 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Postcards from Parma |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| The Baptistery |
 |
| The construction of the Baptistery began in 1196 on a design by the architect and sculptor Benedetto Antelami, who directed the work until 1216. The Baptistery is one of the most important Italian medieval monuments: the style is Romanesque, but shows strong influences by the early French Gothic. This irregular octagonal building rests on a base with steps and the eight facades have four rows of balconies. |
 |