Golden gate: Masterpiece restored - Telegraph But after six centuries exposed to the elements, the Renaissance Porta del Paradiso in Florence's main piazza had lost its lustre and was removed in 1990. Now the gilded bronze doors have been restored to their original glory after a 33-year process involving lasers and chemical baths to remove the grime and oxidisation. The 16ft tall, nine-ton gateway was created by Lorenzo Ghiberti over 27 years. The finished piece, which included a bald-headed likeness of the sculptor, was finally unveiled in 1452. Its 10 elaborate panels depict scenes from the Old Testament and adorned the eastern side of the Baptistery, which faces the city's duomo, or cathedral. Replica doors will remain on the Baptistry itself, while the restored originals will go on display in controlled atmospheric conditions in the city's Museum of the Duomo in September.