Albenga Baptistery, Early Christian baptistery in Albenga, Italy
The Albenga Baptistery is a decagonal building with an octagonal drum structure, its center marked by an ancient baptismal font. The building is surrounded by Roman architectural elements and decorative details from the late antique period.
The building was constructed in the 5th century and demonstrates key techniques from late antique construction. It served as an essential place for early Christian baptism rituals and records the development of Christian sacred architecture in the Mediterranean region.
The interior features mosaics from the 6th century with religious symbols like the Chi-Rho emblem, twelve doves representing apostles, and two sheep in a pastoral scene. These works show how early Christians used images to teach spiritual ideas.
The baptistery sits adjacent to San Michele Arcangelo Cathedral and is open daily for visitors. It functions as part of the Museo Diocesano complex, allowing you to explore it alongside nearby religious buildings.
The structure contains two Lombard burial monuments from a later period, showing how the site continued to be used after its original function changed. The mosaics include three concentric circles symbolizing the Trinity, representing rare surviving examples of this theological artistic language.
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