Early Christian Monuments of Ravenna in Italy

Facts and Data

Webpages:
Official Unesco Page
Tourismo a Ravenna
www.vista.it/zoom/comra/web/

Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 1996
Size of heritage: 1.32 ha

Coordinates:
Longitude: 12,196°
Latitude: 44,420°

Summary

Ravenna was the seat of the Roman Empire in the 5th century and then of Byzantine Italy until the 8th century. It has a unique collection of early Christian mosaics and monuments. All eight buildings – the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, the Neonian Baptistery, the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, the Arian Baptistery, the Archiepiscopal Chapel, the Mausoleum of Theodoric, the Church of San Vitale and the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare in Classe – were constructed in the 5th and 6th centuries. They show great artistic skill, including a wonderful blend of Graeco-Roman tradition, Christian iconography and oriental and Western styles.

Location on Map

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Early Christian Monuments of Ravenna

The Early Christian Monuments of Ravenna, located in the City and Province of Ravenna in the Emilia-Romagna Region of Italy, are a collection of eight religious buildings that bear witness to the early Christian history and artistry of the region. Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996, these monuments are renowned for their exceptional mosaics and architectural significance.

History

Ravenna, once the capital of the Western Roman Empire, became an important center for early Christianity in the 5th and 6th centuries. The city served as the seat of the Byzantine Exarchate and played a crucial role in the spread of Christianity throughout Europe. The construction of these monuments began during the late Roman period and continued during the Byzantine era.

One of the most significant buildings in the collection is the Basilica of San Vitale, built in the 6th century. Its interior is adorned with stunning mosaics depicting biblical scenes and portraits of Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora. The Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, another remarkable structure, houses some of the finest examples of early Christian mosaics, including the famous Good Shepherd mosaic.

The Arian Baptistery, built by the Ostrogothic King Theodoric in the 5th century, is another notable monument. Its mosaics depict scenes from the life of Christ and are a testament to the Arian Christian sect that once thrived in Ravenna. Other monuments, such as the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo and the Archiepiscopal Chapel, also feature intricate mosaics that showcase the artistic and religious significance of the period.

Current State

The Early Christian Monuments of Ravenna have been remarkably preserved over the centuries, allowing visitors to experience the grandeur and beauty of early Christian art. The mosaics, in particular, have retained their vibrant colors and intricate details, providing a glimpse into the artistic achievements of the time.

Today, these monuments continue to serve as active places of worship, attracting both locals and tourists alike. The Basilica of San Vitale, for instance, holds regular religious services and is open to visitors throughout the year. The Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, now a museum, allows visitors to explore its stunning mosaics and learn about the history of the site.

Address
Distance: 0,3 mi
Via Paolo Costa 31
48121 Ravenna
Italy

Time Information

Checkout: 11:00 - Checkin: 12:00
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed

Videos from the area

Pondering History in Ravenna's Church of San Vitale

Published: May 09, 2014
Length: 06:05 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: Rick Steves Europe

As a tour guide, I strive to get into the mindset of the people for whom art was created. Ravenna's mosaic-slathered Church of San Vitale dates from a time when the ancient world was on the...

Ravenna, Basilica di San Vitale, Emilia-Romagna, Italy [HD] (videoturysta)

Published: March 17, 2015
Length: 37:30 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: videoturysta

The Basilica of San Vitale is probably the most interesting event in Ravenna and a beautiful example of Byzantine art in Western Europe. Built in the sixth century, it doesn't look as spectacular...

arte musiva a Ravenna

Published: November 27, 2014
Length: 02:09 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: Aurora Burti

San Vitale e il mausoleo di Galla Placidia, il battistero neoniano, la basilica di Sant Apollinare Nuovo.

San Vitale, RAVENNA, Italy

Published: December 24, 2011
Length: 55:41 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: VillaSpaldiTravel

San Vitale, Mausoleo di Galla Placidia, Sant'Apollinare Nuovo and Battistero degli Ortodossi ...What more ? ... just few minor notes.

Basilica of San Vitale, Ravenna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy, Europe

Published: February 26, 2012
Length: 15:13 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: Pietro Pecco

The Basilica of San Vitale is a church in Ravenna, Italy, and one of the most important examples of early Christian Byzantine art and architecture in western Europe. The building is styled...

Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, Ravenna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy, Europe

Published: February 26, 2012
Length: 13:47 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: Pietro Pecco

The Mausoleum of Galla Placidia is a Roman building in Ravenna, Italy. It was listed with seven other structures in Ravenna in the World Heritage List in 1996. The UNESCO experts describe it...

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