Battistero degli Ariani

While small and unassuming from the outside, the Arian Baptistery is a fascinating historical document. Its dome features a well-preserved, detailed 5th-century mosaic of the Baptism of Christ, created during the reign of the Ostrogothic King Theodoric. The artwork is noteworthy for its unique reflection of Arian beliefs, which held that Christ was subordinate to God the Father, in contrast to Orthodox doctrine. The interior walls are bare, but the dome is a testament to the complex religious landscape of Late Antiquity, offering a direct comparison with Ravenna's earlier Orthodox baptistery. Visitors should appreciate the theological nuances visible in the artwork and its survival as a rare example of Arian art.

A small and hidden structure. It has a beautiful mosaic inside decorating the dome.

Small, intimate. Majestic mosaic. If you look around the walls you can see evidence of plastering and a few specks of mosaics embedded. Intricate mosaic art work, astonishing details. Although it may seem simplistic, it is elegant with rich colours, and pure; an absolute jewel.

Beware! Only one or two of these images are correct and only exterior. Pix are from Battistero Neoniano (another octagonal structure) and Basilica Di S. Vitale.

A quiet place which may look small but hides a pretty mosaic ceiling and a big history.

Entrance not included with all the other Unesco sights, both Maestro and Mastercard not working. No change offered for euro bills.

Not worth 2 euroes to be honest. The pictures you see are pretty much it.

It is definitely a very impressive place. Nice mosaics. The opening times are a bit shorter than the other places but still possible to visit