GEMS OF THRONE

Inside the small octagonal building shines, in contrast to the brick walls, the precious mosaic decoration of the dome, an important mark of the cult of the Goths in Ravenna.

The Arian Baptistery was built during the reign of Theodoric (493-526), together with the nearby church of the Holy Spirit, once Arian Cathedral.
The sober octagonal building, has four small apses outside. Inside, the only remains of the original decoration is the mosaic of the cupola.

The iconographical structure imitates its model, the Baptistery of Neon, decorated some decades earlier. Somehow, it stands as an autonomous and innovative work for the city, for example by introducing a gold background in the mosaic. The central medallion shows the baptism of Christ, portrayed as young, naked figure of great physicality.
The white procession of apostles of the outer band pays tribute to the great jeweled throne, surmounted by the Cross, from the arms of which hangs a purple cloth, perhaps an expression of the human nature of Christ.
One of the eight Early Christian monuments of Ravenna in the World Heritage List of UNESCO.

ADDRESS
Piazzetta degli Ariani - Ravenna
Fully accessible to mobility-impaired visitors
CONTACTS
museum management +39 0544 543724
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OPENING TIMES

From MONDAY to SATURDAY from 9:00 to 12:00

(Mandatory reservation: info.ravennantica.it)

Prices:

Full: 2,00 €

Free of charge for all people under 18 years upon presentation of valid identity card or passport, the first sundays of each month from October to March and on July 23th, December 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th, August 14th and 15th;

for citizens of non-EU Countries, only upon mutual agreement.