Ravenna
Visit Ravenna to see beautiful Byzantine-style mosaics in 5th and 6th century churches.
Basilica of San Vitale - The eight sided church was begun in 520 by the Ostrogoth king Theodoric, but completed more than twenty years later, after Ravenna was conquered by Byzantine troops sent by the Emperor Justinian.
Gorgeous mosaics display portraits of Emperor Justinian, surrounded by his soldiers and priests in one frieze; in another frieze, his wife Empress Theodora, wears a jeweled crown decorated with strings of pearls and holds a golden bowl.
In the apse is a shimmering mosaic of Christ, with two archangels on either side - St. Vitalis and Bishop Eccelsius. The Bishop has a model of the basilica in his hand.
Look up in the ceiling for a mosaic of the Lamb of God, with peacocks, herons, more animals and vines.
Tip: Bring binoculars to see the mosaics high up.
Tomb of Galla Placidia - Every inch of the mausoleum is covered with mosaics, some of the oldest in Ravenna (mid fifth century). Look for geometric designs, four stags, sheep, doves, garlands of fruit, and golden stars in a blue sky.
Sant'Apollinare Nuovo - On the north side of the basilica, a long frieze has 22 ladies (Christian martyrs) holding crowns, led by the Three Wise Men Balthazar, Melchior and Caspar, presenting gifts to Mary, with the baby Jesus on her lap.
San Francesco - Stop into this church for a unique sight. Under the apse is a mosaic floor of an earlier church. The floor is flooded with water, and bright goldfish are swimming around! (Be sure to put in a coin to turn on the light to see the mosaics.)
Sant'Appollinare in Classe - Located a short distance from the city center, this basilica is dedicated to Appollinaris, patron saint of Ravenna.
The end of the church is covered with mosaics from the ceiling to floor. At the top are the four winged Evangelists and Christ in the center, below that 12 sheep, representing the Apostles.
The lovely blue and green mosaic in the apse features St. Appollinare, surrounded by a paradise landscape with birds and sheep. Above the saint is a striking Cross, surrounded by silver and gold stars on a blue background.
Tip: Ravenna is a great biking town. Get bikes at the tourist office for free, or rent bikes, and bike through town on the bike lanes. Use the bike path to bike 5 km out to see the church of Sant'Appollinare in Classe.
