The Baptistery's Secret

Chances are if you visit Florence, you'll see the Baptistery, but what you might not know about it could surprise you. The current structure was built in the 12th century, and it is believed that a similar octagonal Baptistery existed on the site since around the 5th century. If you think the middle ages were dark all over Europe, you just might benefit from seeing the interior of the Baptistery. You can imagine a young Dante gazing up at the powerful golden mosaic ceiling and pondering heaven and hell. But if you want to see the "Gates of Paradise," you might be in the wrong place...