Baptistery of Novara Cathedral, Early Christian baptistery in Novara, Italy
The baptistery in Novara is an early Christian building with an octagonal floor plan located near the cathedral. The structure features alternating rectangular and curved alcoves that create a cross-like layout.
The building was constructed in the early 5th century and stands as the oldest Christian monument in Novara. Marble columns from ancient Roman structures were incorporated into its design.
The interior walls feature frescoes showing scenes from the Book of Revelation. Visitors walking through the space can observe these religious images that decorated the place.
The building sits directly across from the cathedral and is easy to locate. It maintains its original purpose for religious ceremonies, so visitors should dress respectfully and behave accordingly.
The central octagonal pool holds a 2nd-century Roman funerary monument at its bottom that was later repurposed as a baptismal font. This object shows how early Christians incorporated Roman items into their new buildings.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
