Baptistery (Battisterio) San Giovanni - Volterra - Tuscany

The San Giovanni Baptistery of Volterra was built in the second half of the 13th century. It is octagonal in shape and is clad in alternating white and green stripes of marble. The portal was probably made by pupils of the famous sculptor Nicola Pisano. The baptismal font was made by Andrea Sansovino.
The San Giovanni Baptistery is directly opposite the city's cathedral. It was originally thought to have been built on top of a pre-existing pagan temple. Based on the architectural style, some paperwork and an inscription on the architrave above the main portal, it was later concluded that the baptistery was built in the 13th century.

The facade is characterized by stripes of white and green marble.

The cornice above the door is supported by columns. The capitals have sculpted human heads instead of volutes. They are also decorated with plant and animal motifs.

The thirteen heads carved into the architrave depict Christ and the apostles.

The interior has been kept sober. In the center is a relatively modern baptismal font and the altar is also of fairly recent origin. There are six niches on the sides.

The ciborium is by Mino da Fiesole. Until 1590, this was part of the main altar of the city's cathedral.

The old baptismal font was made by Sansovino in 1502.

The carvings, arranged in a niche, were made in the 16th century by the brothers Jacopo and Franco di Sandro Balsimelli da Settignano. Since 1761, a “Assumption of Mary” by Pomarancio can also be seen here.

Willem Vandenameele