A kind of magic number recurs several times in this Baptistery: eight.
Like the sides of the monument, which geometrically draw its outline and make it so distinctive.
The bas-reliefs that adorn the interior walls of the Baptistery with scenes from the Life of Jesus, by the famous 14th-century sculptor Giovanni da Campione.
Or the statues placed on the outside of the dome, at the corners, representing the Virtues: Faith, Hope, Charity, Justice, Prudence, Fortitude, Temperance, with the addition of Patience.
Hint: If you want to try your hand at a short but fun game, try matching each statue to its Virtue and challenge your friends to do the same!
The archangel placed at the top of the dome will referee you.
A nomadic baptistery, which seems to find no peace: the building as we see it today is in fact the outcome of numerous displacements undergone over the centuries.
Built in 1340 inside the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in the Upper Town, it remained there until 1661.
Subsequently, it is dismembered and reassembled in a completely arbitrary manner, with additions and remakes, twice more.
It finally finds its final location in 1898-99 on the west side of the cathedral square in the Upper Town, where it is recreated in neo-Gothic style.
In the center of the single octagonal hall it consists of, you can admire the Gothic decorations of the baptismal font, which is the basin that contained the water used to baptize people according to the Catholic rite.
Behind it, you will see the altar surmounted by a marble statue depicting St. John the Baptist.