EARLY CHRISTIAN ARHITECTURE

WEEK 9

BAPTISTERY

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• In Christian architecture, the baptistery
is the separate centrally planned
structure surrounding the baptismal
font (piscina), in which those to be
baptize were immersed.

• The baptistery maybe incorporated into

the body of the church and be provided
with an altar as a chapel.

• Most early Christian baptisteries were

octagonal in plan. Adopted the
alternate church form.
In Christian symbolism, the number 8
represents eternity and rebirth, because
the world was created in 7 days and Christ
rose from the dead on the 8th day.

• The architectural splendor of the

baptistery reflects the importance of
baptism to Christians.
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THE LATERAN BAPTISTERY / THE BAPTISTERY OF CONSTANTINE

• Originally built in the 4th century by

Constantine for his baptism.

• It is the first Christian baptistery ever built

and it served as a model for the greatest
part of the baptisteries built after it.

• The interior has an octagonal plan.

• In the center middle, there is an eight

porphyry columns ring with marble
Corinthian capitals and entablature of
classical form.

• They support an octagonal lintel over which

there is another order of smaller white
marble columns.

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