Antelami: The Baptistery of Parma

In 1196 the City Council of Parma commissioned a whole building to be erected to the glory of God - the baptistery, which stands close by the cathedral. At that time Christian baptism was a ceremony which happened only three times a year, so that a large building had to be set aside for it. Everything about this great marble baptistery - the design, the walls, the sculpture with which it was adorned, even the choice of materials - was the work of one man, Benedetto Antelami. Given such an opportunity, many architects would have spoiled their design with too much decoration. Antelami, however, restrained by his feeling for classical simplicity, composed the baptistery as one might compose a classical symphony, from a few very simple elements. Distinguished by the unusual quality of the camera work, this film reveals the whole building as if it were in the film studio, enabling the viewer to see every part from different angles.

'A film of tremendous richness and with remarkable virtuosity in the rotating movements of the camera' UNESCO