Exterior view

Two better-preserved examples of Early Christian free-standing baptisteries are found in Ravenna, the Orthodox or Neonian Baptistery and the Arian Baptistery.

This octagonal structure was built c. 400–50 as a baptistery for the cathedral. Bishop Neon (reg. 449–58) added the dome and the upper part of the outer walls c. 450; the former is of terracotta tubes, and the latter is articulated with blind arcades and pilasters, as is the exterior of the mausoleum of Galla Placidia. The original floor is more than 3 m below the present exterior ground level.

The octagonal design of the building, employed in virtually all Early Christian baptisteries, symbolizes the seven days of the week plus the Day of the Resurrection and Eternal Life.

The interior is decorated with marble revetment and stucco images. Bishop Neon also decorated the dome with mosaic representations of Apostles, thrones, and altars, with a central roundel of the Baptism at its apex.

View the ground plan of the building.