The Baptistery is one of the oldest buildings in the whole of Florence. The original construction dates back to the 5th century, though it was rebuilt to the larger scale we see today during the 11th century. The building, perfectly designed and built in the Romanesque style, was the very symbol of the city's religious and civil life. Florentines used to bring candles to the Baptistery as an offering to the city’s patron Saint, Saint John the Baptist, to whom this building is consecrated. The richer the family, the bigger the candle! Don’t forget to look up - the golden mosaic beautifully decorates the interior ceiling. Work on it began in 1270 and was completed in the 14th century.