Lomello Baptistery
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By Dion Protani
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Latest update: 11 January 2024
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The Lomello Baptistery is situated in the Lomellina area of the Po Valley in Lombardy, famous for its rice production. The Baptistery itself was built in the 5th or 6th century AD and is one of the best examples of Romanesque-Lombard architecture still standing.
An octagonal structure, it forms part of the complex that includes the Chiesa di Santa Maria Maggiore which was built in 1025. |
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The Lomello Baptistery, known as Battistero di San Giovanni Battista in Italian, is a historic religious building located in the town of Lomello, in the Lombardy region of Italy. It is one of the most important and well-preserved examples of early Christian architecture in northern Italy, making it a significant cultural and historical site.
The Lomello Baptistery is a small, octagonal-shaped building made of brick and stone. It features a dome with small windows and a decorative frieze at the top. The exterior design is simple yet elegant, with arches and pilasters. The baptistery is surrounded by a portico with eight columns supporting the roof.
The interior of the baptistery is equally impressive, with its original baptismal font, supported by four columns, standing at the center. The walls are adorned with frescoes dating back to the 5th and 6th centuries, depicting biblical scenes and Christian symbolism. These ancient frescoes make the Lomello Baptistery a valuable artistic and archaeological treasure.
The Lomello Baptistery is a small, octagonal-shaped building made of brick and stone. It features a dome with small windows and a decorative frieze at the top. The exterior design is simple yet elegant, with arches and pilasters. The baptistery is surrounded by a portico with eight columns supporting the roof.
The interior of the baptistery is equally impressive, with its original baptismal font, supported by four columns, standing at the center. The walls are adorned with frescoes dating back to the 5th and 6th centuries, depicting biblical scenes and Christian symbolism. These ancient frescoes make the Lomello Baptistery a valuable artistic and archaeological treasure.
History
The Lomello Baptistery dates back to the early Christian era and is believed to have been built in the 5th or 6th century, making it over a thousand years old. It served as a place for Christian baptisms and was likely part of a larger religious complex that included a church, which no longer exists.
Throughout its long history, the baptistery underwent various restorations and modifications, but its essential structure and early Christian features have been remarkably preserved. Today, the Lomello Baptistery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an essential destination for those interested in early Christian art and architecture.
Throughout its long history, the baptistery underwent various restorations and modifications, but its essential structure and early Christian features have been remarkably preserved. Today, the Lomello Baptistery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an essential destination for those interested in early Christian art and architecture.
Key features and nearby attractions
- Opening Hours: The baptistery is usually open to visitors during certain hours, but it's best to check the specific opening times before planning your visit.
- Entrance Fee: There might be a small entrance fee to access the baptistery, which often goes towards its maintenance and conservation.
- Nearby Attractions: Lomello is a small town with a charming historic center, and there might be other points of interest to explore nearby.
- Guided Tours: Guided tours of the baptistery might be available, providing visitors with in-depth insights into its history and significance.
- Accessibility: The Lomello Baptistery is generally accessible to most visitors, but it's always a good idea to check for any accessibility issues in advance.
Battistero di San Giovanni ad Fontes
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Opening hours:
From 15:00 - 18:00 Saturdays and Sundays only from 1st April - 31st October To organise a visit outside of these hours it's possible to: email: [email protected] or call (0039) 339 205 1058. |
