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Battistero Neoniano
In 402 CE, Ravenna was made the capital city of the Western Roman Empire, but this glory would last only seven decades. It became ruled by the Ostrogoths, before it was recaptured in 540 CE by the Eastern Roman Empire, known today as the Byzantines.
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Basilica di San Vitale
Under both the Ostrogoths and Byzantines, the city flourished as a centre of Christianity. But this early Christian architecture looks nothing like the neo-classical Renaissance structures usually associated with the Catholic Church. Instead, things look a little more ancient…
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Basilica di San Vitale
The Basilica of San Vitale is a perfect example of how the early church looked much like the late Roman Empire. The walls are made of mosaics, the saints are pictured wearing the regalia of Roman officials, while the young, beardless Christ is dressed in Imperial purple.
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Mausoleo di Galla Placidia
In the grounds of San Vitale is the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia. However this is a misnomer: Galla Placidia, daughter of the Roman emperor Theodosius I, isn't actually buried here.The building was probably a chapel of a long-demolished church.
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Mausoleo di Galla Placidia
But that doesn't diminish its status as a stunningly beautiful building. Inside, it's covered floor-to-ceiling by glass mosaics in blue, red, and gold. Decorations depict acanthus leaves and vine scrolls, the apostles in Roman togas, and Christ as the Good Shepherd.
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Basilica di San Francesco
Neo, bishop of Ravenna, founded this church in 450, and dedicated it to Saint Peter and Saint Paul. The building that survives today dates to the 9th century. Notably, this church was where the funeral of the poet Dante was held in 1321, and his remains still rest next door.
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Basilica di Sant'Apollinare Nuovo
The Basilica di Sant'Apollinare Nuovo was built as the palace chapel of the Ostrogothic king Theodoric the Great during the early 6th century. It's been renovated and altered over the years, and even had its rich mosaics covered over, but it remains an exquisite work of art.
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Battistero degli Ariani
You might easily pass by King Theodoric's tiny Arian Baptistry, hidden down an unremarkable backstreet, but that'd be a mistake. Inside, there are some of the most remarkable 5th century mosaics to be found in the city.
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Basilica of Sant'Apollinare in Classe
Many early Christian buildings were round or square - this long 6th century basilica is thought by art historians to have set the standard for all future churches. The structure is simple, comprising a long, Roman-style colonnaded hall, but the tiled decoration is sumptuous.
Basilica of San Vitale Basilica of San VitaleRavenna Festival
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