Ravenna - Battistero Neoniano

The Battistero Neoniano (= Baptistry of Neon, Orthodox Baptistry) is the most ancient, still existing structure in Ravenna. The octagon was erected on the site of a Roman bath by Bishop Ursus at the end of the 4th century, as part of The Basilica Ursiana, that was destroyed in 1734, to make room for the Baroque cathedral of today.

The baptistery was finished by Bishop Neon at the end of the 5th century, at which time the famous mosaic decorations were added.

At that time, the floor was about 3 metres (!!) lower than it is today, so the original dimensions of the building cannot be seen.

The octagonal baptismal font in the center dates to the 15th century.