Baptistery of San Giovanni

Built in the 15th century as an oratory dedicated to Saint Anthony, the church was the seat of the ancient lay confraternity of the same name. Access was once provided from inside the Cloister of Sant’Agostino through an elegant Tuscan-style portal created by Andrea Sansovino. In the early 17th century, the building was renovated by Orazio Porta, who likely also altered its original orientation.

After the suppression of the confraternity, the church fell into disuse and was used as a granary until 1819, when it was purchased by Knight Paolo Girolamo Galletti, who restored its artistic and spiritual value.

The simple yet harmonious brick façade is enhanced by Sansovino’s portal and a delicate 16th-century glazed terracotta depicting the Madonna and Child. Inside are an altarpiece with Saint Sebastian attributed to Ulisse Giocchi (1613) and a panel by Orazio Porta portraying Saint Anthony Abbot and Saint Paul the First Hermit.