Cremona, Baptistery

According to historiographical sources, the Baptistery was built in 1167 (12th century). Its Romanesque style makes it similar to the coeval baptisteries in Florence and Parma, even though during the Renaissance period it underwent numerous alterations that partially changed its physiognomy.
Octagonal in shape, the baptistery is built of terracotta but in 1554-1556 the north and northwest sides were covered with marble to make it harmonize with the Cathedral. During the same period, there was added the prothyrum (small portico) with two stylised lions at the base of the columns, sculpted by Angelo Nani, while Francesco Dattaro transformed the loggia and raised the weatherings, inserting a series of loculi in the space. The interior, which preserves its Romanesque form, is enlivened by two orders of galleries with two openings, the second supporting an imposing dome. In the centre of the space is a large baptismal font (1520), a monolithic basin in red marble from Verona designed by Lorenzo Trotti, also the author of the base and the cover. Noteworthy is the altar of San Biagio to the right of the entrance, while to the left is the late 17th century bertesiana ancona of the Sorrowful Mother. The 18th century statue of St. Filippo Neri and St. John the Baptist, and also the monumental choir are by the sculptor, Giuseppe Chiari (Rome 1654-1727).