Ravenna Early Christian Mosaics (San Vitale)
Basilica di San Vitale, Ravenna
The last capital of the Western Roman Empire, where eight early Christian mosaic buildings, including San Vitale, are World Heritage Sites.
Ravenna was the capital of the Western Roman Empire and of the Ostrogothic Kingdom. Its 5th- and 6th-century mosaics are the peak of Byzantine art. Inside the church of San Vitale are golden mosaics of Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora. Next door, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia has a starry vault ceiling of great beauty. Other sites include Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, Sant'Apollinare in Classe outside the city and the Tomb of Dante. Several sites share a combined ticket costing about 12 euros, and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia requires advance booking in peak season. Bologna is about 1 hour and 20 minutes away by train, and it is worth setting aside a full day for the visit.
Opening hours
Approx. 09:00–19:00 (shorter in winter; check official website)
Nearby sights
- Dozza
- Castello Estense, Ferrara
- Giardini Margherita
- Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna
- Palazzo Poggi Museum
- Santo Stefano (Seven Churches)
- San Giacomo Maggiore
- Palazzo Pepoli – Museum of the History of Bologna