Baptistry, Bergamo, Religious octagonal structure in Città Alta, Bergamo, Italy
The Baptistry is an octagonal structure from the 14th century located on Piazza del Duomo in Città Alta. Its walls are decorated with eight bas-reliefs depicting biblical scenes created by the artist Giovanni da Campione.
Giovanni da Campione built the baptistery in 1340 for the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, completing it in 1342. After 1613 it was dismantled and its parts moved several times, including to the basilica's counter-facade from 1635 to 1691. Virginio Muzio oversaw its architectural reworking from 1897, and in 1900 it was placed on Piazza del Duomo.
The octagonal plan follows biblical symbolism: eight, the day after creation, marks fullness and Grace. Inside, the two-colour marble floor converges on the baptismal font like the waves of the Jordan, and the statue of John the Baptist pours water with his right hand while his left holds a paten with the lamb.
The building sits directly on the square where other significant churches and chapels are located, making it easy to find. The square is accessible via several streets with stairs and is located in the old town on a hilltop.
The eight inner bas-reliefs by Giovanni da Campione run in a single register from left to right, from the Annunciation to the Ascension. A lower panel of the Arrest of Christ, with Saint Peter cutting off an ear, packs the figures so tightly that no empty space remains: a Gothic scene without perspective or depth.
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