Sept 04 - Ravenna

 Sept 04 - Ravenna

Another day for more mosaics and starting off with a visit to the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia.  Built between 425 and 450 AD this little Roman building is filled with stunning blue mosaic ceiling and walls in almost perfect condition, and, despite its name, the Empress Galla Placidia was not buried here she only sponsored its construction. 

Next door to the Mausoleum is the Basilica di San Vitale, a 6th century church in a rare octagonal layout.  Although this design is not typical of a basilica the Catholic Church has bestowed this title as it is an ‘exceptional building of historic and ecclesial importance’, and who can argue with that!  We’ve both seen many churches and cathedrals on our travels but this one really takes your breath away.  With its grandeur, its architecture and the beautiful mosaics on the walls and ceilings, it’s just stunning!

The next sight on our list was Basilica di Sant’Apollinaire Nuovo.  Built in the 6th century by the Ostrogoth Theodoric I, this church has had a bit of a mixed history religion-wise.  Starting off Aryan, after Theodoric, Orthdox during the Byzantine era, and finally becoming Catholic.  Apparently the largest building in Ravenna with mosaics, these mosaics show an impressive procession of ‘martyrs’ and ‘virgins running along the walls on both sides of the church. 

Our last port of call today was to the very tiny Arian Baptistery. Built in the 5th century, this was used by the Arian community of Ravenna’s population.  Although pretty ordinary on the outside the interior has a very impressive show of mosaics on the inside of the dome.  The centrepiece of these mosaics show John the Baptist baptising Jesus (without beard, which apparently is typical in Arian style) and an old man dressed in green, which supposedly represents the River Jordan, and then all of this surrounded by the 12 Apostles.  Along with all the others we’ve seen in Ravenna this too was pretty spectacular. 



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