Poitiers - Baptistère Saint-Jean

The central part of the baptisterium was erected on the ruins of a Roman building around 360. It is reputed to be the oldest existing Christian building in France, as Saint-Pierre-aux-Nonnains in Metz is about 20 years younger.

Of course many changes have been made to the original structure. One thing stayed unchanged at least over the last years. Every time I approach the baptisterium, somebody locks it. This was my fourth try to get inside. Following the "opening hours", written on the door, it should have been open, but - it was locked again.