Baptistry, Baptistry in Castiglione Olona, Italy
The Baptistry is a quadrilateral structure with a Gothic arch dividing the main hall from the presbytery area. Inside stands a 15th-century baptismal font decorated with cherubs that forms the focal point of the interior.
A cardinal commissioned the structure in the early 1420s, reusing the foundations of an older defensive tower. The construction shows how religious spaces were often built upon the remains of previous buildings.
The interior walls display frescoes depicting scenes from the life of John the Baptist, painted in the 15th century. These paintings shape how the space feels and tell biblical stories that visitors can discover as they walk through.
The right and back walls are better preserved and display details more clearly, while the left side and central areas show more weather damage. Visitors should note that these varying conditions affect how clearly details are visible in different parts of the space.
The baptismal font carries representations of original sin carved into its outer surface alongside a family emblem. These personal details show how the church connected family and faith together.
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