ROTUNDA OF JOHN THE BAPTIST
The Baptistery reflects the rich cultural heritage of Koper and is an indispensable destination for history and architecture enthusiasts.
The Baptistery of John the Baptist, also known as the Rotunda of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, is one of the oldest Romanesque sacral buildings in Koper, built between the 10th and 12th centuries. It is located on the north side of the Cathedral of the Assumption. The baptistery features a distinctive Romanesque façade adorned with lesenes and a semicircular lunette on the portal. Rebuilt in 1317, as evidenced by the year on the lunette, the interior was remodeled in the Baroque style in the 18th century but was restored to its original Romanesque design during a renovation between 1933 and 1935.
The Rotunda, a round-domed building, stands on the north side of Koper Cathedral between Tito Square and Brolo Square. Built between the 10th and 12th centuries in the Romanesque-Gothic style, it is one of the oldest monuments in Koper. It was once part of a larger Romanesque sacral complex, which included a basilica, a crypt and an independent tower.
The Romanesque architectural features visible in the baptistery include a distinctive Romanesque façade, semicircular windows and lesenes. In 1317, the rotunda was extensively rebuilt, featuring a new brick dome, an image of Christ Pantocrator, and a portal with a Gothic canopy. The interior was remodeled in the Baroque style in 1747, but during the renovation between 1933 and 1935, the building was restored to its original Romanesque design, with Baroque elements and surrounding buildings removed.
The Baptistery, with its Romanesque appearance, certainly deserves a few minutes’ stop before you continue exploring the streets of Koper.
What to do?
The village of Popetre has been on the windward path since Roman times. Take a walk to the important points…
