Baptistère de Riez, Early Christian baptistery in Riez, France
The Baptistère de Riez is an octagonal structure set within a square base, supported by eight ancient granite columns topped with Corinthian capitals. The interior contains four small recessed spaces that remain hidden from the outside and preserve the original liturgical layout.
The baptistery was built between the 5th and 7th centuries on the site of former Roman baths and later became part of the cathedral complex under Bishop Maximus. This transformation shows how early Christian structures were built upon existing Roman sites.
The building was converted into a lapidary museum in 1929 and displays archaeological finds and architectural pieces from different periods of the region. This collection helps visitors understand the material history of the place.
Access is free year-round and it is recommended to contact Riez town hall at 04 92 77 99 00 if you want more detailed information or specific conditions. Since it is an older building, be prepared for uneven floors and limited accessibility features.
The building preserves its original pre-Romanesque style from the early medieval period and shows no signs of later reconstruction or alterations. This rarity makes it a valuable record of early Christian architecture in the region.
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