Ravenna, is on the outside, a simplistic city. That’s because it hides, on the inside, its most beautiful possessions. Only a walk inside some of its churches will reveal the city’s stunning and colorful Byzantine mosaics!
Ravenna, in Italy’s northern region, is undoubtedly known as the “city of mosaics”. This is mainly because of the beautifully ornate 5th- and 6th-century Byzantine mosaics. These colorful displays decorate the walls of its churches and monuments. The city is still one of Italy’s top producers of mosaics today!
And if that wasn’t enough, 8 of its monuments and churches are designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites for the supreme artistry they contain.
The mosaics (in these 8 monuments) are among the best surviving examples of this European art form. This has led to an increased significance as it blends Western and Eastern motifs and techniques. You can find mosaic tours or purchase tickets directly from the Ravenna Mosaici.
List of Top 4 Mosaics in Ravenna
Let’s face it: if you’re visiting Ravenna for only 1-2 days, you probably won’t have the time to visit all 8 designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We’ve selected the 4 we think you shouldn’t miss out on!
Basilica di San Vitale
The Basilica of San Vitale was consecrated by Archbishop Maximian in 548 AD and is one of Italy’s most important monuments of early Christian art. It is located on tranquil grounds and is surrounded by peaceful greenery.
The outside of the building is relatively unimpressive and unassuming because of the dull brick. However, a walk inside is a completely different story — the mosaics present an explosion of color!
The Basilica has an octagonal shape and is divided into two parts: one painted with a wonderful fresco, the other with a series of intricate mosaics. The latter are considered the largest and best-preserved Byzantine mosaics outside modern-day Istanbul. Very impressive!
Pay particular attention to the scenes of Apostles, the lamb on the twinkling ceiling, the beardless Christ astride a blue earth, and the Byzantine Emperor Justinian and his wife Theodora.
The Basilica of San Vitale is located in Via San Vitale, 17, and tickets are €10.50. It’ll also include entry to the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, Archiepiscopal Museum and Chapel, Neonian Baptistery, and Mausoleum of Galla Placidia.
Mausoleum of Galla Placidia
The Mausoleum of Galla Placidia (the sister of the Roman Emperor Honorius) was commissioned by her in the 5th century. Unfortunately, it was never used as she was buried in Rome instead of Ravenna.
The monument is located inside the complex of the Basilica of San Vitale and appears quite modest when looked at from the outside. Upon entering, though, you won’t believe your eyes!
The splendid mosaic has a theme of a starry sky, which is made truly special by the right amount of light entering from the small windows.
Due to the building’s small size and the limited number of people allowed in per visit, you might only be allowed to stay inside for a few minutes if you are visiting during the tourist season. If so, get ready to stay with your head up for the entire visit and absorb the amazing blue-stained glass!
A €10,50 ticket is required to enter. It includes entry to the Basilica of San Vitale, Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, Neonian Baptistery, and Archiepiscopal Museum and Chapel.
Battistero degli Ariani (Arian Baptistery)
The Arian Baptistery was built at the end of the 5th century at the command of Theodoric, King of the Ostrogoths. In 1996, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is unique for two reasons:
- It is built almost 8ft (2.5 meters) underground, hidden between modern buildings;
- It is one of the few remaining testimonies of the Arian heresy in Ravenna.
Walk in and admire the beautiful baptism of Christ surrounded by the Twelve Apostles. You’ll find it in the dome, the only area in the building decorated with mosaics. Why only this one? Most of the building was deprived of its decorations for religious reasons. Read more below!
The history of the baptistery is, in fact, very complex. Like all Goths, King Theodoric was Arian. Arians followed the doctrine of an Egyptian priest, Arius, who believed Jesus Christ became Christ and the Son of God only after baptism. Also, they held that the Son is also a God, distinct from the Father and possibly inferior to him.
Therefore, from the 6th to the 9th century, the baptistery was dedicated to the Virgin Mary and Arian (Orthodox) worship in Ravenna. After Theodoric died, though, Arianism was obliterated by the Roman Catholics, who believed the Son and Father share the same divine substance. All decorations but the mosaics in the dome were removed.
Only in 1914 did it become property of the Italian government, which tried to restore the small baptistery to its original state.
A €2 ticket is required for entry, and you can only purchase it online here.
Battistero Neoniano (Neonian Baptistery)
The octagonal-shaped Neonian Baptistery (also known as the Orthodox Baptistery) is located between the Ravenna Duomo and Arcivescovado Square. It is a unique example of early Christian and Byzantine art.
The Battistero Neoniano is indeed the best-preserved baptismal building in the world.
Other ancient baptisteries built in Antioch, Constantinople, Milan, and Rome, for example, were not able to preserve more than their perimeter walls or basements.
Why Neonian? Neone was the bishop who advocated finishing the baptistry’s construction after his predecessor Ursus.
The building is extremely rich in decorations and Byzantine mosaics; be ready to keep your head up looking at the intricacies of the stained glass for a while!
As usual, the utmost expression of the mosaics can be found in the dome. Let your eyes wander at the scene of the Baptism with the Savior, St. John the Baptist, and the personification of the Jordan River as an old man emerging from the waters.
If you’re lucky enough, you could even be baptized in this sacred building!
A €10.50 ticket is required to enter. It’ll also include entry to the Basilica of San Vitale, Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, Archiepiscopal Museum and Chapel, and the Neonian Baptistery.
Conclusion
If you are looking for another city besides Rome, Florence, or Milan that boasts beautiful Italian art, Ravenna is the perfect city for you. On your next trip to Italy, you should include this Northern Italian city in your itinerary and see the amazing Byzantine mosaics for yourself.