| Baptistery of St. John the Baptist | |
|---|---|
Βαπτιστήριο Αγίου Ιωάννη του Προδρόμου | |
 | |
  Location of the baptistery inGreece | |
 Baptistery of St. John the Baptist | |
| 40°37′57″N22°56′49″E / 40.6324°N 22.9469°E /40.6324; 22.9469 | |
| Location | Thessaloniki,Central Macedonia |
| Country | Greece |
| Denomination | Greek Orthodox |
| History | |
| Status | Baptistery |
| Dedication | Saint John the Baptist |
| Relics held | Various Byzantine-eraicons |
| Events | January 7 |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status |
|
| Architectural type | Basilica |
| Style | Byzantine |
| Completed | c. 5th century |
| Administration | |
| Province | Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople |
| Metropolis | Thessaloniki |
TheBaptistery of St. John the BaptistGreek:Βαπτιστήριο Αγίου Ιωάννη του Προδρόμου) is aGreek Orthodoxbaptistery located inThessaloniki, inCentral Macedonia,Greece. It is considered to be the oldest early-Christian baptistery and is situated within a five-aisled episcopalbasilica that was completed in the fifth century, during theByzantine era.[1]
The baptistery was identified at the excavations of theByzantine church ofHagia Sophia. It consists of a room with platforms and includes abaptismal font. It was in direct contact with the royal[clarification needed] in the 5th century from the hallway with a mosaic floor. The baptistery is located within the Galerian Palace complex.
Located south of the Hagia Sophia, the site comprises Roman-era gardens, ruins of thenymphaeum, a spring and thermal baths dedicated to the nymphs, andcatacombs. During the Byzantine-era, the nymphaeum was converted into a holy water spring for the purposes of baptism and the catacombs were developed as an underground worship place in honor ofSt. John the Baptist. There are also remnants of an early Christian church. Most of the garden structure is in ruins. However, the catacombs retain their original structure and provide facilities for weddings andbaptisms.[2]
Modern facilities support tourism activity and include a cafe and an adjacent apartment complex.[3]
Media related toSaint John the Baptist Baptistery, Thessaloniki at Wikimedia Commons
Byzantine monuments ofThessaloniki | ||
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| UNESCO |
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| Other | ||
| Museums | ||
 | ThisByzantine Empire–related article is astub. You can help Wikipedia byadding missing information. |
 | This article on anEastern Orthodox church building in Greece is astub. You can help Wikipedia byadding missing information. |
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