Battistero di San Giovanni

The baptistery features an octagonal structure with four chambers on the main axes and four corridors leading to a central area containing a heptagonal font.

Built during Bishop Sabinus's episcopate between 514 and 566 CE, the baptistery formed part of Canosa's sacred defensive wall alongside the Church of Santa Maria.

The baptistery's architecture incorporates Roman central-plan building traditions with the octagonal shape representing resurrection in Christian symbolism and doctrine.

Archaeological excavations revealed a sophisticated drainage system connected to pipes, indicating advanced engineering methods for water management in the baptismal ceremonies.

The structure contains remnants of gold leaf tesserae and floor mosaics decorated with four-pointed stars and lozenges, demonstrating sixth-century artistic techniques.

Location: Canosa di Puglia

Address: Vico Pietro Metastasio, 28, 76012 Canosa di Puglia BT 76012 76012

GPS coordinates: 41.22645,16.05740

Latest update: March 4, 2025 08:58