Battistero Neoniano, Ravenna 
Exterior of Neoniano Baptistery. Photo: James Macdonald.
Dome of the baptistery, with 12 apostles. Photo © Paradoxplace.com.
Mosaic of Christ's baptism in the central dome. Photo: James Macdonald.
View of wall arcades and mosaiced dome. Photo
Amelie. The Neonian Bapistery (Battistero Neoniano, also known as the 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 baptistery was built as part of Ravenna's cathedral, which no longer stands in its original form. (The present-day Duomo was built in the mid-18th century and is of little interest except for some unusual pews.)
Construction on the baptistery began under Bishop Ursus around 400 AD and was finished by Bishop Neon at the end of the 5th century. It was in the latter period that the mosaics were added.
What to See
Outside, the building appears sunk in asphalt — that's because the street level has risen almost 10 feet since it was built. Beside the baptistery is a Romanesque campanile dating from the 11th century at the latest.
In the center of the baptistery's cupola is a mosaic of St. John the Baptist baptizing Christ. St. John is using a dish to pour the water, which is unusual. This detail was added in the 19th century by a Roman artisan named Felice Kibel, who was charged with restoring the mosaics and took far too much creative license in doing so.
On the side of the scene is a personification of the Jordan River, with a reed in one hand and a garment in the other. Surrounding this central scene are 12 crown-carrying Apostles, depicted in dramatic mosaics of deep violet-blues and sparkling golds.
For comparison, be sure to visit Ravenna's Arian Baptistery, which also has a baptism scene in its dome.
Location Map
Below is a location map and aerial view of the Battistero Neoniano. 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 or get our free Google Earth download.
Quick Facts
| Names: | Battistero Neoniano; Neonian Baptistery; Orthodox Baptistery |
| Address: | Piazza del Duomo, Ravenna, Italy |
| Bus: | MB |
| Phone: | 0544-219938 |
| 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€) |
- Darwin Porter, Frommer's Italy 2006.
- Early Christian Monuments of Ravenna - UNESCO World Heritage List
