Baptistery of San Giovanni

History of the Baptistery of San Giovanni in Ascoli Piceno

The date construction began is uncertain. The archaeological finds of 1828 and the excavations of 1870-1880 suggest that the inner part was a pagan temple in the forum of Ascoli, perhaps dedicated to Hercules. The building was already in use as a baptistery in the 5th-6th century. The octagonal form of the interior also points to the 6th century, and links it to other ancient baptisteries such as those of Florence and Ravenna.

The first restoration predates the 9th century. Other work dates from the 11th-12th century, as shown by the triangular decorations and the framing of the main entrance. The series of small arches added to the exterior dates from the 12th century.

What to see in the Baptistery of San Giovanni

The exterior has a square base topped by an octagonal drum with four single-light windows. Above it rises a circular dome with a lantern on a square base, which brings light into the interior. The sides of the drum are decorated with blind round arches. At the base of the east side, remains of Roman walls can be seen.

Inside, the plan is an irregular octagon with niches at the corners. In the center of the floor is the circular basin from the 5th-6th century, rediscovered in 1839. On the right side is a 14th-15th century baptismal font set on a twisted column. The altarpiece of the Baptism of Christ, a 16th-century oil on canvas attributed to Venceslao Corrigioli of Reggio, is now kept in storage.

How to visit the Baptistery of San Giovanni

The baptistery has two entrances. One opens onto Piazza Arringo and is the one used today. The other faces the wall of the cathedral with the Porta della Musa. A third entrance, on the east side, was walled up centuries ago.

Opening is often by request, so it is worth checking visiting days and arrangements in advance.

Where the Baptistery of San Giovanni is

The baptistery is in Ascoli Piceno, in Piazza Arringo, standing on its own next to the left side of the cathedral. From the square it is easy to recognize by its octagonal outline with the tall lantern.

Near the Baptistery of San Giovanni in Ascoli Piceno

The neighboring complex is the Cathedral of Sant'Emidio in Ascoli Piceno. The Biblioteca Diocesana (diocesan library) also faces the same square, and the Palazzo dell'Arengo is a short distance away. Via dei Bonaparte, which opens next to the baptistery, leads to the 16th-century Palazzetto Bonaparte, with friezes on its windows and portal. More suggestions in the city are on the page things to do in Ascoli Piceno.