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Battistero di San Giovanni Lenno

4.1
·15 reviews·Lenno, Italy

A well-preserved 11th-century Romanesque baptistery with a striking octagonal exterior, often hosting art exhibitions.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring mornings

Pleasant weather for exploring

CrowdLow
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Esterno battistero

Battistero di San Giovanni Lenno

Best Time

Spring mornings

Pleasant weather for exploring

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A well-preserved 11th-century Romanesque baptistery with a striking octagonal exterior, often hosting art exhibitions.

4.1
(15 reviews)

"Beautiful on the outside, though interior restoration has mixed reviews."

Vertical photo
TIP

Check Exhibition Schedules

The interior is often an exhibition space. Check local listings to see what's on before you visit! 🎨

Admire the Exterior

The Romanesque exterior is a highlight, praised for its preservation and medieval charm. :building_construction:

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Quick Facts

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Octagonal Romanesque Exterior

Octagonal Romanesque Exterior

Village Square

A beautifully preserved octagonal Romanesque building from the late 11th century, standing proudly in the village square.

Medieval Appearance

Medieval Appearance

Exterior

The building retains its authentic medieval look, offering a glimpse into the past with its robust stone structure.

Exhibition Space

Exhibition Space

Interior

Often hosts art exhibitions, transforming the ancient baptistery into a temporary gallery space.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

The Baptistery is often used as an exhibition space, so check local listings before you go. While the exterior is consistently praised, interior restorations have drawn mixed reactions. Consider visiting when there's a specific exhibition to enhance your experience.

Understanding the Interior

While the exterior boasts a well-preserved medieval charm, the interior's restoration has been described as 'less than satisfactory' by some visitors. Be prepared for a modern touch that may detract from the ancient frescoes' original appeal.

Best Times

When
Spring mornings
Why
Pleasant weather for exploring
Crowd
Low
When
Autumn afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, beautiful light
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Recap del concorso più famoso della storia #meme #memearte #arteitaliana #firenze #battisterodisangiovanni #formella #ghiberti #brunelleschi #storiadellarte #rinascimento #arterinascimentale #uffizi #studenti #liceoclassico #liceoartistico #fypシ #neiperte #perte #perteee #pertee
@il.madonnaro
64.6K likes • 424.7K views

Check Exhibition Schedules

The interior is often an exhibition space. Check local listings to see what's on before you visit! 🎨

Admire the Exterior

The Romanesque exterior is a highlight, praised for its preservation and medieval charm. :building_construction:

“Questo è il momento del dolore, delle preghiere e del silenzio”. La messa per il neonato ritrovato senza vita il 2 gennaio nella parrocchia di San Giovanni Battista è stata celebrata dall'arcivescovo di Bari Giuseppe Satriano nel cimitero di Bari, oggi 18 gennaio. Al funerale del bambino rimasto fino a oggi senza nome hanno partecipato alcuni cittadini baresi e il sindaco Vito Leccese. #bari #neo...
@repubblica_bari
8.8K likes • 300.6K views
📍 Via S. Giovanni, 1, 84034 Loc. Fonti, SA #battisterodisangiovanni #battistero #campania #luoghidavisitare #tiktoktravel
@snake.explore
5.4K likes • 86.4K views

Manage Interior Expectations

Restoration of frescoes has mixed reviews. Appreciate the history, but be aware of modern touches. 🙏

Free Entry

Entrance to see the frescoes inside is typically free, making it an accessible stop. :moneywithwings:

Nel giorno della festa di San Giovanni Battista, mentre camminavo per le strade di Angri, mi sono imbattuto in qualcosa di meraviglioso: un gruppo di giovani che, con passione e creatività, ha dato vita a una processione tutta loro, con una statua realizzata a mano, strumenti musicali e l’entusiasmo di chi crede davvero in quello che fa. Li ho seguiti, li ho ascoltati, ho camminato con loro. E a u...
@profontheroad
3.8K likes • 65.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Check Exhibition Schedules

The interior is often an exhibition space. Check local listings to see what's on before you visit! 🎨

Admire the Exterior

The Romanesque exterior is a highlight, praised for its preservation and medieval charm. :building_construction:

Manage Interior Expectations

Restoration of frescoes has mixed reviews. Appreciate the history, but be aware of modern touches. 🙏

Free Entry

Entrance to see the frescoes inside is typically free, making it an accessible stop. :moneywithwings:

What Travellers Say

4.1
(15 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Battistero di San Giovanni Lenno for its beautifully preserved Romanesque exterior and medieval charm. However, opinions are divided on the interior restoration of frescoes, with some finding it less impactful than the exterior suggests. It often serves as a free exhibition space, adding a contemporary layer to its ancient structure.

"Simple ancient baptismal. Free entrance to see frescos inside. Was being used as a shop for painting sales."

Stephen Digby

"A beautiful baptistery, unfortunately the interior has undergone a less than satisfactory restoration, which has certainly caused it to lose the charm that the site retains on the outside."

Daniele Oliva

"An ancient baptistery (dating back to the mid-11th century) located in the village square, separate from the church of Santo Stefano.
Very beautiful on the outside (in good condition and with a medieval appearance), but somewhat less so on the inside, where the ancient frescoes are barely highlighted due to the overly modern restoration.
It is often used as an exhibition space."

channel max

What People Like

Beautiful Romanesque exterior
Medieval appearance
Free entry for frescoes

What People Dislike

Interior restoration quality

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Battistero di San Giovanni Lenno is located in the village square, right in front of the Church of Santo Stefano, on the shores of Lake Como. It's easily accessible by car or public transport within the Tremezzina area. Parking might be limited in the village square, so consider nearby options. Reddit

Yes, it's situated in the charming village of Lenno, right next to the Church of Santo Stefano. This makes it convenient to visit both sites together. The beautiful shores of Lake Como are also just steps away. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Generally, entrance to the Baptistery to see the frescoes inside is free. However, it's often used as an exhibition space, so specific events might have separate admission fees. It's always a good idea to check for any ongoing exhibitions or events. Reddit

As the Baptistery is frequently used for exhibitions, its opening hours can vary. It's best to check local event listings or inquire at a local tourist information point for the most up-to-date hours, especially if you're visiting for a specific exhibition. Reddit

No, the exterior of the Battistero di San Giovanni Lenno is part of the village square and is freely accessible at all times. You can admire its Romanesque architecture and medieval appearance without any charge. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography rules can vary, especially when the Baptistery is hosting an exhibition. Generally, taking photos of the exterior is fine. For the interior, it's best to check for any posted signs or ask an attendant, particularly if there's a paid exhibition. Reddit

The octagonal exterior, especially when framed by the village square and the Church of Santo Stefano, makes for a picturesque shot. The lakeside setting also offers beautiful perspectives. Capture its medieval charm from various angles. Reddit

🎫 🏛️ History & Architecture

The Battistero di San Giovanni Lenno is an ancient baptistery dating back to the mid-11th century. It's a beautiful example of Romanesque architecture, with an octagonal plan and a polygonal apse, reflecting its historical significance on the shores of Lake Como. Reddit

It is a prime example of Romanesque architecture, characterized by its octagonal shape, robust stone construction, and medieval appearance. The building's design is typical of religious structures from the late 11th century. Reddit

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