The baptistery, dating back to the fifth and sixth centuries A.D., was found next to an ancient cathedral in Vence, a commune less than 10 miles west of Nice<\/a>. While the cathedral was discovered earlier this year, the baptistery was only uncovered this summer.<\/p>\n Fabien Blanc Garidel, the supervising archaeologist on the project, confirmed the discovery to Fox News Digital.<\/p>\n ITALIAN ARCHAEOLOGISTS UNVEIL RARE 2,600-YEAR-OLD TOMB UNTOUCHED BY LOOTERS: ‘DOORWAY TO OUR ANCESTORS’<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n In an email translated from French to English, the historian described the baptistery as a “circular building, likely surrounded by a colonnade and covered.”<\/p>\n Blanc Garidel noted that “at the center, the baptismal font is octagonal on the outside and cross-shaped on the inside. It is bordered by a decorative coating made of b\u00e9ton de tuileau, a Roman concrete using crushed tile.”<\/p>\n Archaeologists uncovered a 1,500-year-old baptistery in Vence, France, near the ruins of an early cathedral. (F. Blanc Garidel \/ SANCA)<\/p>\n Blanc Garidel estimated the baptistery to be 1,500 to 1,600 years old.\u00a0<\/p>\n It is located in front of the forecourt of the cathedral, which was a common layout at the time.<\/p>\n Pictures show archaeologists working near the ancient cross-shaped structure.\u00a0<\/p>\n ARCHAEOLOGIST UNEARTHS MYSTERIOUS CHRISTIAN SETTLEMENT HIDDEN AWAY FOR CENTURIES<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n The foundation of the baptistery, Blanc Garidel said, is the only relic that remains \u2013 but the font, or the baptism receptacle, is “in very good condition.”<\/p>\n “This discovery confirms the antiquity of the bishopric of Vence and enhances our knowledge of early Christian religious practices in the Alpes-Maritimes and Provence.”<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n He said the recent excavation helps show how early the diocese of Vence was established.<\/p>\n “This discovery confirms the antiquity of the bishopric of Vence and enhances our knowledge of early Christian religious practices in the Alpes-Maritimes and Provence,” he said.<\/p>\n The site has yielded evidence of more than six centuries of Christian activity, from the fifth to 11th centuries. (F. Blanc Garidel \/ SANCA)<\/p>\n “However, much work and analysis remain to be done in the coming months to provide further details.”<\/p>\n Several burials were uncovered in the cathedral’s nave, he also said.\u00a0<\/p>\n The tombs were built using pitched Roman roof tiles, a method typical of the time.<\/p>\n CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n “All of these burials are likely those of religious figures (bishops or canons) from the Carolingian period,” he said.\u00a0<\/p>\n “Radiocarbon dating will help clarify the timeline.”<\/p>\n The baptismal font is octagonal on the outside and cross-shaped on the inside. (F. Blanc Garidel \/ SANCA)<\/p>\n Overall, the archaeologist said, the excavation sheds light on over six centuries of construction \u2013 and even revealed a Roman dwelling under the cathedral.<\/p>\n “One of the most significant aspects of this discovery is that the preserved archaeological structures<\/a> offer insight into the history of this monument over six centuries (5th\u201311th centuries),” he said.\u00a0<\/p>\n For more Lifestyle articles, visit foxnews.com\/lifestyle<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n “The cathedral was demolished in the 11th century to build a new one right next to it.”<\/p>\n “After it was abandoned, two bell molds were installed in the nave of the old cathedral \u2013 likely to cast bells for the new one.”<\/p>\n “This discovery confirms the antiquity of the bishopric of Vence and enhances our knowledge of early Christian religious practices in the Alpes-Maritimes and Provence,” said Fabien Blanc Garidel, who supervised the excavation. (F. Blanc Garidel \/ SANCA)<\/p>\n The discovery is among several recent finds offering new insight into early Christianity in Europe.<\/p>\n Last year, historians unveiled a silver inscription representing the earliest-known evidence of Christianity<\/a> north of the Alps.<\/p>\n![\"Split](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/france-vence-ancient-christian-baptistery-archaeology-1.jpg\")
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