Baptistère Saint-Jean

About the museum

The Baptistery of Saint-Jean probably dates from the 5th century. It was built on the site of ancient buildings in Poitiers' first episcopal quarter, next to the cathedral and the bishop's residence. Between the 5th and 11th centuries the building was remodeled several times while keeping its function: baptism by immersion, which at that time was practiced mainly on adults.

Inside, an octagonal pool occupies the center of the baptismal hall, surrounded by marble columns, carved capitals and arcades. The walls preserve Romanesque and Gothic paintings, among the oldest in Poitou.

The monument later became a parish church, then a meeting place for the cathedral chapter. It narrowly escaped destruction after the Revolution and has been listed as a historic monument since 1834. It now houses a lapidarium of Merovingian sarcophagi found in Poitiers and the surrounding area, along with steles, bas-reliefs, inscriptions and archaeological fragments from necropolises in Poitou.

Highlights

• The octagonal pool for baptism by immersion
• Romanesque and Gothic wall paintings, among the oldest in Poitou
• Merovingian sarcophagi in the lapidarium
• Steles, bas-reliefs and ancient inscriptions
• Merovingian sculpted decoration on the exterior

Visitors per year

approx. 24,229

Admission & discounts

Self-guided visit: €4. Bank cards not accepted.

Accessibility

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Kids & families

Great for kids & families

The site is presented as suitable for all ages: young and old discover the rites of baptism and the symbols carved or painted.

Getting there & parking

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Amenities & dining

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Events & venue rental

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