The Byzantine mosaics of Ravenna, in northern Italy, are a major tourist attraction. Spread across eight buildings from the early Christian period, these magnificent artworks are now part of one of Emilia-Romagna’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
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Early Christianity In Ravenna
Ravenna played a crucial part in western civilisation during the 5th and 6th centuries, first as the capital of the Western Roman Empire (from 402 until the fall of the empire in 476) and then as a centre of Ostrogoth rule under King Theodoric. It later became part of the Byzantine Empire.
Gallia Placidia, sister of the Roman Emperor Honorius, settled in the city and made it a centre of Christian art and culture. Under her patronage many religious buildings were constructed and decorated with fine mosaics, and this work continued into the Ostrogoth and Byzantine eras.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Today the city of Ravenna is home to some of the most stunning and historically significant mosaics in the world. Not only are they artistically magnificent in themselves, but they set the standard and design for all later Christian mosaics across the world.
The Early Christian Monuments of Ravenna became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. The site consists of eight buildings from the 4th to 6th centuries, most of which include mosaics from the Roman and Byzantine traditions. They were recognised by UNESCO for their artistic and historical importance, and also for their iconography and for their blending of eastern and western motifs.
Explore The Mosaics Of Ravenna
The buildings included in the UNESCO World Heritage List are as follows.
Basilica Of San Vitale
The Basilica of San Vitale is one of the most important religious buildings in Ravenna and is a prime example of Byzantine art and architecture. It was built in the middle of the 6th century and features mosaics commissioned by the Archbishop Maximian. These include depictions of biblical scenes and also of local dignitaries such as the Emperor Justinian.
The ornate presbytery shows the Lamb of God and four angels surrounded by a profusion of animals, birds and flowers.
Mausoleum Of Galla Placidia
The Mausoleo di Galla Placidia is in the grounds of the Basilica of San Vitale. Despite the name, and the presence of three sarcophagi, the original intention of the building is not known. It may have been planned as a burial place for Galla Placidia herself, although she is thought to have died and been buried in Rome. Or it might have been built as an oratory.
Whatever its purpose, this small building, built in the shape of a Greek cross, is one of Ravenna’s best preserved monuments. The interior is covered with mosaics, including famous scenes featuring the Good Shepherd and Saint Lawrence. The ceiling is tiled like the night sky: dark blue with hundreds of stars and a golden cross.
Neonian Baptistery
The Neonian Baptistery, also known as the Battistero Neoniano, is the oldest monument in the city. Built on the site of a Roman bathhouse around the end of the 4th century, the building was completed and the mosaics added by Bishop Neon a century later.
It features a ceiling mosaic of John the Baptist baptising Jesus in the Jordan River. Above them, a dove representing the Holy Spirit descends from the heavens. This mosaic is more ornate than the similar scene in the Arian Baptistery (see below), reflecting a difference in the artistic style.
Arian Baptistery
The Arian Baptistery, or Battistero degli Ariani, was built in the late 5th century by King Theodoric as an alternative baptistry for Arian Christians. It is a significant site because it reflects the religious diversity of Ravenna during the Byzantine period.
The wall mosaics no longer exist but there is a scene showing the Baptism of Christ in the dome. This mosaic is unique because it shows Christ being baptised while standing naked in the River Jordan. Surrounding him are the twelve apostles, and by his side is a figure representing the river. The latter is an example of the varied imagery that can be found in the Ravenna mosaics.
Archiepiscopal Chapel
The tiny Cappella di Sant’Andrea is housed within the Museo Arcivescovile (Archiepiscopal Museum). Built as a private oratory it is the smallest of the UNESCO sites in Ravenna. However it is not lacking in mosaics: the walls and ceiling are covered with biblical scenes and figures.
The museum itself is housed in the former bishop’s residence and contains a wealth of historical artefacts, including the intricate ivory throne of Maximian, the bishop of Ravenna in the 6th century. This throne is one of the finest examples of ivory carving from the Byzantine era.
Basilica Of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo
The Basilica di Sant’Apollinare Nuovo was built as a palace chapel for King Theodoric in the 6th century. It was originally designed in the Arian style but some of its mosaics were later removed by Catholics to erase what they considered heretical elements.
The surviving scenes here include processions of martyrs and virgins, as well as illustrations of parables and miracles. If you look closely you can see where earlier figures were removed: in one case the hands were left behind as a reminder of the power of the Catholic church!
Basilica Of Sant’Apollinare In Classe
The Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe is a 6th century basilica located just outside Ravenna, in the ancient port town of Classe. It contains some of the most impressive mosaics, dating from different periods.
One of the most notable features here is the very detailed iconography. This would have conveyed information to the observer, such as the peacock which was a symbol of resurrection. As you look around the church you will see similar “messages” on the elaborate sarcophagi.
Mausoleum Of Theodoric
Situated in a large park a 20 minute walk from the city centre, the Mausoleo di Teodorico is an imposing structure built in the early 6th century for the burial of Theodoric the Great. It is constructed from large blocks of Istrian stone and features a distinctive dome.
This is the only monument in the World Heritage Site that does not contain mosaics. However it is worth a visit for its architectural and historical importance.
How To See The Mosaics Of Ravenna
- Opening times and other information about all of the above can be found on the official tourism site.
- You can save money by buying a combined ticket for San Vitale, Sant Apollinare Nuovo and the Archiepiscopal Museum (including the Cappella di Sant’Andrea).
- For a more in-depth experience you could visit some of the sites as part of a guided tour.
- You might also like to visit the Domus dei Tappetti di Pietra (House of Stone Carpets), below the Chiesa di Sant’Eufemia. Here you can see the remains of the mosaic floor of a Byzantine palace.
- For more about what to see and do in Ravenna have a look at this post – Explore Ravenna: Mosaics, History, And Literary Legends.
- Ravenna is not the only place in northern Italy where you can see Byzantine art and architecture – have a look at this post on Byzantine Venice.
This article is now featured on GPSmyCity. To download this article for offline reading or create a self-guided walking tour to visit the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Walking Tours and Articles in Ravenna.
