Baptistery

Baptistery, in Christian churches, a separate building or area within a church in which the rite of baptism is performed. Beginning during the reign of the Roman Emperor Constantine I in the 4th century, many large baptisteries were erected. These baptisteries were usually circular or polygonal and dedicated to St John the Baptist. The baptismal basin itself was surrounded by columns, between which hangings were drawn that hid from public view the actual moment of baptism, which was by immersion. This central section was usually roofed with a dome of masonry or wood; often around it was an encircling aisle, or sometimes two aisles, to accommodate those attending the baptism. Early examples of such baptisteries are found in Italy and Asia Minor, notably the 6th-century baptistery of Hagia Sophia (Church of the Holy Wisdom) in İstanbul, Turkey. As immersion was replaced by sprinkling, such large baptisteries became unnecessary.

In the 11th century, the revival of architecture in Europe led to the building of lavishly appointed baptisteries in Italy. In addition to parish churches, an Italian city usually had a religious complex consisting of cathedral, campanile, and baptistery. The most impressive instances of such groups are at Parma, Pisa, and Florence; others are at Pistoia, Novara, Cremona, Verona, Lucca, Volterra, and Siena. Of these baptisteries, that in Florence is the most famous; it is noted for its internal mosaic decoration and for magnificent bronze doors by the Italian sculptors Andrea Pisano and Lorenzo Ghiberti. The Pisa baptistery contains a famous marble pulpit by the Italian sculptor Nicola Pisano. The Parma baptistery is filled with frescoes and sculptures.