Mosiacs, mosiacs, mosiacs

There are 8 UNESCO world heritage buildings in Ravenna. They were created by Christians in the 5th and 6th centuries. They are said to be a unique fusion of Graeco-Roman tradition, Christian iconography and oriental (i.e. Byzantine) and Western styles. Our guide was Fredricka who was unforgivably late by 10 minutes but had altered all our location-entry-times to create a more fluid route through the old city centre.

In gaining UNESCO status, the monuments reflect the importance of Ravenna as capital of the Western Roman Empire, residence of the Ostrogoths of Theodoric and his successors, and as the capital of the Byzantium Exarchate in Italy. After the 800s it reverted into quiet, rural obscurity.

We visited them all. Somehow the mosaics did not get boring.

1. Galla Placidia Mausoleum (even thought she is buried in Rome). Galla Placidia was the daughter of a Emperor. She was taken hostage by the Goths and forced to marry one of their leaders. After his death she returned to Rome where she married a general, who later became an Emperor. After he died she became the regent for her 6 year old son and was very astute and powerful. As a first taste, it was illuminating. Throughout the day Fredericka deciphered the images on the walls and ceilings.


2. Church of San Vitale 

San (Saint) Vitale was a soldier who became an early martyr. 





3. Neonian Baptistry











4. Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo

This was the second most elaborate site (after the Church of San Vitale). 





5. Arian Baptistry

6. Archiepiscopal Chapel

7. Mausoleum of Theodoric


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