Many places where Augustine was physically present over 1,600 years ago either no longer exist or cannot be specifically identified. One of the possible exceptions, however, is his likely place of his baptism, which can still be visited today.
This present cathedral is built over the position of earlier churches there, and the baptistery shown above is now a sub-basement of the present cathedral. It is probably the one that was in use in the fifth century when Augustine was living.
It is open to the public for a few hours each day, and attracts many thousands of pilgrims and tourists every year.
Links
(1) The baptism of Augustine.
Augustine frescoes at San Gimignano. Courtesy of the Web Gallery of Art. http://www.kfki.hu/~arthp/html/g/gozzoli/4gimigna/2/
The Baptism of Augustine. This illuminated manuscript from the Middle Ages depicts the baptism of Augustine by Ambrose. http://www.christusrex.org/www2/berry/f37v.html and http://www.christusrex.org/www2/berry/DB-f37v-d2l.jpg
Early Christian Baptistery, Milan. Beneath Milan's Duomo lies the Battistero Paleocristiano, ruins of an Early Christian Christian baptistery dating from the 4th century. A probable site of Augustine’s baptism. A good series of photos are included. http://www.sacred-destinations.com/italy/milan-baptistery
(2) The present cathedral (duomo) of Milan.
Along with Alypius his friend and Adeodatus his son, Augustine was baptised on the night of Holy Saturday 23rd-24th April 387 by Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, from whose preaching he had learned so much. Most probably, Augustine was baptised in the baptistery of a much earlier church that stood on the site of the present Duomo (Cathedral) of Milan.
The Duomo is the third biggest Christian church in the world. It is 108 m in height (to the tip of the tallest spire) and 158 m long. Regarding the cathedral (duomo) of Milan, the spires (towers) of rose marble are the most famous artistic and religious monument in Milan. A range of architectural styles feature: doorways are 17th century, the central balcony from the late 18th century, and the three main upper windows are pieces by Carlo Amati early in the 19th century.
The vast interior of the duomo overwhelms: its impressive pillars, vaults and arches that are enhanced by light that comes through the splendid windows. There also are wonderful statues.Photo GalleryFor the Augnet gallery on the Augustinian history of Milan and nearby Cassiago ("Cassiciacum"), click here.Link
Milan Cathedral. Excellent photographs by Mary Ann Sullivan. http://www.bluffton.edu/~sullivanm/milancath/duomo.html AN4233