
The west portal

Although it is now overshadowed by nearby buildings, this was originally the main portal of the Baptistery.


Although it is now overshadowed by nearby buildings, this was originally the main portal of the Baptistery.
The lunette
The lunette shows Christ as a glorious judge on the throne wearing tunic and cloak, and displaying the wounds of the crucifixion. In the arch above are the 12 apostles, with their names inscribed in the edge of the arch. The thirteenth apostle, Paul, is inside the lunette, on the left side.
The lintel
In the lintel is depicted the scene of the resurrection of the dead, who, woken by two angels blowing trumpets, rise from their tombs.
The left jamb
The six works of mercy, as listed in the Last Judgement from the Gospel according to Matthew, are carved in the left jamb. Starting from the bottom, we see a distinguished gentleman caring for the homeless, the sick, the hungry, the thirsty, the imprisoned, the naked.
The right jamb
On the right jamb is depicted the parable of the vineyard from the Gospel according to Matthew. The landowner hires workers at different times of the day, which here become the different ages of life, as in the interpretation given by Saint Augustine. A twisting vine trunk creates 7 spaces, each of which corresponds to a different age.