Neonian Baptistery, Ravenna 
Exterior view of the Neoniano Baptistery and campanile from southeast.
For more and larger photos, see our Orthodox Baptistery Photo Gallery.
Dome mosaic (451-75) centering on the Baptism of Christ.
The Baptism of Christ by John the Baptist in the River Jordan.
Detail of the Baptism of Christ mosaic. Some elements are restorations.
Personification of the River Jordan, with reed and garment for Jesus.
Apostle James the Less.
Mosaic inscription and decoration.
Arches with stucco reliefs.
Stucco relief of Christ giving the Law to Paul and keys to Peter.
Baptismal tank, dating from the 12th or 13th century.
The Neonian Bapistery (Battistero Neoniano, also known as the Battistero Ortodosso or Orthodox Baptistery) is an octagonal baptistery built in the 5th century. It is the oldest monument in Ravenna and contains some of the city's most beautiful Byzantine mosaics.
History
The Battistero Neoniano was built as part of Ravenna's orthodox (non-Arian) cathedral, which was built in the early 5th century but no longer stands in its original form. The baptistery was converted from an old Roman bath-house, beginning under Bishop Ursus around 400 AD.
The building was finished by Bishop Neone (451-75) in the second half of the 5th century, during which the mosaics were added to the dome. It is from this bishop that the Battistero Neoniano gets its name.
What to See
The octagonal baptistery is constructed of brick and topped with a dome made of hollow tubes to save weight. The building looks like it has sunk below ground, but actually the street level has risen almost 10 feet since it was built. Beside the baptistery is the round Romanesque campanile of the cathedral, dating from the 10th century.
In the center of the baptistery's cupola is a magnificent mosaic laid out in concentric circles like a great wheel. The central medallion depicts the Baptism of Christ by John the Baptist in the River Jordan. The right arm of John the Baptist, the dove, and Christ's head are all 18th century restorations. The dish that St. John is using to pour the water was added in the 19th century by a Roman artisan named Felice Kibel, who was charged with restoring the mosaics and went overboard with creative license.
But the majority of the magnificent dome mosaic remains remarkably intact in its original form, given its venerable age. The lower right of the central baptism scene is a personification of the Jordan River as an old man rising from the water, holding a reed in one hand and offering a garment to Christ in the other.
This scene is surrounded by a large inner ring with the Twelve Apostles, who carry crowns in veiled hands and walk slowly in procession. The men, each identified by name in the mosaic, are depicted in deep blues and sparkling golds.
The outer ring of the mosaic is divided into eight sections, with alternating empty thrones, representing the divinity of Christ, and altars with open Gospel books. The thrones are flanked by depictions of the celestial gardens, while the altars are flanked by empty chairs to represent the place reserved in heaven for the Elect.
For comparison, be sure to visit Ravenna's Arian Baptistery, which also has a baptism scene in its dome.
The arches supporting the dome are decorated with mosaics of golden acanthus leaves on blue and red backgrounds and stucco reliefs of prophets and biblical scenes, which date from the same period as the dome mosaics (451-75).
In the wall spandrels below are gold vines and prophets on a deep blue background. The arches over the niches have gold mosaic inscriptions on a blue background with red borders, decorated with abstract designs. The underside of the arches have crosses and trees on golden backgrounds.
The inlaid marble designs on the walls, including porphyry disks and green marble rectangles, are preserved from the ancient Roman baths. A Byzantine altar and a Roman marble vase can be seen in the side niches. The large octagonal baptismal font dates from the 12th or 13th century.
Quick Facts
| Site Information | |
| Names: | Neonian Baptistery; Battistero Neoniano; Battistero Ortodosso; Orthodox Baptistery |
| Location: | Ravenna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy |
| Faith: | Christianity |
| Denomination: | Catholic |
| Category: | Baptisteries; World Heritage Sites |
| Architecture: | Byzantine, Paleochristian |
| Date: | c.451-75 |
| Features: | Byzantine Mosaics |
| Status: | museum |
| Photo gallery: | Neonian Baptistery Photo Gallery |
| Visitor Information | |
| Address: | Piazza del Duomo, Ravenna, Italy |
| Coordinates: | 44.415624° N, 12.197324° E (view on Google Maps) |
| Lodging: | View hotels near this location |
| Phone: | 0544-219938 |
| Public transport: | Bus: MB |
| Opening hours: | Apr-Sept daily 9am-7pm Mar and Oct daily 9am-5:30pm Nov-Feb daily 9:30am-4:30pm |
| Cost: | Ravenna combination ticket (€6.50) |
Travel Resources
- Ravenna Map - our detailed interactive map of Ravenna, plus hand-picked links to more
- Ravenna Hotels - check availability, maps, photos and reviews, and book at the guaranteed lowest price
- Ravenna Car Rentals - get the lowest rate by comparing multiple car companies at a glance
- Ravenna Restaurant Reviews - the best places to eat in town
Location Map
Below is a location map and aerial view of Neonian Baptistery. Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around. For a larger view, see our Ravenna Map.
Article Sources
- Personal visit (May 10, 2008).
- Guiseppe Bovini, Ravenna: Art and History (Ravenna: Longo), 107-08.
- Paul Blanchard, Blue Guide Northern Italy: From the Alps to the Adriatic, 12th ed. (London: Somerset Books, 2005), 660.
- Darwin Porter, Frommer's Italy 2006.
- Early Christian Monuments of Ravenna - UNESCO World Heritage List
Last updated on December 16, 2009.
