Baptistery of Neon, Ravenna (must see)

The Baptistery of Neon is a significant Roman religious structure and the oldest surviving monument in the city. It was constructed during the late Western Roman Empire, at the end of the 4th or beginning of the 5th century, under the patronage of Bishop Ursus. Bishop Neon completed the baptistery's construction at the end of the 5th century and added its stunning mosaic decorations.

The baptistery is an octagonal building made of brick and was originally part of a larger basilica, which was unfortunately destroyed in 1734. Over time, the ground level has risen, burying the original floor about three meters underground. Despite this, the structure's octagonal design, a common feature in early Christian baptisteries, symbolizes the seven days of the week, along with the Day of the Resurrection and Eternal Life.

Inside, the ceiling mosaic portrays John the Baptist baptizing Jesus, who is depicted with a beard and standing waist-deep in the Jordan River. The Jordan River is personified as Zeus in the mosaic. Encircling the central mosaic, there is a procession of the twelve apostles moving in two directions, culminating in the meeting of Saint Peter and Saint Paul.

The Baptistery of Neon is one of the eight structures in Ravenna designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is often considered the finest and most complete surviving example of an early Christian baptistery. The mosaic art within the baptistery reflects the influence of Greco-Roman art and maintains a fluid representation of the human figure, making it an essential part of early Christian heritage.