Arian Baptistery, Ravenna 
Exterior of the Arian Baptistery in Ravenna, from the northeast. For many more photos, see our Arian Baptistery Photo Gallery.
Ceiling with mosaic of the Baptism of Christ surrounded by apostles.
Mosaic of the Baptism of Christ, with the River Jordan personified.
Detail of mosaic of Christ in the Arian Baptistery.
John the Baptist.
Detail of the River Jordan, with rush and vase symbolizing the source.
Interior of the Arian Baptistery (Battistero degli Ariani).
Location map and aerial view of Arian Baptistery. For a larger interactive view, see our Ravenna Map.
The Arian Baptistery (Battistero degli Ariani) stands in a small square next to the old Arian cathedral of Santo Spirito in Ravenna, Italy. It was built by the Ostrogothic ruler Theodoric at the end of the 5th century.
History
In the 5th century, Ravenna was ruled by Theodoric, a Goth who ascribed to the Arian form of Christianity.
Declared a heresy at the Council of Nicea in 325, Arianism is the view that Christ, while divine, was created by the Father and is therefore inferior to him. The orthodox view holds that Christ is equally divine ("of the same substance") as God the Father.
Theodoric built a new Arian cathedral (the Basilica Spirito Santo) with its own baptistery towards the end of the 5th century, not long after Ravenna's Orthodox Baptistery was built. It is quite similar to its orthodox predecessor, including the mosaic in the dome.
The Byzantines took Ravenna in 540, bringing Arian and barbarian rule in Italy to an end. About 10 years later, Emperor Justinian gave the Arian Baptistery to the orthodox (Catholic) community of the city, who turned it into a church called Santa Maria in Cosmedin.
What to See
The Arian Baptistery has an octagonal plan, with four small apses on opposing sides. Originally there was an ambulatory around seven of the eight sides. The baptistery now stands about 2.25 meters below modern ground level.
Nothing remains of the decorations that once covered the walls, but the dome still contains a beautifully restored mosaic depicting the baptism of Christ and the Twelve Apostles. The Arian version of the mosaic is simpler, with only one concentric circle instead of two and slightly more primitive-looking figures.
The central scene is quite similar to the subject and layout in the Orthodox Baptistery, with the most notable difference being the depiction of Christ: here he is shown youthful and beardless. Was this a matter of artistic taste, or was it an expression of the Arian belief in the Son's inferiority to the Father?
The boyish Christ is flanked by two bearded figures: John the Baptist on the right and a personification of the River Jordan on the left. In the tradition of Roman depictions of river gods, he is shown as a bearded old man holding a rush (a hardy river plant), with horns made of lobster claws. He sits next to a vase, the symbolic source of the river.
Around this central circle is a procession of the Twelve Apostles, led by St. Peter and Paul, towards an enthroned cross at the top. The apostles carry jeweled crowns in their veiled hands, except for Peter who carries his keys and Paul who holds a scroll.
The old Arian cathedral, the Basilica of Santo Spirito, was extensively rebuilt after WWII but preserves its original layout.
Quick Facts
Site Information |
| Names: | Arian Baptistery; Battistero degli Ariani |
| Location: | Ravenna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy |
| Category: | Baptisteries; World Heritage Sites |
| Faith: | Christianity |
| Denomination: | Arian |
| Status: | museum |
| Date: | End of 5th century |
| Architecture: | Byzantine, Paleochristian |
| Features: | Byzantine Mosaics |
Visitor Information |
| Coordinates: | 44.418716° N, 12.202393° E (view on Google Maps) |
| Address: | Via degli Ariani, Ravenna, Italy. Near central pedestrian zone, west of San Giovanni Evangelista. |
| Phone: | 0544 35404 |
| Hours: | Daily 8:30am-7:30pm |
| Cost: | Free |
| Photography: | Permitted |
Travel Resources
- Ravenna Map - our detailed interactive map of Ravenna, plus hand-picked links to more
- Ravenna Hotels - check availability, maps, photos and reviews, then book at the guaranteed lowest rate
- Ravenna Hostels - reserve budget lodgings with no booking fees
- 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
- Ravenna Travel Forum - tips, answers and advice on Ravenna tourism
Article Sources
Article written by Holly Hayes with reference to the following sources:
- Personal visit (May 10, 2008).
- Guiseppe Bovini, Ravenna: Art and History (Ravenna: Longo), 52.
- Ravenna Tourist Office (2006).
- PlanetWare (2006).
- Early Christian Monuments of Ravenna - UNESCO World Heritage List
Article last updated: 10/10/2009.
