Baptistery of Parma (Battistero di Parma) is a religious edifice in Parma, northern Italy. The baptistery of the Parma Cathedral, it is considered to be a transition between Romanesque and Gothic architecture, and is one of the most important Medieval monuments in Europe.

The Baptistery was commissioned to Benedetto Antelami by the City Council of Parma in 1196. The outside of pink Verona Marble is octagonal. The inside contains sixteen arches, forming alcoves each containing a painted scene. All these are 13th and 14th century frescoes and paintings. The most striking part of the Baptistery, however, is its painted ceiling. Sixteen rays come out of the center of the ceiling, which each correspond to the arches.