Built on a Roman burial ground at the beginning of the 11th century, the Baptistery of St John the Baptist is a fine example of Romanesque architecture. Built of pebbles and bricks, it has a quadrilateral plan with four semi-circular apses separated by buttresses supporting the octagonal lantern, surmounted by a lantern of later date. On the portal, there is a marble bas-relief from the Roman period. It depicts two cherubs, probably from the excavation materials that emerged during the construction of the Baptistery and reused as a decorative element. The interior, simple and austere, preserves traces of two decorative fresco campaigns attributable to the Master of Oropa (1318-1319).

Location: Biella (Biella and Oropa Valley)