Arian Baptistry in Ravenna was built in the 5-6 th century by Emperor Theodoric, a supporter of Arianism. In order to distinguish this from the Baptistery of the Orthodox, and gave him the name - Arian. In 1996, he was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Immediately after completion of construction at the beginning of the 6th century, the space under the dome of the baptistery was decorated with mosaics. In 561, the year when Arianism was prohibited, the baptistery was turned into a chapel of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, and nearby Orthodox monastery built. And from the 18th century until 1914, he was privately owned. By the mid-20th century baptistery it was surrounded on all sides by later additions, which, however, destroyed during the Second World War.

In the architecture is similar to Arian Baptistry Baptistry of Neon: it is made of masonry such as adobe, and is seen under the roof cornice with a notched ornament. Of course, the main value of the building is its mosaic depicting scenes of Christ's baptism. These mosaics can be seen primitive traits, which appeared under the influence of a barbaric culture is ready, ruling in Ravenna at that time. It is interesting that Christ is depicted completely naked. Around him are the 12 apostles, coming from the rims to the throne. And among the apostles mosaicists painted palm trees.