Baptistry of Neon
(Also called the Orthodox Baptistry or Neonische baptistery ) The Baptistry of the Cathedral of Ravenna is the oldest surviving building in Ravenna, Italy, at least as far as the start of construction.
It is famous above all - as the other Byzantine monuments of Ravenna - through the wall and ceiling mosaics in its interior. With the other early churches in Ravenna Baptistery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Due to the high quality of its decoration and its overwhelming overall impression it is referred to as the most beautiful late antique interior.
Architectural History
The Baptistery (ie baptistery ) dates back to the 4th or 5th century, began as Bishop Orso with the construction of the Cathedral of Ravenna. It is a simple brick building, octagonal and provided with large niches that spread outward, with walled- doors. The mosaic decoration dates from the time of Bishop Neon ( derived from the name Neonisches Baptistery ) in the middle of the 5th century ( 451-475 ). In the dome center is a large medallion with the baptism of Christ. The original ground level was much lower and was later raised to about three meters, making the mosaic zone appears relatively too much pulled down.
Interior
Christ stands in the center of the green river Jordan, John the Baptist, dressed in fur, holding a cross and showered with the other hand water over Jesus' head. The light parts (including heads of Christ and John, pour the baptismal water from shell not late antique) are modern reconstructions.
To the medallion of the dome are arranged around two concentric friezes. The interior is formed by the twelve apostles, who are led by Peter and Paul. The outer ring consists of eight niche architectures four altars with the books of the Gospels, and between four Hetoimasien. Probably it is a symbolic representation of the Heavenly Jerusalem, where Christ sits as a judge in his throne and the elect will be rewarded with a place in the vicinity of the word of God, so here again the redemption as a central theme.
The walls behind the arches are alternately decorated with marble inlay. In a zone window closes, which is faced with a row of columns. Between the columns are niches dug with large stucco reliefs that were originally in color.
In the middle of the baptistery is an octagonal baptismal font of Greek marble and purple stone ( 13th century). In 1500 it was rebuilt, but some original fragments are still preserved. From the 5th century comes the Ambo, carved from a single block of marble, on which the priest rose to donate baptism.
Gallery
Window zone
Font