Lorenzo Ghiberti‘s baptistery doors are rightly hailed as one of the great Renaissance creations. The enormous bronze doors on the eastern side of Florence’s baptistery were described by Michelangelo as the Gates of Paradise and their 10 relief panels are recognised as masterpieces of Renaissance sculpture.
Ghiberti (1378 – 1455) was the great rival of my hero Filippo Brunelleschi, but I must reluctantly admit his baptistery doors are rather good! Lorenzo even ‘signed’ them by putting a bronze self-portrait in one of tondi.
And a tip for Florence tourists: you don’t have jostle with the crowds looking at the doors on the baptistery. They are actually reproductions and the originals are in the Museo dell’ Opera del Duomo at the other end of the Cathedral square. I think it is one of the best museums in the world and you can enjoy looking at the Gates of Paradise up close, with far fewer tourists.
We have celebrated Lorenzo Ghiberti by naming a bedroom after him at the Watermill, redecorated in a fresh light green, and a flowing flowery frieze painted by Lois and our friend Vivienne White.
We’d love you to come and see Ghiberti for yourself, joining us in our idyllic setting in unspoiled rural Tuscany: Secluded gardens, sun-drenched terraces, a cool vine verandah, a gurgling river, beautifully restored historic buildings … bright airy bedrooms with modern en suite bathrooms, and lovely views over the river, the gardens or the mountains … delicious food prepared from fresh local ingredients…
Just some of the delights of the Watermill. We specialise in relaxing, inspiring and fun-filled painting, creative writing and Italian language weeks, with internationally renowned tutors. “The most wonderful week, in a most beautiful and unique setting. One of the best holidays I have experienced.â€
To learn more about all our renowned creative weeks, please click here.