Ancient and Medieval

BAPTISMAL FONTS

Daniel Keeran

Counselor Publishing
Kailua Kona
Hawaii, USA
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Copyright @ 2009 by Daniel Keeran
Ancient and Medieval Baptismal Fonts
by Daniel Keeran
Printed in the United States of America.
All rights reserved solely by the author. The author
guarantees all contents do not infringe upon the legal rights of
any other person or work. No part of this book may be
reproduced in any form without the permission of the author.
ISBN 1441471618
EAN-139781441471611
Library of Congress Control Number: 2009902050

Keeran, Daniel M., 1947-

Ancient and medieval baptismal
fonts / Daniel Keeran.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN 1441471618

1. Fonts--Architecture—Religious buildings—To 1500. 2.

Baptisteries--Architecture—Religious buildings—To 1500. 3.
Fonts--Pictorial works. 4. Baptisteries--Pictorial works. I. Title.

NA4590-5621 1.8 726

Additional copies may be obtained at:

collegemhc@gmail.com

3
4
 Dedicated to
Fausto and Enrica Salvoni

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6
 Contents

Introduction 7

Baptismal Fonts 9

Bibliography 121

Index 123

About the Author 127

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8
 Introduction
The photographs selected for this volume were
personally taken by the author with the exception of those
used by permission as indicated. There is very little available
to English readers on the subject of early and medieval
baptisteries and fonts perhaps in part due to the specialized
nature of the content.
This brief introductory volume of selected baptismal fonts is
published in the hope that further interest will be stimulated to
explore baptismal history and development. Other related
volumes are planned that provide additional examples,
history, and documentation.
Having done research at the Bibliotecha Apostolica
Vaticana in Rome and at the American Academy Library in
Rome, I was able to identify locations and plan an itinerary for
visiting the sites. Listed in alphabetical order by city, the
largest number of early baptismal basins is found in Italy with
a sampling from other countries. In many locations more than
one baptismal basin has been identified, and in some
instances one can observe different stages and modifications
in size and design occurring over the centuries.
Measurements and descriptions of individual baptismal
fonts assist the reader to appreciate the practice of immersion
that declined after the 13th century. The depth of water
required to immerse an average person of about 6 feet in
height, is 24 inches in depth and 40 inches in diameter.
Horizontal immersion requires about 20 inches in depth. A
scenario for vertical immersion is that the candidate would
step into the water, sit from a kneeling position, then bend
forward below the water.
The baptismal font shown as the oval basin in the floor
of Saint Peter’s basilica in Rome (p.101) dates from 1725, and
is included to illustrate the continuing understanding of
immersion as the earliest and most prevalent mode of
baptism. This basin and an earlier baptismal piece known as
the Probus sarcophagus, is documented by Richard J.
Powers in his thesis The Baptisteries and Baptismal Fonts in
Saint Peter's Church, Rome, 366 to 1982 A.D. As his source,

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Powers refers to a contemporary of Pope Benedict XIII who
ordered the construction of the oval basin in 1725, Raffaele
Sindone, Della Sacrosancta Basilica di S. Pietro in Vaticano
(Rome, Italy: Presso Giovanni Maria Salvioni, Vol.2, 1750).
A few notable baptismal basins were discovered
providentially by the author, such as those at Santa Cecilia
and San Crisogono in Rome, San Eustorgio (Barnaba) in
Milan, and Saint Doulagh in Dublin, Ireland. Otherwise, the
main sources used to find the locations include:
Frühchristliche Baptisterien (Early Christian Baptisteries) by
Sebastian Ristow, and L’Edificio Battesimale In Italia: Aspetti
E Problemi (The Baptismal Edifice in Italy: Aspects and
Problems). The latter volume is abbreviated “BEI” in the text.
The reader should be aware that the term “baptistery”
refers to the building in which the baptismal basin or font is
located. The term “font” is common usage in literature
referring to the baptismal basin.

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Baptismal Fonts

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Agliate
About 20 miles due north from Milan is the church of
San Pietro and Paulo in the small town of Agliate near Carate
Brianza. As I approached the church building, there was no
baptistery immediately visible until I walked around behind the
bell tower. No one was present, but the door was open, so I
walked in and took photos and measurements. The central
octagonal basin for immersion dates from the 9th century and
has a concentric inner level. The top rim of remaining blocks
each measuring about 12 inches in height judging from the
other blocks, have been removed and so the original depth
cannot be determined. However, the depth as it is, measures
about 3.8 feet, and the interior diameter at the top level is
about 6 feet.
The water channel is clearly visible. The size of the
water channel is important for determining the
accommodation of a large volume of water, and the presence
of only an outflow channel for drainage may indicate the water
was poured into the basin rather than flowing in through a
channel constructed for this purpose. Alternatively, as in the
case of Mergozzo-Montorfano, the water may have entered
and drained by means of a single channel connected to an
flowing water source such as a river or spring.
 AGLIATE – 9th century

Albenga
Located on the coast about 60 miles west of Genoa,
this impressive octagonal immersion basin is at the center of
the baptistery and is actually two basins, the latter of which is
constructed over the previous one destroyed by a 5th century
Goth invasion. Both basins have an interior concentric
octagonal ledge, and the earlier one has remains of a two-
inch thick marble interior covering. We measured the internal

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floor diameter at about 6 feet for the earliest basin and an
additional 18 inches for the upper level diameter. These
basins appear to be placed within the stone perimeter of an
earlier larger basin.
The remains of the basins include an interior concentric
ledge raised 3 feet from the floor. Remnants of the walls of the
basin extend upwards from the ledge so that the original
depth cannot be exactly determined. The exterior of the basin
is multi-lobed or star-shaped, and a column remnant is placed
to illustrate the position of columns rising from each of the
points indicating an original canopy over the basin. The
baptistery was in a state of excavation, and the water channel
was fully exposed.
Reminding me of a very similar layout in Novara,
another immersion basin cylindrical in shape and perhaps 4
feet in depth and about 3 feet in diameter is positioned on the
side of the baptistery and dates from the 12th century. We
were left alone in the building, and I was able to take photos
without hindrance. The basins of Albenga are similar in size
and design to others from the same period along the
northwest coast of Italy at Finale Ligure and Noli and that also
exists in Riva Ligure farther west of Albenga.

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 ALBENGA – 5th century

Aosta
Built as a fully planned city by the emperor Augustus in
the first century with his arch, city walls, and other original
features still visible, Aosta is about 116 miles northwest of
Milan and near the border of France and Switzerland. Under
the main cathedral of Santa Maria, at least three immersion
basins have been discovered dating from the 3rd to 5th
centuries together with mosaics, staircases and tombs. The

3
earliest Christian building was a house church built on an
earlier Roman structure of the 3rd century. On the floor of the
central aisle a glass window allows a view of the main
baptismal basin of the earlier Christian church beneath.
Different stages of construction in the size and design of the
basin can be observed.
The photograph is used by permission of the Aosta
Valley Regional District and the Diocese of Aosta.

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 AOSTA – 5th century

Aquilea
After Trieste and Grado, I traveled by bus 20 miles
farther to Aquilea, a significant port town in Roman times. As
the bus nearly left the area, I asked the driver where the
“scavi” (Italian for “excavation”) was located. When he said we

5
had already passed it, I requested to be let off at the next stop
that fortunately was the back entrance to the ancient Roman
site. I walked the length of the ruined town and, exhausted,
finally came upon the enormous cathedral that is entirely a
museum with fine mosaic floors covered by protective glass.
At the front entrance is the baptistery of monumental
proportions. The basin is hexagonal dating from the 6th
century but having an earlier basin below it of similar design.
The interior depth with 3 levels is at least 4 feet and the
diameter is more than 10 feet. The central drain is visible. The
remnants of another immersion basin are located in the
excavation adjacent to the west of the basilica.

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 AQUILEA – 6th century

Avdat Shivta, Israel

The baptismal basin seen here is cross-shaped and
reminded the candidate that baptism means to be crucified
with Christ as one enters into the death of Christ, descending
and rising again, in order to live a new life as described in

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Romans 6:3-6 and Colossians 2:12. Four steps descend from
the head of the cruciform basin and also from the foot.
Shivta is located 25 miles southwest of Beer Sheva
(Beersheba). Two churches in the north and south part of the
town were built in the 4th century, and in the 5th-6th century,
a central church was erected. Shivta was abandoned during
the Islamic period (9th-10th century). Information about the
site can be obtained from the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs
at mfa.gov.il
The photo is used by permission of Yochai Corem at
tiuli.com.

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 AVDAT SHIVTA ISRAEL – 6th century

Barcelona
The immersion basin in Barcelona is part of the city
museum located near the main cathedral. After a few days of
communication obstacles, on the morning of our departure, I
arrived at the museum only to find that the excavation site of
the baptismal basin is not open to the public due to
construction of a viewing platform scheduled to open at a later
date. One of the directors of the site was kind to give me a
book of the excavation and arranged for a photo of the basin
to be sent to me for use in this publication.

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 The church of Barcino, the ancient name of Barcelona,
met in a family residence later donated to the church and on
which a basilica was built. Paulinus of Nola, friend of
Augustine, was ordained a presbyter here in 392 AD. The
earliest stage of the baptistery dates from the 4th century, but
the shape of the pool from that period cannot be determined
as only one side remains. In the 6th century an octagonal
basin, following the pattern of Milan, was constructed with four
steps descending on each of four sides creating a cruciform
interior design. The water channel is visible extending from
the center of the basin floor to one of the sides. As provided in
a communication from the city museum, the dimensions of the
octagonal basin are 3 feet 3 inches in depth, 13 feet in
diameter, 4 feet 9 inches for each exterior side and 4 feet 6
inches for each interior side.
The photo is used by permission of the Civic Museum
of Barcelona.

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 BARCELONA – 5th century

Barzano
At the Canonica di San Salvatore in this small town 28
miles northeast of Milan is an octagonal immersion basin
dating from the 7th century during the Longobard (Lombard)
period. Cardinal Frederico Borromeo of Milan restored the
building in the 17th century and possibly removed another
basin and replaced it with the one present. We arrived by
train in Lecco then went by bus to Barzano when the driver
offered to chauffeur us since the regular schedule had

11
passed. Then at Barzano, we found the small church closed
and were escorted to the city hall by a helpful gentleman. The
staff there made inquiries on our behalf for a tour by Renato
who went out of his way to make sure we saw the immersion
basin and afterward gave us a ride to the station in Oggiono
where we caught the train back to Milan.
The interior dimensions of the basin measure 3 feet in
depth and 3 feet 9 inches in diameter. The basin has a
central drain and two concentric interior octagonal levels that
appear to serve as small steps to the floor.

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 BARZANO – 7th century

Cagliari
Not previously knowing the location of our apartment in
relation to the next site, we were thankful to find ourselves in
short walking distance to one of the oldest immersion basins
in Italy. At Cagliari on the south coast of Sardinia, in
excavations at the church of Santo Sepolcro an impressive
immersion basin was discovered dating from the 4th century.
Having a depth of 40 inches and a diameter of about 8 feet,

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the basin is circular in shape and cut directly into the bedrock.
There are three steps descending to the basin floor, and the
steps are rounded on the corners. Sides of the basin appear
slightly sloped. The water channel and drain are also visible at
floor level next to the steps. The immersion basin is situated
just behind the church office, and a paleochristian burial site is
entered from the main floor area of the building.
The building was difficult to find, and we only
discovered it after finding a city historical sign near the
Castello area that associated the site with the St. Eulalia
museum a few streets away. One of the staff there gave us
details of opening times of the church where the excavation is
located. The priest at the church of Santo Sepolcro explained
that services there are conducted by both Roman Catholic
and Greek Orthodox clergy.

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 CAGLIARI (Sardinia) – 4th century

Canosa di Puglia
This immersion basin is named San Giovanni and
dates from the 6th century. It is one of the main attractions of
the city. The design is three concentric seven-sided levels.
Until recently, the baptistery and basin were used as an olive
press, and they are now being restored and protected under

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the supervision of Dr. R. Moreno Cassano of the University of
Bari. When we entered the excavations under the cathedral of
San Sabino in Canosa, the attending priest explained that a
symbolic design similar to the San Giovanni baptismal basin is
in the main cathedral above and has a diameter of about 10
feet.
The photo is used by permission of the Civic Museum
of Canosa.

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 CANOSA DI PUGLIA – 6th century
Cantu (Galliano)

About 26 miles north of Milan is the town of Cantu and

the basilica of Saint Vicenza with the baptistery of San

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Giovanni constructed in 1007 AD. The solid stone immersion
basin, believed to be a grinding stone from the Roman period,
is in the center and cylindrical in design. The area of Galliano
is the oldest part of the city dating from the 5th century BC
and was evangelized by Ambrose in the 4th century AD.
When I arrived at Cantu by train, a kind lady offered to
give me a ride from the nearby coffee shop to downtown.
From there I walked another half mile following directions from
local shopkeepers. Looking atop a small hill for the baptistery,
I came to the fascinating stone building and waited for the
doors to be unlocked. When no one arrived, I tried the front
gate that happened to be open, and I proceeded through the
wooden doors. I immediately found the solid granite
immersion basin in the center and began to take photos. A
female worker entered and insisted the building was closed,
but then she relented after I explained I only wanted to take
pictures.
The basin is set into the floor about 3 feet. The interior
depth from the top rim above the surrounding floor level to the
inside floor is about 6.5 feet with a single step remaining at
the bottom. The diameter is about 5.5 feet. The inflow and
outflow water channels are clearly visible on the side at the
inside bottom. As I finished up with measurements and took a
few more photos, the worker returned and reiterated that the
building was closed. Encouraged by providential events here,
I hurried out and continued on my way to Agliate.

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 CANTU – 1007 AD

Cornus (Santa Caterina di Pittinuri)

Near the town of Santa Caterina of Pittinuri is the
ancient site of Cornus-Columbaris. This immersion basin is
located about 16 miles north of Oristano on the central west
coast of Sardinia. With changes during four hundred years,
the cruciform basin within a circular brick design was in use
from the 4th to the 8th century and has an interior depth of

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three feet. The basin was built over the ruins of an earlier bath
associated with a Roman house.
We arrived at Santa Caterina by bus and stayed
overnight in a hotel after discovering that the site of Cornus is
over a two-mile hike out of town. On approaching the
unprotected ruins, we saw what appeared to be rocks strewn
in a field, pillars and marble overlay having been pillaged in
recent decades.
As we entered the area, we soon came to the
immersion basin where we took photos and measured the
dimensions: 7 feet inside from arm to arm of a Latin cross
design and 6 feet 5 inches from head to foot of the cross with
steps descending to the floor, five steps from one end and
four from the other. The full diameter of the circular brick
structure in which the cross-shaped basin is set, is 11 feet 4
inches.
An interesting aspect is the central position of the
basin, situated between the raised presbyterial platform and
the main entrance door. Four pillars supporting a canopy
surrounded the basin during the period of use. People
attending the basilica would have stood around the baptismal
basin and were constantly reminded of their baptism as the
defining moment of their lives.

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 CORNUS (Sardinia) – 4th to 8th century

Cremona
The convenient regional and national train service in
Italy allows easy travel between cities. In one day I traveled to
and photographed baptismal basins in Cremona, Parma, and
Ravenna. Located east of Milan, Cremona has a quaint
historical center and is surrounded by flat fields of farmland.
After arriving at the train station, I proceeded on foot down the

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main street toward a high church tower that could be seen
over the skyline. Then to be certain I was heading in the right
direction, I went into an employment office and asked about
the baptistery. The young woman there told me to go directly
down the street and turn left at the large market.
The large medieval baptistery emerged among the
shops. Built in 1167 AD, the baptistery houses the great
octagonal basin also of the same period. A thick marble lid
covers the basin, and a smaller but also impressive red
marble basin was placed upon the lid in 1527. The 12th
century octagonal basin must have replaced another previous
basin of similar design and size. The design and appearance
of the basin is similar to those of the same period seen
elsewhere such as at Parma and Verona. These in turn
appear modeled after the 4th and 5th century octagonal
immersion basins beneath the Milan Duomo.
Each of the exterior sides of the octagonal basin is
about 6 feet in length, and the height of the basin is about 4
feet excluding two concentric foundation levels. Because of
the marble lid and smaller basin on top, the interior of the
large octagonal basin cannot be viewed or measured.

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 CREMONA – 12th century

Cuma (basilica temple of Jupiter)

Just 12 miles on the coast west of Naples, the ancient

ruins of Cuma near the town of Pozzuoli has a circular
immersion basin with three concentric levels and dates from
the 5th century. The interior dimensions are about 7 feet in
diameter on the top level and about 4.5 feet in diameter on the
floor and about 4 feet in depth. Remains of marble slabs
covering the interior can still be seen. The basin is situated in
a rectangular room at the head of the basilica.

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 The temple of Jupiter (Giove) was changed to a
Christian basilica in the early centuries where the basin is
located. The date of the basin may be 4th century because of
the characteristic Constantinian design: concentric circular
levels like the original version at San Giovanni in Rome and
the vertical marble covering. A primary aim of Constantine
was to Christianize pagan temples, especially those in popular
centers such as Cuma. The site is fairly unprotected and
vulnerable. I am thankful to Gianluca, a local man who was
very helpful to ensure that I made bus connections to Cuma.
The temple of Apollo in Cuma was also converted to a
Christian basilica and has an octagonal perimeter marking the
ruins of another large baptismal area at the far end of the
ruins opposite the path entering the temple area.

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 CUMA – 4th century

Cureggio
Located about 50 miles northwest of Milan is the small
town of Cureggio. In front of the church of Santa Maria
Assunta is the baptistery of San Giovanni dating from the 15th
century. However, excavations within the walls have revealed
octagonal and round immersion basins dating from the 5th to
12th centuries.

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 The three basins provide a most interesting testimony
to changes in size and function over seven centuries. The first
basin of the 5th century is octagonal and has an interior
diameter of just over 8 feet. It was the next immersion basin
for the region after the one in Novara. The next oldest basin
is from the 7th century and has a diameter of just over 5 feet.
The design is again octagonal with a quadrangular extension.
The third oldest basin is 12th century with a round shape and
appears to be for infant immersion and partial adult immersion
although only the bottom portion of the basin is visible. A
central drain channel is visible.
The sacrestan said the baptismal area was built over a
pagan temple of Etruscan times. An underground natural
spring provided water to fill the basin. He explained baptism
was by total immersion, then he pointed to the small present-
day bowl containing water to wet the forehead of the baby.
When I asked why the size of the basins changed from large
to small over the centuries, he replied, “Cristianesimo sempre
cambiare” which means “Christianity always changes,”
reflecting perhaps a particular view of teaching authority.

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 CUREGGIO – 5th to 12th century

Dublin
In the area of Balgriffin north of Dublin, is the church of
Saint Doulagh named for an anchoritic monk of the 6th
century. Anchorites lived in isolation and were associated
with Greek Christianity. The Celtic church celebrated Easter

27
on the same day as Greeks before the Roman liturgy gained
dominance.
As I approached the site, a large octagonal basin below
ground level came into view about 40 feet in diameter and 10
feet in depth with seven wide steps descending to the basin
floor from one side, all entirely of stone construction. A ledge
for sitting or standing is built into a niche opposite the steps on
the other side of the large octagonal area. A small stone
chapel is erected in the center of the basin floor, over what is
called St. Doulagh’s Well.
When I walked down the seven steps I looked through
openings in the stone chapel and saw another circular basin
about 3 feet in diameter set into the floor of still another
circular basin that is about 8 feet across: St. Doulagh’s Well.
The stone chapel or baptistery has a narrow iron gate, and the
basin within this has three steps descending to the first level
with an additional descent to a second level, the total depth of
which is about 4 feet into the center of the floor of the larger
surrounding octagonal area.
A guide book I obtained from the Royal Antiquaries of
Ireland says of the baptismal area: “It was the original place of
baptism of the people of Fingal as they were converted to the
Faith” and “the most ancient of the whole group of
ecclesiastical remains at St. Doulagh’s” (St. Doulagh’s Church
in the Diocese of Dublin, p. 21).

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 DUBLIN (S. Doulagh) - 7th century
Geneva – S. Peter’s Cathedral
Beneath the cathedral of Saint Peter where John
Calvin preached in Geneva, Switzerland, an early church

29
building and octagonal immersion basin have been excavated
dating from the 4th century. The octagonal form indicates how
quickly the design of Ambrose, or perhaps his predecessors,
had spread beyond Milan.
The photograph is used by permission of Dr. Mark
Gstohl at cat.xula.edu/tpr/albums/radical/

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 GENEVA (S. Peters) – 4th century

Grado
After visiting the baptistery at the cathedral of San
Giusto in Trieste, I made my way nearby to the quaint
medieval town of Grado before moving on to Aquilea some 20

31
miles from there. Not knowing exactly where to go, I headed
for the center of the old town. As I entered the piazza with
bright sun blazing, I glanced to the left and immediately saw
the ancient tombs and the baptistery just beyond named San
Giovanni where the door was open seeming to invite me
inside. There I was, alone with the magnificent hexagonal
immersion basin and the mosaic floor surrounding it.
As I studied the basin in the sunlight, I saw that it is
made of brick with the exterior marble covering removed. The
top rim and interior of the basin with a concentric hexagonal
ledge is covered in white marble, and the drain hole on the
side is clearly visible.
The basin dates from the 5th century and has
approximate dimensions of 40 inches in depth with the bottom
set about 10 inches below the floor level of the baptistery. The
interior concentric ledge is about 24 inches from the top edge
and descends 18 inches to the floor. The ledge itself is about
12 inches in width. The interior length of each side of the
hexagon is 48 inches. The interior diameter of the hexagon is
about 7 feet from side to side at the top and about 5 feet at
the bottom.

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 GRADO – 5th century
Isola Comacina

33
 The island is very near the coast of the town of Sala
Comacina. We were able to take a small private boat and then
by footpath made our way across the island to the ruins
beside the church of San Eufemia. The island is in Lake
Como and 48 miles north of Milan. After finding the church
closed, we explored the older church ruins outside and
discovered the octagonal immersion basin dating from the 5th
to 6th century on the left side of the building. The baptistery
has mosaic pavement with marine scenes. The immersion
basin is about 6 feet in diameter with a central drain water
channel and has pieces of marble covering remaining on the
inside and outside walls of the basin. The top portions of the
basin walls are destroyed making the original depth unknown.

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 ISOLA COMACINA – 5th century

Jerusalem

The first places of baptism after the Jordan River were

the mikvah pools of Jerusalem which to date number over 150
discovered around the Temple Mount in Jerusalem in addition
the enormous pools of Bethesda and Siloam, the latter
measuring over 10,000 square feet. This resolves the
question of where the 3,000 people mentioned in Acts 2:41,

35
could have been immersed on the first Pentecost after the
resurrection of Christ. The mikvah structures were ritual
purification pools where Jews were totally immersed in order
to receive cleansing according to the Law, especially the book
of Leviticus. Baptism is in reality simply a continuation and
fulfillment of the total immersion already familiar to the Jews,
and preached by John the Baptist to prepare Israel for their
Messiah. Baptism became the means of adoption to become
children of God and receive forgiveness of sins for “all nations
beginning at Jerusalem” (Luke 24:47; Acts 2:38; Galatians
3:26,27).
The first century mikvah seen here, used by permission
of Erol Dogan, is located near the entrance on the south wall
of Jerusalem where Jews ascended to the Temple Mount.
Purification by immersion in the mikvah was required as a
condition of admission to the Temple grounds.
Drawing upon numerous primary and secondary
sources, an excellent explanation of the significance of the
mikvah is The Waters from Eden by Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan,
National Council of Synagogue Youth, Orthodox Union of
Jewsih Congregations of America, New York, 1982.

36
 JERUSALEM (mikvah) – 1st century

Lomello
We approached a man picking roses in front of the
church building, who told an older woman of our mission who
then spread the word to others. When we returned after a
short break, the church and baptistery were open for a small
fee.
In this town located 40 miles southwest of Milan is a
hexagonal immersion basin dating from the 5th century and

37
having an interior diameter of about 7.5 feet and current depth
of 3 feet 3 inches although the top rim wall is destroyed
making the actual depth greater. The basin has an interior
concentric level or ledge and a floor diameter of about 6.5
feet. The basin is contained in the center of the baptistery
named San Giovanni ad Fontes associated with the church of
Santa Maria Maggiore dating from the 11th century.
The hexagonal design of the basin is the same as
those at Aquilea and Grado in northeast Italy. The
Longobards who built the hexagonal basin at Lomello, were
converted to Christianity in the eastern empire, and passed
through those regions on their way to northern and central
Italy.
Fresco art and inscriptions are visible on the interior
sides of the basin. The phrase “In Regnum Dei” translates as
“Into the Kingdom of God,” and a door portal design with a
cross in the center signifies baptism as the way to the cross
and eternal life.
This small rural town has an ancient history with the
original Roman name of Laumellum. The woman at the
municipal building made it clear that the baptistery is under
the local church jurisdiction and not the city purview although
in some cities it is the reverse.

38
 LOMELLO – 6th century

Lucca – San Frediano

The beautiful town of Lucca, about 48 miles west of

Florence, bears testimony to the ongoing practice of
immersion baptism from the 4th to the 12th centuries. Making
our way through narrow streets, we came upon the church of
San Frediano. Immediately inside the front entrance on the
right side is the large ornate circular immersion basin known
as Fonte Lustrale dating from the 12th century and designed
and created by Robertus. We took photos and measured the

39
interior of the basin as about 9 feet in diameter and 4 feet in
depth. As in nearly all immersion basins from this period we
have seen, an ornamental piece was placed in the center of
the basin in later centuries.

40
 LUCCA – 12th century

Lucca – San Giovanni and Santa Reparata

A short walk away from San Frediano, a large

rectangular immersion basin was discovered beneath the
churches of San Giovanni and Santa Reparata a short walk
away. After paying a small admission fee, we found the 5th
century rectangular basin and saw the large water channel
coming from the foundation supporting the basin. In later
centuries, a small circular bowl-shaped basin was constructed
at the center of the larger rectangular basin. Still another

41
square basin of similar dimensions can be seen at the
northwest perimeter of the excavation.
The baptismal area is built upon an earlier Roman
thermal site of the 2nd century BC. Lucca is believed to be the
first town in Tuscany that was evangelized.

42
 LUCCA – 5th century

Mariano Comense
While passing through this town on the bus to Agliate, I
saw what appeared to be a baptistery and decided to return to
it on the way back. The baptistery was locked when I found it
located beside the church of Santo Stephano where I entered
and explained my purpose to the priest. Smiling, he brought
me to the door of the baptistery and we went inside. I took
photos and measurements and was handed a flier giving the

43
historical background prepared by “beni archeologici della
Lombardia.”
The baptistery dates from the early 11th century, and
remains of the central immersion basin dating from the 7th
century are below the current floor level with the top portion
demolished above floor level. The existing exterior dimensions
of the circular basin are about 4 feet in diameter and about 3.5
feet in depth. The town is located 24 miles north of Milan.

44
 MARIANO COMENSE – 7th century

Massa Marittima

From Pisa we arrived by train to Fallonica where we

stayed overnight and took a bus the next day about 15 miles
to Massa Marittima, 80 miles inland south of Pisa. We entered
the main cathedral and a woman approached us to say
photographs were not allowed. We then asked to speak to the
priest who gave us permission. The exterior of basin has a
stone-carved depiction of the immersion baptism of Christ,
showing the water piled up to his chest.

45
 The large ornate rectangular immersion basin dates
from 1267 A.D. and was sculpted by Giroldo da Como. The
basin, sculpted from a single block, with sculpted lions
supporting each corner, is on a platform about 14 inches in
height. Interior dimensions of the basin are 7 feet 10 inches in
length, 6 feet 10 inches in width, and about 32 inches in
depth. A central tabernacle pillar was placed in the center of
the basin in the 15th century.

46
 MASSA MARITTIMA – 13th century
Mergozzo-Montorfano
Northwest of Milan about 65 miles distance is the small
village of Montorfano near Mergozzo. When I arrived by train
to Mergozzo, a light rain and fog persisted during a 2
kilometer hike along a lake through the forest. In the remote
village I inquired at nearby houses for a key to access the little
stone church building.
At the church of San Giovanni Battista, immersion
basins on the same location from different periods were
excavated in 1979. Both basins are octagonal in design and
date from the 5th and 9th centuries. The design development
of the construction appears to change from three to four levels
and somewhat smaller diameter in the latter period (Baricco in
BEI, p.557). The top portion of the basin appears to be
missing making it difficult to determine the original depth.
The inner basin is circular and a plaster water-seal
covering can be seen. The existing interior dimensions are a
depth of about 2 feet 8 inches with a diameter of 3 feet 8
inches on the lower level and 4 feet 4 inches at the top level.

47
A concentric circular inner level or ledge is present below an
inner concentric octagonal level. The design appears to allow
vertical immersion from a sitting or kneeling position to lower
the head forward. The water source is an opening in the side
of the basin for filling and flushing with water flowing down
from the surrounding hills. The area of the basin is below floor
level and roped off. The floor level of the 9th century church
building is about 8 feet below.

48
 MERG. MONTORFANO – 9th century

Milan - San Eustorgio

This brings us to perhaps the most fascinating

immersion basin in Italy, possibly providing a transition with
the earlier mikvah pools of Judea. Although sources are
questionable, the story is that Barnabas brought Christianity to
the Milan region. Upon attending what may have been the
Jewish community in the area of what is now called San
Eustorgio, Barnabas used an immersion basin in a location
where Christians then began to meet.
When I visited the church of San Eustorgio after
learning of the site from the church of Christ on via Bollo the
previous Sunday, the sacrestan informed me that the
Barnabas basin (Fonte Barnaba) is owned by a private party
and closed to the public. A professional restoration company
Studio Restauri Formica had photos and gave permission to
use the photo for publication.
The rectangular basin is in close proximity to a
Christian cemetery dating from the 2nd century. The basin is
beneath the courtyard of what is today a private condominium
complex.
The approximate interior measurements of the basin
are 12 feet in length, 7.5 feet in width, and 2.5 feet from the
interior ledge seat to the floor and another 3 feet from the seat
ledge to the original top rim indicated by the top row of large
stone blocks. The interior seat ledge runs along the length of
each side of the basin. Mineral deposit on the walls can be
seen showing possible previous water levels. The basin
opened to a river flowing nearby in ancient times. The brick
ceiling was added much later.

49
 MILAN (San Eustorgio) – 1st century

Milan – San Giovanni

The Milan Duomo is one of the largest cathedrals in

Europe and is built upon previous constructions dating back to
the 4th century. The baptismal basin of San Giovanni built
under the direction of Ambrose in 378 AD is believed to be
where he baptized Augustine in 387 AD and adjoins the apse

50
of the excavated church of San Thecla. The site is entered
through a stairway near the front doors of the building, and
tickets are purchased at the bookstore. As we approached the
basin, a guide was explaining the act of immersion to a group
of Italian school children. The dimensions of the basin are a
depth of about 30 inches and 20 feet in diameter with three
steps descending to the floor. Large in-flow and out-flow
channels for water are clearly visible, accommodating a large
volume of water.

51
 MILAN (S. Giovanni) – 4th century

Milan - San Stefano

Another baptismal basin where Ambrose was believed
to have been baptized in 374 AD, is called San Stefano also
beneath the Duomo and near the excavated Basilica Vetus
“Ancient Church.” This early church was already established
when Ambrose first came to Milan and is mentioned in letters
to his sister Marcellina (76:20). The access to the baptismal

52
basin is located outside the left rear wall of the Duomo and
just inside the second entrance to the rooftop as one
proceeds around the left side of the cathedral. The interior
dimensions of the basin are about 12 feet in diameter with an
interior concentric octagonal ledge and a depth of about 3
feet. An opening for water is in the center of the floor and
another water channel is also visible. The basin is set on top
of a high column of stones about 20 feet in height.
Both of the baptismal basins beneath the Duomo are
octagonal in design and are considered to be the model for
numerous octagonal basins that followed throughout Italy and
the rest of Europe while basins in North Africa and the Middle
East generally have rectangular and quadrilobed designs.
Although the octagonal San Stefano basin precedes the basin
designed by Ambrose, another contradictory view is that his
octagonal design for San Giovanni alle Fonte is perhaps
based on the octagonal plan of the tomb of Maximianus built
in the first decade of the 4th century and may have been
intended to convey the meaning of death and burial of the old
self as Paul writes in Colossians 2:12 and Romans 6:3. The
tomb of Maximianus was discovered beneath the church of
San Vittore al Corpo in Milan.

53
 MILAN (S. Stefano) – 4th century

Naples
Adjoining the Cathedral of San Paolo is San Restituta that
contains a 4th century circular immersion basin set into the floor
in a room on the right side of the apse. The dimensions of the
basin are about 7 feet in diameter and 3 feet in depth. The
channel for water to fill the basin can be seen around the top rim.
This immersion basin, ordered by the Emperor Constantine

54
following the legalization of Christianity, is perhaps the earliest
intact example in Italy and inspiring as a testimony of early
baptismal practice.

55
 NAPLES – 4th century

Nocera Superiore
The town is near Nocera Inferiore and somewhat
difficult to access because only a local train could take us
there from Salerno. We were in awe as we entered the
baptistery set below street level and saw the 6th century
immersion basin with interior dimensions of 7 meters or 23
feet in diameter and about 4 feet deep, the largest in Italy after
Laterano in Rome. The exterior is geometric in design while

56
the interior contains three concentric circular levels. This is
also similar to San Giovanni Laterano in Rome where the
Vatican museum has a 15th century painting of an earlier
design showing three concentric circular levels. The Nocera
building is Byzantine as far as the décor and origin. However
during this period there was no formal division between
churches of the East and West. The service in the West was
Greek until the 8th century, and until today a strong Greek
influence is evident throughout Italy in iconographic
decorations.
An additional point of interest is that excavations
beneath the baptistery at Nocera Superiore have revealed the
possible presence of a synagogue from the 4th century, with
the discovery of a Hebrew lamp.

57
 NOCERA SUPERIORE – 6th century
Noli

58
 In the town of Noli, 40 miles on the coast west of Genoa,
is the site of the 11th century church of San Paragorio
excavated in 1970. Three immersion basins can be found
dating from different periods of construction including an
octagonal basin partly visible dating from the 5 th century in the
excavated area.
The archaeologist Dr. Luca Bottaro, met us at the church
building during the mid afternoon before it was open to the
public. He also allowed us access to the excavation and
earliest immersion basin that was closed to public viewing.
This octagonal basin dating from the 5 th century is transected
by a wall of the current church building and has an internal
diameter of about 8 feet. Water channels have been found
made of hard clay.
A second immersion basin seen here inside the building
dates from the 12th century and was destroyed in the 15 th
century and restored in the 19 th century. This basin is
octagonal and measures 4 feet 3 inches in diameter internally
and 3.5 feet in depth internally.
A third octagonal immersion basin is just outside the rear
wall of the church building and dates from the 13 th century.
Only the foundation and floor area of the basin are visible as
well as a central water channel. The diameter of the inside
floor is about 4 feet 10 inches.

59
 NOLI –13th century

Novara
The main cathedral (duomo) is named Santa Maria
Assunta built in the 19th century, but below the building is a
much older church construction. The baptistery is one of the
oldest in the province and dates from the 5 th century with
subsequent changes. The central immersion basin dates from
the 4th century, and until recent excavations this was beneath
the floor where an immersion basin of the 12 th century was
placed.

60
 During my visit, the archaeologist Maria Grazia Vinardi
who excavated the site, entered leading a group and then
introduced herself when she saw me attempting to stretch my
tape measure while one of her students volunteered to assist
me. Signs were posted forbidding photos, but she gave me
permission. We exchanged email addresses, and she
informed me about other excavations currently underway.
The 4th century basin is octagonal with an interior
diameter of 6 feet 3 inches. Only the remains below the
current floor level are visible, and the water channel system
for inflow and outflow are well exposed and would seem to
support a significant volume of water. Part of the floor, a
portion of ledge or concentric level, and a step are also
visible. A wide octagonal perimeter may indicate additional
diameter for an upper level in the original design.

61
 NOVARA – 4th century

Oggiono
The baptistery of San Giovanni beside the church of San
Eufemia was built in the 11 th century over the earlier 5 th or 6th
century immersion basin excavated in 1997. Octagonal in
design, this basin is in the town of Oggiono located 35 miles
northeast of Milan and 18 miles east of Como. Allowing
vertical immersion, the internal diameter of the basin at its

62
floor is 4 feet 2 inches and with a visible central outflow water
channel. A portion of a possible lower step is also present.
The basin is set within a larger circular structure that
forms part of the basin itself adding greater diameter for a
total of about 15 feet possibly indicating a multi -level basin
much deeper than the current post-demolition depth of 20
inches.
The original foundation of the 5 th or 6th century baptistery
or church building is also observable, quadrangular in shape
surrounding the early basin and upon which the current
octagonal baptistery is built. After finding the building locked, I
went to the municipal building where the staff immediately
phoned the archaeologist Dr. Marisa Molteni who directed the
recent restoration of the site. She arrived 10 minutes later to
allow me into the baptistery and explained the history and
background of the excavation. She said with dismay that the
top of the ancient basin had been demolished in the 18 th
century to build the floor for the church sacristy office.

63
 OGGIONO – 6th century

Palazzo Pignano

To arrive at the town located 27 miles east of Milan, we

had to go by train to Crema and take a bus. When we asked
for the location of the church at a nearby news stand, the
woman pointed the way before I barely said a word.
At the church known as the Pieve di San Martino, are the
remains of two immersion basins, one inside the building and
another outside. Both are circular in design with the larger
outside basin having at least two levels including a concentric

64
inner ledge and interior dimensions of about 5 feet 10 inches
in diameter at the top level and about 4 feet 4 inches in
diameter at the floor level. The total current depth is 32 inches
measuring from the highest point of a destroyed top rim. The
high point of the rim is also in rough form making the total
depth of the basin uncertain. The plaster-like covering to
maintain water in the basin, is visible on areas of the floor and
side.

65
 PALAZZO PIGNANO – 5th century

Parma
The octagonal immersion basin has about 30 inches for
the interior depth with each octagonal side having an interior
length of 39 inches. Set on two concentric levels, the basin
contains a quadrilobed structure identical to the one seen at
Verona and probably used for the administrator to stand also

66
served to reduce the volume of water needed to fill the larger
basin in order to perform immersions. The Parma basin dates
from the 11th century and is striking for its two-toned color of
white and brown. The baptistery is also famous as an
example of medieval architecture. The magnificence of the
baptistery also seen in Cremona, Ravenna, and other cities,
reflects the centrality and significance of immersion baptism in
the life of the church though the 12 th century of the middle
ages.

67
 PARMA – 11th century

Pisa
Perhaps one of the most striking immersion basins in
Italy is at Pisa famous for the leaning tower. The town of Pisa
is located on the west coast opposite Ravenna and south of
Genoa. The basin is best viewed from a balcony from which
one can see the interior. Constructed in 1153 A.D., the basin
is elevated on a concentric octagonal foundation and also
gives an idea of the design of the immersion basin
constructed in the same period at Florence and demolished
by Francesco de Medici in 1575.

68
69
 PISA – 12th century

Poitiers
About 200 miles south of Paris is the city of Poitiers.
After arriving by train and following directions from the internet
café where we confirmed the location of the baptistery, we
walked a comfortable distance past medieval churches and
came upon a building set about 12 feet below the ground
level. Possibly the oldest in France, the original baptismal pool
of the “Baptistery of Saint John” dates from the 4th century

70
when Poitiers was a Roman town named Lemonum. In 1834
the building was saved from destruction by the Societe des
Antiquaires de l’Ouest.
The octagonal design and dimensions of the basin
reflect the degree of conformity to architectural forms seen in
other baptisteries such as Milan. When we entered the
baptistery, the woman selling tickets was protective of the
frescoes dating from the 11th to 13th centuries but permitted
photographs of this impressive baptismal basin. The
dimensions of the pool are about 5 feet in depth and 9 feet in
diameter at the top with five concentric descending levels
including the floor. An outflow channel for water is visible.

71
 POITIERS – 4th century
Ravenna - Neonian

72
 Ravenna is on the Adriatic coast 45 miles east of
Bologna. On a sunny morning I walked to the Neonian
Orthodox baptistery from my hotel room near the train station.
The term Neonian refers to Bishop Neon who directed the
construction of the building and basin dating from the late 4th
or early 5th century. The original circular immersion basin is
about 10 feet below the present floor level and was itself built
over an old Roman nymphaeum bath. A certain Bishop Ursus
after 425 A.D. decorated the baptistery with frescoes, and the
center dome depicts the baptism of Christ as an immersion
resembling the depiction on the ceiling of the Arian baptistery
in Ravenna. The addition of a dish pouring water on Jesus’
head in the Neonian baptistery, was made in the 19th century
(“Baptistery,” in Encyclopedia of Early Christianity, p. 166).
The present octagonal basin was built at a later period and
measures approximately 30 inches in depth. Each of the sides
is about 45 inches in length.

73
 RAVENNA – 6th century

Rigoli
We travelled by train from Lucca on the same day during
a day trip from Pisa. To arrive at Rigoli we had to disembark
at the stop for San Giuliano Terme and take a local bus. In
this small town located just 5 miles northeast of Pisa, is the
Pieve di San Marco Rigoli. The rectangular immersion basin
here is of Longobard origin and dates from the 8 th century.
As we approached the church building, we saw a historic
marker sign stating the building is 12 th century. Finding it

74
closed we knocked on a door nearby, and a young woman
from Argentina who was also the caretaker was happy to
open the building for us where we took photos and
measurements. The basin has a cross carved in the front and
measures about 7 feet long, 3 feet wide and 3.5 feet deep.

75
 RIGOLI – 8th century

Riva San Vitale – 12th century

This town is actually across the border in Switzerland but

is most easily accessed by train from Milan, then Chiasso.
The baptistery dates from the 6 th century making it the oldest
in Swirtzerland and built upon an earlier Roman villa or bath.
Inside we found the octagonal immersion basin dating from
the 5th century, older than the building, and above this is
positioned a circular immersion basin perhaps for child
immersion made from a single block of stone and dating from

76
the 12th century. On the side is a small pedestal basin dating
from the 17th century.
The 12th century circular basin we measured to have an
interior diameter of 6 feet 3 inches and a depth of 23 inches.
The top rim is in rough form making the original depth greater
than present, and two water channels for draining the basin
can be observed.

77
 RIVA SAN VITALE – 12th century

Riva San Vitale – 5th century

Beneath the 12th century circular basin is preserved the

5th century octagonal basin with a concentric interior
octagonal level and a quadrangular extension. We measured
the longest internal diameter to be 6 feet 11 inches and
having an internal depth of 2 feet 3 inches. The top rim of the

78
basin is destroyed at the floor level of the baptistery, and so
additional wall height for the original basin would make the
depth greater. A drain hole exists on the side floor of the
basin, and a lead pipe water channel and clay channel can be
observed through a glass outside the baptistery. Beside this is
also a water cistern similar to that seen at Chieri for receiving
water from the immersion basin.

79
 RIVA SAN VITALE – 5th century

Rome - San Cecilia in Trastevere

An excavation in recent years was carried out beneath
this church and revealed a Roman construction, likely
Cecilia’s residence used as a Christian meeting place during
the period of persecution before the 4th century. We were
pleased to be given a detailed tour by the archaeologists who

80
excavated the site and documented the findings: Dr. Neda
Parmegiani and Dr. Alberto Pronti.
During the early Roman period of persecution, there
were three characteristic baths in the residence: a cool bath, a
tepid bath, and a hot bath. The interior dimensions of the
circular tepid bath are 60 centimeters or 2 feet in depth and
2.60 meters in diameter, approximately 8 feet 8 inches. The
floor of the bath was set below the floor level of the Roman
house.
This tepid bath was probably used as the place of
baptism in the house church and continuing until an additional
basin was built directly on top of the tepid bath in the 4th or
5th century having the same interior diameter and about one
meter or 3 feet 4 inches in depth with three steps to the basin
floor including the top rim of the basin. The circular tepid bath
can still be seen as the foundation of the 4th century basin
built over it. The 4th century basin has a star-shaped exterior
design.
Another important finding from the 5th century is a
stone inscription on the lintel over the entrance to the
baptismal basin translated as follows: “The sacred basin is for
the faith that removes all sins. Whoever immerses here
begins life anew.” The archaeologists explained that
immersion was the mode of baptism in Italy until at least the
10th century.

81
 ROME (S.Cecilia) – 3rd to 10th century
Rome - San Crisogono in Trastevere

82
 An excavation beneath this church was carried out by
Alberto Pronti. An earlier church site was discovered and an
earlier Roman house dating from the 3 rd century where
Christians met for worship. A large circular stone baptistery
can be seen here measuring about 7 feet in diameter and
about 3 feet in depth. Walls of a later construction intersect
the walls of the basin. Crisogono may have been the owner of
the house, and some believe the baptistery may have served
a double purpose as a laundry basin. As seen with other
house sites where Christians met and where later specific
church construction developed, there was a basin and an
abundant water source used for other purposes such as the
thermal bath or impluvium beneath San Pudenziana and the
tepid bath at San Cecilia in Trastevere.
An additional note regarding the font beneath San
Cecilia is that a column was later built over the 4th century
basin and was filled with soil where people were then buried.
Then above this in the 9 th century another immersion basin
was constructed, the floor of which can be seen. This basin
was destroyed by an earthquake in the 10 th century. The soil
and skeletal remains were removed during excavation to
reveal the earlier basin seen on page 93.

83
 ROME (S. Crisogono) – 3rd century

Rome – San Lorenzo in Lucina

The remains of this 5th century immersion basin can be

seen in the excavation beneath the present church building.
We approached a priest who then appealed to the custodian
to allow us to see the baptistery, but he could not find the key.
When we returned a few weeks later, he opened the door to
the excavation and allowed us free entrance. As we entered
one of the many rooms, we saw the circular foundation of a
large immersion basin about 12 feet in diameter. The large
drain channel for the outflow of water from the basin is clearly
visible.

84
 This site is a short walk from San Marcello al Corso.
While it is sometimes claimed that in early centuries only a
single baptistery with one bishop served the diocese of Rome,
there were in fact numerous baptisteries located throughout
the city.

85
 ROME - San Lorenzo in Lucina – 5thcentury

Rome - San Marcello al Corso

When we first visited the church building a short distance
from San Lorenzo in Lucina, the lights were out of service for
viewing this fascinating immersion basin from the 5 th century.
The custodian assured us the lights would be in operation the
following month. When we returned one morning, he
immediately led us below to a room especially designed to
house the elaborate basin measuring about 8 feet in diameter

86
and 3 feet deep and with three steps leading to the floor. The
depth is difficult to determine due to destruction of the top rim.
Four niches are designed in the sides of the basin and appear
to be for seating or standing purposes for the participants or
assistants.

87
 ROME – S.Marcello al Corso – 5th century

Rome - S. Peter’s basilica (Benedict XIII)

The current baptismal area is actually two baptismal
basins with an interesting history. The large red marble basin
with the ornate brass cover is set into a large oval basin cut
into the floor of the basilica that originally had three marble
steps descending to the basin floor. The basin below floor
level is about 8 feet long, 5 feet wide, and 3 feet deep,
ordered by Pope Benedict XIII in 1725 who “wanted to

88
perform the ancient rite of baptism by immersion” (Powers,
116). The description of the basin and reference to Benedict
XIII* is given by Powers as page 214 in a book written in 1750
by a contemporary of the events, Raffaele Sindone, Della
Sacrosancta Basilica di S. Pietro in Vaticano.
Benedict’s decision was opposed by others who
thought the immersion basin would distract from the beauty of
the piece designed by Carlo Fontana for infant pouring which
following the Pope’s death was placed in the floor basin and
obscures the presence and functionality of Benedict’s basin.
The porphyry infant basin, had previously been the
sarcophagus of the Emperor Hadrian in Sant’ Angelo and
afterward had been the tomb of Otto II.

*Benedict XII in Powers due to a change in the list of Popes.

89
 ROME (S.Peter’s basilica – Benedict XII)

Rome - S. Peters basilica (Probus)

When the immersion basin of Damasus, restored and

redesigned by a later Pope had fallen into disuse in Old St.
Peter’s by the 15th century, the double sarcophagus of Sextus
Anicius Petronius Probus (375 CE) was used as the
immersion basin until 1695, and in its last phase of use for
baptism was placed in the area where the Pieta is now
located. This sarcophagus baptismal basin measures about 9
feet long, 3.5 feet high and 4.5 feet wide (Powers, 78) and can
still be seen in the crypt area beneath the basilica. The
Probus sarcophagus is located in an unmarked room on the
right before the exit. It can be recognized by the figure of a

90
beardless Christ holding a cross with the vertical piece
extending to his feet. The Probus sarcophagus continued to
serve as the baptismal font in new St. Peters basilica built in
the 16th century until it was replaced by the ornate Carlo
Fontana font that can be seen today sitting inside an
immersion basin carved into the basilica floor on orders from
Benedict XIII in 1725.

91
 ROME (Probus) – 15th to 17th
century

Rome - S. Priscillia catacomb

This large catacomb area includes a place of worship and
a rectangular basin thought to date from the 4 th or 5th century.
When we inquired about two baptisteries we had read about,
the guide said one in the area was inaccessible because of no
lighting. When I explained that I was writing a book on early

92
baptisteries, she said arrangements to see the baptistery
could be made.
We remained after the tour, and Francesca a Benedictine
nun appeared who had knowledge of the extensive
catacombs. Although she had recently suffered a fall, she
seemed eager to take us to the baptistery. With only
flashlights, we stumbled past cobwebs, narrowing tunnels,
and early Christian inscriptions and tombs. Finally the tunnel
opened onto an area with a wide stone staircase on the left
leading from the outside now closed off. To the immediate
right is the basin set below where we stood. The basin is
rectangular in shape and about 7 feet wide, 12 feet in length,
and 4 or 5 feet in depth.
The nun explained that the staircase was from a villa
previously located on the surface. There was evidence of
painting on the walls under the apse ceiling in front of the
basin, crosses scratched in the stone, and writing taken from
the words of Jesus in the gospel of John: “If anyone is thirsty,
let him come to me and drink.” What appear to be remnants of
marble covering, can be seen along the base of the rear back
wall of the basin.

93
ROME (S.Priscillia catacomb) – 5th century

94
Rome – Santi Quattro Coronati
At this church site near the Colosseum, a stone
immersion basin dating from the 5th century and measuring 20
feet in diameter was excavated and recovered. This basin is
the largest in the city of Rome after San Giovanni in Laterano.
During our visit we also found this fresco located in the chapel
of St. Sylvester from the year 1246, depicting the 4 th century
immersion baptism of Constantine. Although the painting
shows Sylvester baptizing, it is more likely the emperor was
baptized by his close friend and biographer, Eusebius of
Cesarea, who also wrote a still well-read history of the church.

95
 BAPTISM OF CONSTANTINE – 13th century

Tarquinia
During a day trip north of Rome, we arrived at
Civitavecchia on the train from Rome and took a bus to
Tarquinia. At the historic center entrance, we found a
convenient city map and located the church of Santa Maria di
Castello. As we neared the building we heard the loud
hammering of a film crew setting up equipment inside. The
building was otherwise empty and open, so we walked in and

96
immediately saw the large octagonal immersion basin on the
right side about 25 feet from the front entrance, almost
identical to the location of the basin at Tuscania. The marble
basin has two interior levels and interior dimensions of 3 feet
9 inches in depth and 6 feet 4 inches in diameter.
The actual bottom of the basin with a drain in the center is
set into a single level square stone and marble foundation
about 10 inches deep built up on two levels on the basilica
floor. Each exterior panel of the octagonal structure has a
marble cross placed on multi-colored marble tiles.
This basin is of the same 12 th century period as the
baptistery in Tuscania in Santa Maria Maggiore, and both give
evidence of the continuation of immersion at that time. At
Tuscania we visited the Colle di San Pietro where we found a
badly damaged perhaps 9 th century fresco of the baptism of
Christ showing the water piled up to his neck to depict
immersion.

97
 TARQUINIA – 12th century

Tharros
Approaching the site from Oristano in Sardinia, we could see
a stone tower rising on a hill surrounded by the blue waters of
the Mediterranean Sea. The ruins at Tharros are located at the
tip of the Sinis Peninsula about 11 miles from Oristano on the
central west coast of Sardinia. The ancient city of Tharros was
founded by the Phoenicians centuries before Christ and
abandoned in the 8th century probably due to frequent raids by
the Moors. Like Cornus, the basilica layout shows the hexagonal
immersion basin situated in the front center in relation to the
presbyterial apse.

98
 The existing basin dimensions are about 7 feet in diameter
and about 2.5 feet in depth with a large irregular step descending
to the floor. The remains of column bases show the basin was
surrounded by columns supporting a canopy. A partial wall
attached to a raised column base indicates much larger original
dimensions with a further level or wall surrounding the existing
basin set below ground level. The basilica and basin date from
the 4th century and continue the hexagonal form of Aquilea,
Grado, and Trieste. After taking photos, we left Tharros and
proceeded another two miles to the tiny village of San Salvatore
and church of the same name.

99
THARROS (Sardinia) – 4th century

100
Torcello
One of the most fascinating sites was our visit to
Torcello, an island suburb of Venice. When we came to the
site, the church of Santa Maria Assunta was closed, and not
knowing what to look for, it took a while for us to recognize the
enormous fenced-off pool area as the baptismal basin. It was
over-grown with grass and littered with pieces of pillars and
tombs.
In the centre I saw a 4 foot diameter basin with small
holes around the top rim and thought it was the baptismal
basin. Then my wife Jennie saw steps descending from the
centre of the front porch of the church building and said, “This
whole thing must be the baptismal basin.” The pool area
measures perhaps 35 to 40 feet in diameter. The sketch by
Canova Dal Zio found in the book “L’Edificio Battesimale in
Italia” shows two sets of steps descending and ascending into
and from the pool area as well as a large central octagonal
basin surrounded by eight pillars. The baptistery is dedicated
to San Giovanni Battista.
The smaller central basin appears to be the water
inflow source spilling through the small holes in the top rim
and filling the larger pool with an outflow channel leading from
the larger pool. Although the date of origin as a pagan temple
is much earlier, various archaeologists date the complex as a
baptismal site from the 7th or 8th century.

101
 TORCELLO – 8th century

Trieste
The early baptistery at Trieste is adjacent to the Cathedral
of San Giusto in the historic center overlooking the city.

102
Following the design of the basins at Aquilea, Grado, and
Ravenna, the basin is hexagonal and dates from the early
post-Constantinian period.
Walking early one morning from the pensione, I arrived at
the church building before it opened for morning prayers. The
Christians of the early period had established their meeting
place near a pagan temple area where I strolled among the
ruins. On entering the church building, I first noticed before
me a sparkling mosaic on the ceiling of the apse. Then as I
turned to the left, I saw the ancient basin in white stone
gleaming from beyond a glass wall and door. The door was
locked, and the custodian was kind to turn on the lights over
the basin. Through the glass I was able to take photos of the
exterior and estimated the dimensions of the basin roughly as
3 feet in depth and having 5 feet in length for each hexagonal
side. Remnants of an earlier baptistery housing the basin are
displayed on the front porch.

103
 TRIESTE – 5th century

Varese

Arriving by train at the town of Varese north of Milan, I

proceeded to the church of San Vittore and the baptistery of
San Giovanni. The sacrestan at the church unlocked the
baptistery and waited while I took photos and measurements.
This is another example of two immersion basins, the later
12th century basin built on top of the earlier one of the 6 th
century. In this case, when the earlier basin was excavated, a

104
glass case was constructed over it upon which the later basin
is situated to allow viewing the stages of development.
The remains of the earlier 6 th century basin include only
the portion set below floor level and measures 4 feet in
diameter and 2 feet in depth, the top portion having been
sheared off to allow placement of the later basin. The basin of
the 12th century measures 6 feet in diameter and 2 feet 4
inches in depth, and both basins are octagonal in design. Both
basins have a central drain for water outflow.

105
 VARESE – 6th and 12th century

Verona
A small fee is charged to enter the room housing the
immersion basin located on the right side of the apse of the
main cathedral. Named San Giovanni in Fonte this baptistery
and octagonal immersion basin dates from the 11 th century
but was probably built to replace previous basins. An earlier
immersion basin has been discovered directly below dating
from the 4th century.
The external side panels include a stone engraving of the
immersion baptism of Christ with the water piled up around hi s

106
waste. The approximate dimensions of the basin are 30
inches in depth, 42 inches of interior length for each side of
the octagon, and 12 feet side to side of the interior of the
basin. Beneath an earlier 4 th century building was a thermal
bath as the original water source, and mosaics were added by
Zeno in 362-371 A.D. The smaller quadrilobed basin added
later, is at the center of the octagon where the administrator
perhaps stood and which served to decrease the volume of
water needed for the immersion. The stone engraving of
biblical scenes on the exterior sides of the octagon make the
Verona basin one of the most striking examples in Italy of this
period.

107
VERONA with baptism of Christ – 12th century

Ancient and Medieval

Baptismal Fonts
in Rome

108
 Daniel Keeran, MA, MSW
List of Fonts

Santa Cecilia
San Clemente
San Crisogono
Santa Croce in Gerusalemme
San Giovanni in Laterano
San Lorenzo fuori di Muri (Damaso)
San Lorenzo in Lucina
San Marcello al Corso
San Marco
Santa Maria Maggiore
Santa Maria in Trastevere
Ostia Antica
San Paolo fuori di Muri
Saint Peter’s (Benedict XIII)
Saint Peter’s (Probus)
San Pietro in Vincoli
San Ponziano (catacomb)

109
Santa Pudenziano
Santa Priscillia (catacomb)
Santi Quattro Coronati
San Stefano in via Latina
Santa Susanna

See also I battisteri paleocristiani di Roma: analisi

architettonica e topografica by Giacomo Cirsone

Introduction
The photographs were personally taken by the author
with the exception of those used by permission as indicated.
There is very little available to English readers on the subject
of early and medieval baptisteries and fonts.
This brief introductory article of selected baptismal
fonts is concentrated on those in Rome dating from antiquity
and the medieval period through the 13 th century with the
exception of one directed by Pope Benedict XIII in 1725.
This basin, and an earlier baptismal piece known as
the Probus sarcophagus, is documented by Richard J.
Powers in his thesis The Baptisteries and Baptismal Fonts in
Saint Peter's Church, Rome, 366 to 1982 A.D. As his source,
Powers refers to a contemporary of Pope Benedict XIII,
Raffaele Sindone, Della Sacrosancta Basilica di S. Pietro in
Vaticano (Rome, Italy: Presso Giovanni Maria Salvioni, Vol.2,
1750).

110
 The reader should be aware that the term “baptistery”
refers to the building or room in which the baptismal basin or
font is located. The term “font” is common usage in literature
referring to the baptismal basin.
A movement within the Catholic Church, supported by
the papacy, is called the Cammino Neocatechumenale (New
Catechumen Way), has thousands of communities (primarily
in Italy and Spain), and seeks to restore early baptismal
practice preceded by lengthy instruction and preparation of
the baptismal candidate. My hope is that this article may
contribute to the energy of the movement.

111
112
Santa Cecilia in Trastevere
An excavation in recent years was carried out beneath
this church and revealed a Roman construction, likely
Cecilia’s residence used as a Christian meeting place during
the period of persecution before the 4th century. We were
pleased to be given a detailed tour by the archaeologists who
excavated the site and documented the findings: Dr. Neda
Parmegiani and Dr. Alberto Pronti.
During the early Roman period of persecution, there
were three characteristic baths in the residence: a cool bath, a
tepid bath, and a hot bath. The interior dimensions of the
circular tepid bath are 60 centimeters or 2 feet in depth and
2.60 meters in diameter, approximately 8 feet 8 inches. The
floor of the bath was set below the floor level of the Roman
house.
This tepid bath was used as the place of baptism in the
house church and continuing until an additional basin was
built directly on top of the tepid bath in the 4th or 5th century
having the same interior diameter and about one meter or 3
feet 4 inches in depth with three steps to the basin floor
including the top rim of the basin. The circular tepid bath can
still be seen as the foundation of the 4th century basin built
over it. The 4th century basin has a star-shaped exterior
design.
A hollow column was later built over the 4 th century
basin and was filled with soil where people were then buried.
Then above this in the 9 th century another immersion basin
was constructed, the floor of which can be seen. This basin
was destroyed by an earthquake in the 10 th century. The soil
and skeletal remains were removed during excavation to
reveal the earlier basin shown here.
Another important finding from the 5th century is a
stone inscription on the lintel over the entrance to the
baptismal basin translated as follows: “The sacred basin is for
the faith that removes all sins. Whoever immerses here
begins life anew.” The archaeologists explained that
immersion was the mode of baptism in Italy until at least the
10th century.
 Santa Cecilia in Trastevere – 4th to 10th century

San Clemente

Located near the Colosseum and Santi Quattro

Coronati, this location began as a 3 rd century Mithraeum as
part of a private house with subsequent early Christian
worship use and has a circular structure disputed to be the
remains of a baptismal basin. Guidobaldi excavated the site

114
and says the circular structure is baptismal in design (Journal
of Christian Archaeology, 73 (1997), pp.459-491).

San Crisogono in Trastevere

An excavation beneath this church was carried out by
Alberto Pronti. An earlier church site was discovered and an
earlier Roman house dating from the 3 rd century where
Christians met for worship. A large circular stone baptistery
can be seen here measuring about 104 inches for the interior
diameter and about two feet in measureable depth. The top
rim and floor had deteriorated, and the rim has been recently
reinforced with modern bricks to maintain integrity. The wall of
a later medieval construction intersects the walls of the basin.
Crisogono may have been the owner of the house, and
some believe the baptistery may have served a double
purpose as a laundry basin. As seen with other house sites
where Christians met and where later specific church
construction developed, there was a basin and an abundant
water source used for other purposes such as the thermal
bath or impluvium beneath San Pudenziana and the tepid
bath used as the baptismal basin at San Cecilia in Trastevere.

115
 San Crisogono in Trastevere – 3rd century

Santa Croce in Gerusalemme

This church building was excavated and documented

by Dr. Margherita Cecchelli Trinci of the University of Rome at
La Sapienza. Beneath the present building are the remains of
a 4th century basilica built by Constantine for his mother
Helena and includes the characteristic vertical rectangular
marble slabs that line the outside wall of the immersion basin.
The slabs are fitted tightly with metal clasps and placed on a
concrete surface that overlays the familiar Roman bricks laid
horizontally. The top rim of the basin is discernable. As noted
in the description of the baptistery of Ostia Antica and Santa
Cecilia, the vertical rectangular marble slabs lining the inside
wall appear to be a design feature of basins ordered by
Constantine.
The site was too difficult to be viewed by the public
during our visit, but a photo and description by Cecchelli can
be found in a book we came across in the church bookstore

116
entitled La Basilica di S. Croce in Gerusalemme a Roma:
quando l’antico e futuro edited by Anna Maria Affanni. Another
interesting aspect is that this baptistery and church building
are located within sight of the more famous immersion basin
and church built by Constantine known as San Giovanni in
Laterano. The photo here is used with the permission of
Andrea Jemolo.

Santa Croce in Gerusalemme – 4th century

117
San Giovanni in Laterano
Ordered by the Emperor Constantine, this baptismal
site was first constructed in the 4 th century and is possibly the
largest in Rome. The basin has undergone different
reconstructions and was designed for immersion. While some
have thought it was the only baptistery in the diocese at that
time, there were others functioning including one at his
mother’s residence down the street where Santa Croce is now
located.
Guidobaldi says in in Private Buildings Transformed
into Buildings of Christian Worship: “Excavations show that
the baptistery of Constantine age had a circular plant with
pool in the center, which is also circular and completely
coincides with the western apse of an underlying frigidarium,
relevant to a domus of the third century.”

San Giovanni in Laterano – 4th century

118
San Lorenzo fuori di Muri (Damaso)

Sebastian Ristow in Frühchristliche Baptisterien says

this location has the remains of a 4 th century immersion basin.
During our visit, the sacristano said the remains of the basin
are now buried under the parking area in front of the church
building.

San Lorenzo in Lucina

The remains of this 5th century immersion basin can be

seen in the excavation beneath the present church building.
We approached a priest who then appealed to the custodian
to allow us to see the baptistery, but he could not find the key.
When we returned a few weeks later, he opened the door to
the excavation and allowed us free entrance. As we entered
one of the many rooms, we saw the circular foundation of a
large immersion basin about 12 feet in diameter. The large
drain channel for the outflow of water from the basin is clearly
visible.
This site is a short walk from San Marcello al Corso.
While it is sometimes claimed that in early centuries only a
single baptistery with one bishop served the diocese of Rome,
there were in fact numerous baptisteries located throughout
the city.

119
 San Lorenzo in Lucina – 5thcentury

Santa Maria Maggiore

A 5th century Christian worship site, a baptismal basin

is believed to have been located here because of the early
date of Christian use and its mention in the Liber Pontificalis.

Santa Maria in Trastevere

Professor Frederico Guidobaldi at the Pontifical

Institute of Christian Archaeology says this location had a
baptismal basin because parts of the door to the baptistery
have been identified.

120
San Marcello al Corso
When we first visited the church building a short
distance from San Lorenzo in Lucina, the lights were out of
service for viewing this fascinating immersion basin from the
5th century. The custodian assured us the lights would be in
operation the following month. When we returned one
morning, he immediately led us below to a room especially
designed to house the elaborate basin measuring about 8 feet
in diameter and 3 feet deep and with three steps leading to
the floor. The depth is difficult to determine due to destruction
of the top rim. Four niches are designed in the sides of the
basin and appear to be for seating or standing purposes for
the participants or assistants.

San Marcello al Corso – 5thh century

121
San Marco

A rectangular basin was constructed in the 5 th century

at this location in Piazza Venezia (Marinone M., Space
Christian City, in Archaeological Rome, 16-17, 2003, p.10).
See also mention by Cecchelli Margherita in Dati da scavi
recenti di monumenti cristiani. Sintesi relativa a diverse
indagini in corso, 1999, Mélanges de l'Ecole française de
Rome, Moyen-Age, Volume 111, Issue 111-1 pp. 227-251.
See also I battisteri paleocristiani di Roma: analisi
architettonica e topografica by Giacomo Cirsone

Saint Peter’s basilica (Benedict XII)

The current baptismal area is actually two baptismal
basins with an interesting history. The large red marble basin
with the ornate brass cover is set into a large oval basin cut
into the floor of the basilica that originally had three marble
steps descending to the basin floor. The basin below floor
level is about 8 feet long, 5 feet wide, and 3 feet deep,
ordered by Pope Benedict XIII in 1725 who “wanted to
perform the ancient rite of baptism by immersion” (Powers,
116). The description of the basin and reference to Benedict
XIII* is given by Powers as page 214 in a book written in 1750
by a contemporary of the events, Raffaele Sindone, Della
Sacrosancta Basilica di S. Pietro in Vaticano.
Benedict’s decision was opposed by others who
thought the immersion basin would distract from the beauty of
the piece designed by Carlo Fontana for infant pouring which
following the Pope’s death was placed in the floor basin and
obscures the presence and functionality of Benedict’s basin.
The porphyry infant basin, had previously been the
sarcophagus of the Emperor Hadrian in Sant’ Angelo and
afterward had been the tomb of Otto II.

*Benedict XII in Powers due to a change in the list of Popes.

122
 Saint Peter’s basilica – Benedict XII

Saint Peter’s basilica (Probus)

When the immersion basin of Damasus, restored and

redesigned by a later Pope had fallen into disuse in Old S t.
Peter’s by the 15th century, the double sarcophagus of Sextus
Anicius Petronius Probus (375 CE) was used as the
immersion basin until 1695, and in its last phase of use for
baptism was placed in the area where the Pieta is now
located. This sarcophagus baptismal basin measures about 9
feet long, 3.5 feet high and 4.5 feet wide (Powers, 78) and can
still be seen in the crypt area beneath the basilica. The
Probus sarcophagus is located in an unmarked room on the
right before the exit. It can be recognized by the figure of a
beardless Christ holding a cross with the vertical piece

123
extending to his feet. The Probus sarcophagus continued to
serve as the baptismal font in new St. Peters basilica built in
the 16th century until it was replaced by the ornate Carlo
Fontana font that can be seen today sitting inside an
immersion basin carved into the basilica floor on orders from
Benedict XIII in 1725.

Probus sarcophagus font –15th to 17th century

Ostia Antica (Constantinian basilica)

This location south of Rome was the main port bringing
supplies to the city. The baptismal pool, dating from the 4 th
century, is a room to the right of the main hall and is identified
by a water channel, water outflow, and steps descending seen
here. A cross design is outside on the ground nearby. Marble
overlay can be seen over the brick interior of the baptismal

124
room, and a small shelf perhaps for an oil lamp for evening
use is on the rear wall.
Another location for a possible, but in the author’s view
unlikely basin, is located to the left of the main hall and has
the vertical marble slabs tightly fitted with metal staples
characteristic of Constantinian construction (see Santa Croce
in Gerusalemme).

Ostia Antica (Constantinian basilica – 4th century)

125
San Paolo fuori di Muri

Saint Paul’s Outside the Walls claims to have the

bones of the apostle and may have the largest baptismal
basin in Rome to rival San Giovanni in Laterano and dating
from the same period. The church custodian (sacristano) and
confirmed by Sebastian Ristow in Frühchristliche Baptisterien
says the baptistery at San Paolo is the oldest and largest in
Rome. The basin is rectangular in shape with steps
descending on opposite sides. A small 20 th century infant
basin is at the center. The pillars are definitely early, and a
medieval mosaic just outside the baptistery, partly survived a
19th century blaze that destroyed the basilica. Due to its
immense size, a picture including both sets of steps and a full
view of the baptismal basin, is impossible to show here.

San Paolo fuori di Muri – 4th century

126
San Pietro in Vincoli

This location, where Michaelangelo’s Moses sculpture

is found, is thought to have a baptismal basin from the 5th
century. If true, it remains unexcavated as far as I know.

San Ponziano (catacomb)

The baptismal basin, dating from the 6th century, is
rectangular in shape beneath a large fresco of the immersion
baptism of Christ. (See also I battisteri paleocristiani di Roma:
analisi architettonica e topografica by Giacomo Cirsone.)

San Pudenziano

The fresco seen here dating from the 6 th century, is

located in the building near Santa Maria Maggiore, and
depicts two individuals in a baptismal basin.

San Pudenziano fresco – 7th century

127
 This large catacomb area includes a place of worship
and a rectangular basin thought to date from the 4th or 5th
century. When we inquired about two baptisteries we had
read about, the guide said one in the area was inaccessible
because of no lighting. When I explained that I was writing a
book on early baptisteries, she said arrangements to see the
baptistery could be made.
We remained after the tour, and Francesca a
Benedictine nun appeared who had knowledge of the
extensive catacombs. Although she had recently suffered a
fall, she seemed eager to take us to the baptistery. With only
flashlights, we stumbled past cobwebs, narrowing tunnels,
and early Christian inscriptions and tombs. Finally the tunnel
opened onto an area with a wide stone staircase on the left
leading from the outside now closed off. Opposite the
staircase is the basin set below where we stood. The basin is
rectangular in shape and about 7 feet wide, 12 feet in length,
and 4 or 5 feet in depth.
The nun explained that the staircase was from a villa
previously located on the surface. There was evidence of
painting on the walls under the apse ceiling in front of the
basin, crosses scratched in the stone, and writing taken from
the words of Jesus in the gospel of John: “If anyone is thirsty,
let him come to me and drink.” What appear to be remnants of
marble covering, can be seen along the base of the rear back
wall of the basin.

128
 Saint Priscillia catacomb – 5th century

Santi Quattro Coronati

At this church site near the Colosseum, remains of a
circular stone immersion basin dating from the 5th century and

129
measuring 20 feet in diameter, was excavated, recovered,
and subsequently reburied in the present courtyard. This
basin may have been the largest in the city of Rome after San
Giovanni in Laterano.
During our visit we also found the fresco shown here
located in the chapel of Saint Sylvester from the year 1246,
depicting the 4th century immersion baptism of Constantine.
Although the painting shows Sylvester baptizing, it is more
likely the emperor was baptized by his close friend and
biographer, Eusebius of Cesarea, who also wrote a still well-
read history of the church.

BAPTISM OF CONSTANTINE – 13th century fresco

130
San Stefano in via Latina

This 7th century site is difficult to see, and permission

must be obtained from the archaeology department of Rome.
The immersion basin is in the shape of a peacock feather,
symbol of eternal life.

San Stefano in via Latina – 7th century

Santa Susanna
In the 9th century a baptismal basin was constructed
according to Frederico Guidobaldi in Private Buildings
Transformed into Buildings of Christian Worship.

Conclusions

The evidence shows an early custom much different

than the predominant practice today in liturgical churches.

131
 Even as late as the 13 th century, Thomas Aquinas
writing in his Summa Theologica, is able to say: “…it is safer
to baptize by immersion, because this is the more ordinary
fashion…”

Today, the Catechism of the Catholic Church says in section

628: “Baptism, the original and full sign of which is
immersion…”

Ancient and Medieval Baptismal Basins in

Croatia
by Daniel Keeran, MA, MSW
www.box.com/lovegod

132
 Split, Croatia – 12th century
(moved from the cathedral to the 3rd century Diocletian temple of
Jupiter in the 15th century)

133
 Bribirska glavica (Varvaria) – 13th century
(Church building enclosing ancient Roman nymphaeum as
baptistery)

134
 Ninu, Croatia - 800 A.D.
(located in the Museum of Archaeological Monuments in Split)

135
136
Lovrecina, Island of Brac – 6th century A.D.

Lovrecina, 4th century A.D.(?)

137
Salona – 5th century A.D.

138
 Grude, Bosnia – 5th century A.D.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral
(Grude photo used by permission of Grgo Mikulic at
www.visithercegovina.com)

139
Zmijavci – 6th century A.D.

140
Split, ad basilicas pictas – 5th century A.D.

141
closeup view

142
143
AD BASILICAS PICTAS, Split – 5th century A.D.

144
Crkvine/Cista Velika – 5th- 10th century A.D.

145
146
Crkvine/Cista Velika baptistery within remains of the
church building
– 5th - 10th century A.D.
(Crkvine photos used by permission of Dalibor at the Museum of Croatian
Archaeological Monuments)

147
Stari Grad, Island of Hvar – 5th century A.D.

148
Vid – 5th century A.D.

149
Dubrovnik Cathedral excavation – 9th century
A.D.(?)

150
 Bibliography
In addition to sources below, some of the
documentation for this volume was acquired first-hand by
visiting and interviewing archaeologists who participated in the
excavation and restoration of some of the baptismal sites.
Acknowledgment of their work is given in the various
descriptions.

Atti dell'VIII Congresso Nazionale di Archeologia Cristiana.

L’Edificio Battesimale In Italia: Aspetti E Problemi (The
Baptismal Edifice in Italy: Aspects and Problems). Bordighera,
Italy: Istituto Internazionale di Studi Liguri, 2001.

Ferguson, Everett, editor. Encyclopedia of Early Christianity.

2nd Edition. New York: Garland Publishing, 1999.

Kaplan, Rabbi Aryeh. The Waters from Eden. New York:

National Council of Synagogue Youth, Orthodox Union of
Jewish Congregations of America, 1982.

151
Powers, Richard J. The Baptisteries and Baptismal Fonts in
Saint Peter's Church, Rome, 366 to 1982 A.D. Unpublished
thesis. Urbana, Ill.: University of Illinois, 1982.
Ristow, Sebastian. Frühchristliche Baptisterien (Early
Christian Baptisteries). Munster, Germany: Aschendorffesche
Verlagsbuchh, 1998.

St. Doulagh’s Church in the Diocese of Dublin. Journal of the

Royal Antiquaries of Ireland. Dublin, Ireland: not dated.

Index
152
 Isola Comacina 44,45
Agliate 10,11 Jerusalem 46,47
Albenga 12,13 Lomello 48,49
Ambrose 28,40,62,64 Lucca 50,51,52,53
Aosta 14,15 Mariano Comense 54,55
Aquilea 16,17 Massa Marittima 56,57
Augustine 20,62 Mergozzo-Montorfano 58,59
Avdat 18,19 Mikvah 46,47,60
Baptism of Christ Milan San Eustorgio 60,61
56,57, 84, 108,118,119 Milan San Giovanni 62,63
Barcelona 20,21 Milan San Stefano 64,65
Barzano 22,23 Naples 66,67
Cagliari 24,25 Nocera Superiore 68,69
Calvin, John 40 Noli 70,71
Canosa di Puglia 26,27 Novara 72,73
Cantu 28,29 Oggiono 74,75
Constantine 34,66,106,107 Palazzo Pignano 76,77
Cornus 30,31 Parma 78,79
Cremona 32,33 Pisa 80,81
Cuma 34,35 Poitiers 82,83
Cureggio 36,37 Ravenna 84,85
Damasus 102 Rigoli 86,87
Dublin 38,39 Riva San Vitale 88,89,90,91
France 82 Rome San Cecilia 92,93
Geneva 40,41 Rome San Crisogono 94,95
Grado 42,43 Rome San Lorenzo in Lucina
Ireland 8,38 96,97

Rome San Marcello 98,99

Rome Saint Peter’’s Benedict XIII 100,101

Rome Saint Peter’s Probus 102,103
Rome Santa Priscillia 104,105
Rome Santi Quattro Coronati 106,107
Sardinia 24,25,30,31, 110,111
Switzerland 40,41,88,89,90,91
Tarquinia 108,109
Tharros 110,111
Torcello 112,113
Trieste 114,115
Varese 116,117
Verona 118,119

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 About the Author
Daniel Keeran currently resides with his wife Jennie in
Kailua Kona, Hawaii. Born in 1947, he is the youngest of four
sons and the father of Phoebe and Seth. Building on his
background in European and church history, he has
developed a knowledge of baptismal fonts through extensive
research, interviewing archaeologists who excavated some of
the sites, and visiting baptismal sites in Europe and the
Mediterranean region.
A practicing psychotherapist since 1976, he is currently
engaged in writing, research, and community awareness of
homelessness through homelesspartners.com.
He is a graduate of David Lipscomb University (BA,
Biblical Literature and European History), the University of
Kentucky (MA, European History), and Kent School of Social
Work, University of Louisville (MSW, Clinical Social Work).
In 1985, he and his wife founded the Counselor
Training Institute that expanded to five cities in Canada.
He has written If There Is No God: Meditations On
Believing, Radical Christianity: Peace and Justice in the New
Testament, and Healing Words: The Counselor Training
Course Manual.

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