Baptistery of Riva San Vitale
Riva San Vitale, Mendrisio 6850 - Switzerland
Phone: +41 (0)91 641 30 50 - Fax: +41 (0)91 641 30 59
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The baptistery is situated in the heart of Riva San Vitale and is dedicated to San Giovanni. It is one of the oldest Christian stonework monuments in Switzerland and is believed to have been built in the 5th Century on the site of an ancient Roman villa or thermal baths. Several tombs were found between the wall and the baptistery and the oldest have been preserved. The baptismal font, octagonal and designed for total immersion, is rare. Figures and floral designs from 12th and 13th Centuries can still be seen and the floor is partly original with black and white marble tiles laid in geometric patterns.
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