One European city, nestled in a beautiful and history region, is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites that present some of the world’s best examples of Byzantine art
One European city is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, nestled in a region that is known for ‘the motor valley’.
Located with the region of Emilia-Romagna in Italy is the city of Ravenna. It is replete with history, including eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Mausoleum of Galla Placida; the Church of St. Vitale; the Neonian Baptistery; the Archiepiscopal Chapel; Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo; the Arian Baptistery; the Mausoleum of Theodoric and the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe.
All of these monuments are considered to be some of the most important examples of architectural and artistic development from the fifth and sixth centuries AD.
The monuments, which are well preserved, are known for their polychrome mosaics — intricate and colourful works of art made by setting small pieces of material, called tesserae, together to create patterns. The monuments located within walking distance of each other, and holidaymakers can purchase a combination ticket for a few of them. There are also many guided walking tours, which travellers can also join.
Mausoleum of Galla Placida
The Mausoleum of Galla Placidia is a small yet magnificent early Christian structure which was built in the fifth century. The mausoleum is shaped like a Greek cross, with four arms of equal length. Its exterior is constructed from brick, typical of early Christian architecture. However, the interior is a striking contrast, adorned with fine mosaics. The Mausoleum of Galla Placidia is one of the oldest monuments in Ravenna.
Church of St. Vitale
The Church of San Vitale is arguably the most well known of the monuments in Ravenna to the Western World. Built between 526 and 547 AD, the church is a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture and is renowned for its exceptional mosaics and architectural design. The mosaics inside the Church of San Vitale blend Christian iconography with imperial themes, and are in excellent condition.
Neonian Baptistery
The Neonian Baptistery is one of most important and well-preserved early Christian monuments in Ravenna. It is located very close to the Basilica di San Giovanni Evangelista and is famed for its exquisite mosaic decorations. The mosaics inside the Baptistery are primarily made of gold glass tesserae and lso feature vibrant colours to create a glowing effect.
Archiepiscopal Chapel
The Archiepiscopal Chapel is located within the Archbishop’s Palace and was originally built in the fifth century and later renovated during the sixth century. It has served as the private chapel for the archbishops of Ravenna. Despite being small, the chapel’s design still follows typical early Christian style, and focuses on simplicity and symbolic decoration.
The mosaics of the Archiepiscopal Chapel are the main attraction and are among the best-preserved examples of Byzantine art in Ravenna.
Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo
The Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo was originally built by the Ostrogothic king Theodoric the Great in the early sixth century as part of his efforts to promote Arian Christianity in the region. Like the other significant monuments in the area, the basilica is famous for its mosaics and its architectural beauty.
The basilica is traditional Roman in its form, with a long nave, two side aisles and an apse at the end. Once again, like the other monuments in Ravenna, the exterior is modest, but the interior features an extravagant vaulted ceiling and marble columns.
Arian Baptistery
The Arian Baptistery dates back to the late fifth or early sixth century, and was built during the rule of Theodoric the Great, the Ostrogothic king, who was an Arian Christian. The baptistery has an octagonal shape, a common design symbolising renewal and rebirth in Christian architecture. On the inside of the baptistery there are mosaics with vibrant colours and intricate details.
One mosaic, the Dome Mosaic, is decorated with a baptism scene of Christ. The baptistery is one of the few remaining monuments associated with Arian Christianity, which was declared heretical after the Gothic kingdom fell to the Byzantine Empire.
Mausoleum of Theodoric
The Mausoleum of Theodoric is the most famous funerary construction of late antiquity. The monument was built by order of Theodoric as his own burial place around 520 AD. The Mausoleum has a decagonal perimeter that extends over two levels, and features a large monolithic dome.
It also features some of the world’s finest examples of Byzantine mosaics, including The Good Shepherd and The Starry Ceiling, which is on the mausoleum’s central dome and features a dark blue sky with golden stars. Admission costs €2 (£1.66) per adult, but is free on the first Sunday of each month.
Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe
The Basilica di Sant’Apollinare in Classe is an example of early Christian architecture, built in the sixth century. It was consecrated in 549 AD by Archbishop Maximian and dedicated to Saint Apollinaris, the first bishop of Ravenna and the city’s patron saint. The basilica features a simple basilica plan with a large nave, flanked by two side aisles separated by colonnades of marble columns. Inside, the basilica features large mosaics, slabs of marble, and mural paintings.
It is also home to the Apse Mosaic — one of the most celebrated mosaics in Christian art. The mosaic features Saint Apollinaris in a praying posture amidst a lush green field filled with sheep, representing his role as the shepherd of his flock.
Elsewhere in Emilia-Romagna
The Emilia-Romagna region is also home to many other cities, towns and amazing destinations. One of those is referred to as ‘the motor valley’. Located in northern Italy, ‘the motor valley’ is known for its rich history and deep-rooted connection to the automotive industry, and is home to some of the world’s most famous car manufacturers, racing teams, and motorsport facilities.
For example, Ferrari is based in Maranello, Lamborghini is headquartered in Sant’Agata Bolognese and Maserati was founded in Modena. ‘Motor Valley’ has also hosted multiple Formula 1 Grand Prix’ at its Imola Circuit.
