The Battistero (Baptistry in English) is a wonderful octagonal construction made of pink marble right in the middle of the city. Construction began in 1196 and the architect was a man named Benedetto Antelami - a true genious.
The beauty, however, is not only outisde but also - and mostly - inside. The frescos with which the walls are docorated are amazing: plenty of real and imaginary animals of all sorts and the famous set of figures representing the months, seasons and signs of the zodiac.
I visited this beauty as a part of my artistic trip to Parma and must admit I was truly amazed by the majesty of the building and its decorations. Definitely a must see to understand the history of Parma.