Baptistère de Grado, Early Christian baptistery in Grado, Italy
This octagonal building with brick walls and eight tall windows stands next to the Basilica of Sant'Eufemia in Grado's historic center. Inside, a hexagonal baptismal font made of green cipollino marble sits on a geometric mosaic floor.
Built between 569 and 571 under Patriarch Probinus of Benevento, it served as a center for baptism rituals during a time of major population movement. The building reflects the religious importance of Grado as people relocated from nearby Aquileia.
The interior mosaics with geometric and floral patterns show how early Christians decorated their religious spaces. Walking through, you see the artistic choices people made to honor this place of spiritual importance.
The building sits in Grado's center next to other major churches and is easy to reach on foot. Note that one original entrance is sealed, so use the accessible opening currently available for entry.
The octagonal outer shape paired with a hexagonal baptismal basin inside is rare for religious buildings of this period. This geometric contrast may have held symbolic meaning for early Christian communities.
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