Lateran Baptistery, Baptistery near Lateran Palace, Rome, Italy
The octagonal baptistery contains eight porphyry columns supporting an architrave, surrounding a circular space with a baptismal font.
Constantine initiated construction between 320 and 325 CE, making it the first baptistery in the Western world for Christian baptism ceremonies.
The interior features golden mosaics and three chapels dedicated to John the Baptist, Holy Cross, and John the Evangelist, added in the fifth century.
The baptistery opens daily for visitors next to the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran, providing access to this early Christian architectural structure.
The baptismal font consists of an ancient Egyptian green basalt sarcophagus, where popes performed baptisms on Easter Eve for centuries.
Location: Rome
Inception: 4 century
Architectural style: Early Christian architecture
Accessibility: Accès limité en fauteuil roulant
Part of: Lateran
Opening Hours: 09:00-19:00
Phone: +390669886452
Website: http://vatican.va/various/basiliche/san_giovanni/it/battistero/battistero.htm
GPS coordinates: 41.88615,12.50430
Latest update: May 11, 2025 15:36
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