Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise, Florence Baptistery
Must-SeeTen bronze panels depicting the Old Testament — Michelangelo called them worthy of Paradise. The originals are in the Opera del Duomo museum; copies on the door.
Pantheon Bronze Doors, Rome
Must-SeeThe original Roman bronze doors — 7m tall, still swinging on their hinges after 1,900 years. The largest ancient bronze doors in the world.
Bonanno's Bronze Doors, Monreale
Must-See42 panels of bronze relief depicting biblical scenes. The craftsmanship rivals Ghiberti's — two centuries earlier.
Puglia's Masseria Doors
Must-SeeHeavy wooden doors with iron studs — designed to keep bandits out of fortified farmhouses. Now the entrance to some of Italy's best hotels.
Turin Liberty Doors
Must-SeeArt Nouveau ironwork and glass — the entrances of Cit Turin's Liberty apartments are works of art. A free walking tour of doorways.
Where to start
Italy has the world's greatest concentration of italian doors & portoni. Use this guide to find the masterpieces — then let yourself be surprised by what you discover on your own.