Baptistere de Venasque

About

This building must have been originally a pagan temple dating from the 6th century . It has been rebuilt during the XI, XII, XIIIth centuries and restored during the XIXth century. The bishop was able to celebrate baptisms twice a year, the days before Easter and Whit Sunday.In this Gallo-Roman city of Venasque, a Christian community must have existed quite early. Indeed, we know of the existence of a small crypt situated under the choir of the actual church at the same level as the base of the baptistery. It might date back to the end of the 4th century.It is not surprising that the bishop, head of the local Christian community, settled in Venasque, choosing this hilltop fortress as a place of refuge. He was protected from the risks of invasion which constantly threatened Carpentras down in the plain below. In the vault of the northern apse, holes have been borne to improve the acoustics of the building. pieces of fine pottery would be inserted in the holes to improve resonance.

At a glance

• Typical visit: about 30 minutes