Port of ravenna italy. Ravenna and the Byzantine flavor of italy

Useful information for tourists about Ravenna in Italy - geographical location, tourist infrastructure, map, architectural features and attractions.

Ravenna is one of the most ancient and important cities in Italy, the center of the province of the same name, located in the Emilia-Romagna region, 10 km from the Adriatic coast. In the 5th century, it became the capital of the Western Roman Empire, and then was the main city of the Ostrogoth state, the Ravenna Exarchate and the Lombard Kingdom. Eight monuments of Ravenna of late antiquity at once are included in the list of UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites.

Once Ravenna was a small settlement of the Etruscans or Umbres, and only in the 2nd century BC. here the Romans appeared, who conquered the entire Padan plain. A hundred years later, on the site of an ancient settlement, by order of Emperor Octavian Augustus, the military port of Klassis was founded, around which a whole city has grown since time immemorial. At the end of the 4th century, when the Roman Empire split into Eastern and Western, Milan became the capital of the latter, but after the siege of the city in 402, Emperor Honorius was forced to move the capital to Ravenna. It was then that the first Christian churches and other religious buildings were built in the city. Ravenna becomes the economic, political and cultural center of the empire.

In 476, the Western Roman Empire ceased to exist as a result of incessant wars and strife, and a few decades later the Ostrogothic king Theodoric became the ruler of Italy, who also made Ravenna his residence. The Ostrogoths ruled the Apennine Peninsula for almost fifty years, until the Byzantines came to replace them in the middle of the 6th century. From 540 until the first half of the 8th century, Ravenna is the capital of an independent state entity - the Ravenna Exarchate.

Only in 751, the city was captured by the Lombards, who destroyed many monuments of antiquity. Then, in the 8-15th centuries, Ravenna passed from hand to hand. In the 13th century, the city was ruled by the da Polenta family, where the great Dante found his last refuge - it was Francesca da Polenta that the famous Italian poet idolized all his life. Dante's tomb has become one of the main attractions of Ravenna.

In the 15th century, Ravenna was part of the Venetian Republic - it was then that the Brancaleone fortress was built. And then it became part of the Papal Region, which for a long time remained an unremarkable provincial city. The fields surrounding Ravenna began to turn into swamps, and the city itself slowly sank under the water. In 1636, the sea came so close that it flooded the city center. Only in time, the measures taken to irrigate the fields made it possible to save the city with its priceless monuments of history and architecture.

Ravenna is extremely rich in unique sights, among which, first of all, it is worth noting the monuments of the early Christian and Byzantine era, which in 1996 became UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These are the mausoleums of Galla Placidia and Theodoric, the baptistery of the Orthodox and the baptistery of the Arians, the basilicas of Sant Apollinare Nuovo, San Vitale and Sant Apollinare in Classe and the archbishop's chapel. Almost all of these buildings are decorated with ancient Byzantine mosaics. Also deserve special attention Cathedral Santo Spirito from the 18th century, the Brancaleone fortress and the Franciscan church of San Francesco, where Dante was buried.

There are many clean sandy beaches and natural parks around Ravenna. The most popular local resort, especially among young people, is the modern Lido Adriano. In Punta Marina Terme there is a whole complex of cottages surrounded by a pine forest. And here on the beach there is a thalassotherapy center. And most of the hotels are located in Lido di Savio, 20 km from Ravenna - this resort is equipped with equestrian and rowing schools, tennis courts, shops and swimming pools.

And medieval Byzantium.

Ravenna Tourist Route:

• Route length: 10 km
• Walking time: about 4 - 5 hours
• Route start: Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, Via Giuliano Argentario, 22, 48110 Ravenna
• End of route: Church of Sant'Apollinare in Class, in the suburbs of Ravenna, Via Romea Sud, 224, 48124 Classe Ravenna

1. Mausoleum of Galla Placidia

Mausoleo di Galla Placidia

The construction of the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia began around 440, however, the sister of Emperor Honorius Gallus Placidia died in 450, and, most likely, she was buried there. built by her order Church of Santa Croce (Chiesa di santa croce ), to which the mausoleum adjoins.

Mausoleum of Galla Placidia

Behind the simple brick walls of the mausoleum, there is a rich interior decoration of mosaics - one of the world's heritage sites. In the plan, the building has the form of a Latin cross. Alabaster plates inserted into the window openings transform the sunlight into a soft golden glow, highlighting the mosaic finish in an exquisite color palette. The dark blue background is covered with a carpet pattern of stars and flowers in light gray, gold, turquoise and reddish tones. The figures of Christian martyrs in antique draperies, made against the backdrop of paradise landscapes with golden deer and birds, stand out from the thick blue.

The figures of the apostles in lunettes - semi-circular sections of the end walls of the cross-shaped building are made in the same scale. The lunette above the entrance depicts "The Good Shepherd in the Garden of Eden": Christ is young and beardless here and is made in a completely antique manner. The inner surface of the dome is decorated with gold stars against a blue background, in the center of the dome there is a golden Latin cross.

Byzantine mosaics in the mausoleum of Galla Placidia

Mosaics of the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia:

The mosaic decoration of the mausoleum is distinguished by its rare splendor and makes it one of the most important monuments of early Christian art. Mosaics, although dedicated to different subjects, form an organically one whole. All of them follow the ancient Roman-Hellenistic Mosaic tradition, although the origin of the masters themselves remains controversial (among the possible versions, they are called, Mediria) Here the Roman artistic heritage with its meticulously executed details and plastic figures merged with the Christian striving for the absolute and transcendental sense of the imagination

Russian art critic Pavel Muratov wrote about mausoleum of Galla Placidia at the beginning of the XX century:

“The Italian Mosaicists loved small, thick and deep colors - blue, greenand winered... Unusual and somehow inconceivable deep very dark blue color on the ceiling of the mausoleum of Galla Placidia. Depending on the play of the light, which penetrates here through the tiny end, it is amazingly and unexpectedly beautifully overflowing with green, dark purple. On this background, the image of a young Good Sheep sitting among the white sheep is well known. The semicircles by the windows are decorated with a large ornament with deer drinking from the spring. Garlands of leaves and fruits wind through the low arches. Seeing their greatness, it is involuntarily thought that humanity has never created a better artistic medium for decorating church walls. And here, thanks to the small size of the mozaik's headroom, it does not seem to be a matter of dusky and cold splendor. The air, shining with blue fire, which is surrounded by a sarcophagus, which once contained the impertress's imperturbed body, is worthy of being a dream-like plamented Was this not what the artists of colored glass in gothic cathedrals were aiming for, only in a different way? "

Mosaic symbolism:

In the center of the hemispherical dome is a golden Latin cross, surrounded by eight golden stars, united in a concentric circle. The cross and stars are placed on an indigo-blue background that realistically depicts the night sky. This mosaic demonstrates the triumph of Christ over death, His absolute power over the world of creation. Christ is symbolically shown as the Sun of Truth, surrounded by His faithful, enlightened by Him and shining in His light in the world. Mosaic points to Christ as an extraordinary light that darkness cannot embrace. According to the thought of the mozaichist, the Christ is the meaning and center of the existence of the universe, ready and willing to unite all of mankind around himself. Emphasizing the high meaning of the mosaics, the artist directed the long end of the cross not along the long axis of the mausoleum (that is, along the north-south line), and to the east, towards the direction of some of the traditional Chronicle of Chronicle.

Evangelists in the corners of the vault, represented by their golden symbolic images: lion (Mark), Matt (Luke), opl.

The ceiling in the "winds" of the mausoleum is covered with a complex mosaic opaque symbolizing the Garden of Eden. Scattered against the dark blue background are surroundings, stars and flowers. Such an omen is unusual for the western part of the Roman Empire, a remote likeness can only be found in the Roman church of Santa Constance.

Sarcophagi of the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia:

The mausoleum also houses three marble sarcophagi of the 5th-6th centuries.

The tombs are silent,

Tender and chilled their threshold,

So that the black gaze of the blessed Galla,

Having woken up, the stone did not burn.

War hate and resentment

Forgotten and erased the bloody trace,

To the resurrected voice of Plakida

I did not sing the passions of the past years.

Alexander Blok, "Ravenna"

Sapcophagus of Galla Placidia

It occupies a central place, lacks any decor and is probably unfinished. Taking into account the unusually large size of the sapcophagus and the absence of any Christian symbolism on it, the monument is attributed to a rich and noble pagan. The possibility of Gala Placidia's burial in it is rejected by modern historians. However, the sources of the XIV-XVI centuries (including the archbishop of Pavenna Pinaldo da Concoregio) confirm that through a large window in the back of the sapkophagus (the cypher was shown in the picture) Presumably, we are talking about a body buried in such an unusual way not before the XIII-XIV centuries with the possible intention to imitate the remains of Augusta. In 1577, out of curiosity, local kids threw burning candles through the indicated window of the sapcophagus, which, having just touched the cypress throne, caused a fire. As a consequence of the fire, only a few bones, skull and charred pieces of wood, found there during the opening of the sapcophagus in 1577 and 1898, have survived in the sapcophagus.

Sapkofag Constitution

Its creation is dated by the 5th century, installed in the left branch of the "cross". On his front wall is depicted Christos in the form of a lamb, his head is surrounded by a nimbus containing the monogram of Christ - intertwined Greek letters Χ and Ρ. The Lamb stands on a rock, from which flow four streams, depicting the four rivers of Eden. To the right and to the left of the rock there are two angles without halos, symbolizing the apostles. These images are framed with two palms, symbolizing the life of the leaders. In 1738, the sapcophagus was opened, and researchers found in it two well-preserved skulls with teeth.

Sapkofag Valentiniana

The sarcophagus is dated by the 6th century, installed in the right branch of the "cross". Has a semi-cylindrical cover with a scaly ornaments. On the front wall there is a lamb-Chrystos, standing at the foot of a hill, from which four paisky rivers flow, the hill is crowned with a cross, on the slope of which two pigeons are sitting. On both side walls there is a cross with a cob (often used in catacomb painting, a symbol of death, from which life is reborn). In 1738, this sapcophagus was also opened, and the bones of a man and a woman were found in it.

Working hours of the mausoleum:

01/11-28/02	01/03-31/03	01/04-30/09	01/10-31/10
09.30-17.00	09.00-17.30	09.00-19.00	09.00-17.30

• entrance: full € 9,50 - concessional € 8.50
• Combined ticket to visit all the monuments of Diossea (Archbishop's Museum, Chapel of Sant'Andrea and Ivory Throne, Neonian Baptistery, Basilica of Sant'Appolinaria Nuovo, Basilica of San Vitale) ** Mausoleum of Galla Placidia from March 1 to June 15 - additional 2 euros.
• via San Vitale

2. Basilica of San Vitale

Basilica di San Vitale

The construction of the Church of San Vitale - one of the most beautiful churches - was started by Bishop Eklesius even during the Goths, and it was completed already in 548, when Ravenna was taken by the Byzantines.

San Vitale is octagonal in plan. Inside there were red mosaics(in the list) of the middle of the VI century, equal to which there is not only in Western Europe, but also in Constantinople itself.

They seem to have been made by the craftsmen of Constantinople, whom Ecclesias invited to Ravenna. In the conch (a semi-domed vault crowning the apis) the Savior is depicted sitting on a dark blue ball, next to them are two angels, behind them on the left is St. Vitaly, patron of Ravenna, and on the right is Bishop Eklesius with a model of the temple in his hands. At the bottom of the apsis, on the left, is the Emperor Justinian surrounded by the courtiers and guards, and on the right is Queen Theodora with the ladies and servants of the court. The lunettes, arches and walls of the temple depict scenes from the Old and New Testaments and the figures of saints.

• Church of San Vitale
• via San Vitale
• Combined ticket - € 9,50

3 Baptistery of the Orthodox

Battistero neoniano

The Neoniano Baptistery (Orthodox Baptistery) was built by Bishop Ursius in the 1st half of the 5th century, in an era of fierce rivalry between various church movements and communities. The foundation of the building, octagonal in plan, went into the ground at 3 m. On the outside, apses and doors alternated. only the vaults are visible from the apses.

In the second half of the 5th century, Bishop Neon ordered to cover the building with a dome and decorate the interior with magnificent mosaics. In honor of Neon, the baptistery received its copeccary Italian name.

The dome of the baptistery is divided into 3 parts - a central circle and two concentric rings.

In the center is the baptism of Jesus, in the first ring - a solemn procession of 12 apostles wearing the crown. The second ring is divided into 8 parts, in the center there is an altar niche with a throne - the symbol of Christ the Almighty. On the sides of the thrones there are gardens fenced in with gratings (the symbol of Paradise), on the sides of the altars there are empty chairs (a place for the elite). Between the windows there are carved niches decorated with balconies depicting prophets.

The overall mosaic composition is related to the theme of Heavenly Jerusalem. This is emphasized by the crowns in the hands of the apostles on the dome mosaic (symbolizes that they, as stated in the Revelation of John the Theologian, will sit on twelve thrones to judge the twelve tribes of Israel), four altars and four images of the prepared throne.

The dome mosaic is based on the theme of the baptism of Jesus Christ. In the center of the mosaic there is a medallion with a baptismal scene. In addition to (depicted naked) Jesus and John the Baptist, Jordan is present in him in the form of a man, with a towel in his hands. Around the medallion are the figures of the twelve apostles, on which the blessed energy descends, depicted by radial rays.

The figures of the apostles are full-length and shown in motion. The clothing of the apostles resembles the tunics of the Roman patricians and is made in only two colors: white (symbolizes the light of the earth) and gold (symbolizes the light of heaven). The faces of the apostles have a distinct personality.

• Baptistery of the Orthodox
• via Battistero
• daily 09.00–19.00, winter until 16.30
• Combined ticket - € 9,50

4. Dante's tomb

Tomba di dante

Dante's tomb is one of the main attractions. The mausoleum, built in the classical style in 1780, is located above the poet's grave, at the intersection of Dante and Guido da Polenta streets.

Dante, who died of malaria in 1321, was buried in the church of San Francisco. The patron of the poet, Guido Novello da Polenta, planned to build him a magnificent tomb, but, having lost power in the city, did not create his own project. In 1483, for the burial of Dante, by order of the mayor of the city, Bernardo Bembo, the sculptor Pietro Lombardi made a portrait of a poet, which has survived to this day.

Lost Dante

In 1519, at the request of Michelangelo, Pope Leo X agreed to transfer the dust to Dante, but when the tomb was brought to the city, it turned out to be empty. In the Basilica of Santa Croce ( Basilica di Santa Croce), a kenotaph was set up, and later it became clear that the French monks from, not wanting to spend some time with the air of the poet, knocked out the wall of the sarcophagus and dug out its tanks, some of which were hidden in secret. In 1677, at the time of the poet, he was placed in a wooden cancer, and when, after 1810, as a result of Napoleon's secularization of the secular property of the monarch, the collector was sent

The tomb with Dante's smell was discovered in 1865 during the renovation of the theater, which runs to the Church of San Francesco. The found wooden box was identified by an epitaph carved in 1677 by Antonio Santi. After this, the remains were transferred to the mausoleum, from which they were withdrawn during the Second World War, when the city was bombarded. The place where the sarcophagus was hidden is currently marked with a memorial plaque.

Dante's mausoleum

Inside Dante's Mazvolei there is an urn made in 1483 at the direction of Bernardo Bembo. It is adorned with a Latin epitaph written in 1327 by Bernardo Canaccio:

“Sovereigns, the sky, the waters of Phlegetonte, I sang, walking my earthly vale. Now my soul has gone to a better world and is blissful, contemplating among the lights of its Creator, here I rest, Dante, expelled from the fatherland, dear Florence, a little loving mother. "

Above the urn is a relief with a portrait of a brooding Dante in front of a book stand (transferred from his burial in the church of San Francisco). Above is a gilded cross, erected in 1965 for the 700th anniversary of Dante at the behest of Pope Paul VI. On the floor in the center of the mausoleum is a bronze wreath, laid on the tomb in 1921 by the Italian army. A lamp hangs from the ceiling, which is filled with oil from the oil that is brought to Ravenna every year in September, when « Dante month» .

• Dante's tomb
• via Dante Aligieri, 9
• daily 09.00-12.00, 14.00-17.00

5. Basilica of Sant Apollinare Nuovo

Basilica of Sant Apollinare Nuovo ( Basilica di Sant'Apollinare Nuovo 493-526) was built by the king of the Ostrogoths, the Arian Theodoric, and dedicated to the Savior. In the second half of the 6th century, she was rededicated in honor of St. Martin, Bishop of Tours. In the 9th century, the temple was rededicated again, for this time in honor of the local saint - the first bishop of Ravenna Apollinarius. His remains were brought here from the more distant basilica of the same name, located near the harbor of Ravenna, in the Klassé quarter. Then the same urban basioica of St. Appolinarius began to be called "New" so as not to confuse it with Sant Apollinare in Classe.

Basilica architecture

Sant Apollinare Nuovo is a typical example of an early Christian basilica: three naves without a transept. Basilica of St. Apollinaria is divided by two rows of Corinthian columns from Greek marble (you can see engraved Greek letters in the capitals) with imposts. The altar columns are made of porphyry. In the temple, many things have been preserved since the 6th century: pulpits, openwork marble fences and a relief slab.

The floor lies 1.2 m above the initial level. In the 16th century, the walls had to be reconstructed, at the same time sacrificing a part of them and bringing the columns to the modern level. The coffered ceiling was made at the beginning of the 17th century.

Basilica mosaics

Mosaic decoration of the Basilica of St. Apollinaria is included in the list of attractions in c. The mosaics are divided into three parts. The clerical story (a section of the wall above the windows) contains 26 episodes from the life and passions of Jesus Christ. Below, between the window openings, are the solemn figures of the saints. Holy martyrs and martyrs are depicted under the windows. To the left and to the right of the altar, respectively, are Jesus with the angels and the Mother of God with the angels, and to the right and left of the entrance are Theodoric's palace and the port in Klassa.

The mosaics were created in the era of Theodoric by various craftsmen. In the 60s of the 6th century, the mosaics were partially rearranged in order to get rid of the memory of the Ostrogothic rulers of Ravenna.

Academician V.N.Lazarev notes that the mosaics of the basilica

« reveal a further departure from the Hellenistic-Roman heritage, which in many respects brings them closer to the monuments of the eastern, mainly Syro-Palestinian circle».

The arranged mosaics are less interesting than the Theodoric ones; Among them, the portrait of Emperor Justinian stands out (as it was interpreted by the restorers of the 19th century and, without any doubt, signed by them), which a number of researchers consider to be a portrait of King Theodoric.

Top mosaics:

The upper row of the walls of the central nave is decorated with mosaics based on New Testament plots, while there are no plots related to the crucifixion and death of Christ the God-man (according to some researchers, these plots were undesirable among the Arians). Despite their extremely small size (it is impossible to view them without special optical devices, standing below), the Gospel mosaics are distinguished by amazing detail, which testifies to the skill of an unknown artist.

On the mosaics of this cycle, Christ is depicted as beardless, the expression on His face is tender and blissful. The number of characters in the mosaics of this cycle is minimized (47 characters in 13 mosaics). For the first time in Byzantine art, the Gospel scenes are placed not in chronological order, but in the order they are mentioned in the order of Easter readings in the Ravenna church.

Prophets and Saints:

Under the mosaics on the Gospel subjects, there are images of 36 prophets and saints (one in each mosaic), separated by window openings (a group of three saints is depicted in one block without a window, see illustration). Their figures are placed above the horizontal frieze separating the middle tier of the walls from the lower one, which, together with the figures of birds and the grass under their feet, should form the motif of the heavenly life of the saints.

The saints face the worshipers, they are dressed in snow-white clothes, their heads are crowned with a halo, they are holding a book or a scroll, their faces are distinguished by individual features (at the same time, there are both young and very old faces among the characters). The absence among these persons of any recognizable features characteristic of the iconography of certain saints makes it possible to attribute this mosaic series to the era of Theodoric. Just as in the Ravenna Arian Baptistery, the absence of inscriptions on the mosaics of Sant'Apollinare does not make it possible to unambiguously identify the saints depicted.

Procession of the Holy Martyrs:

In the lower row of the southern (to the left of the altar) wall is a monumental image of a 26-person martyr procession. The procession starts from the building, signed as Palatium, which is identified with the palace of King Theodoric.

All the saints hold in their hands their martyr's crowns. The figures of the saints are separated by palm trees. Above each saint there is a (abbreviated) inscription identifying him. The holy procession, passing through the flower field, goes to Jesus Christ sitting on the throne, surrounded by four angels. In the hand of Christ is a scepter, which, as a result of the restoration of 1860, replaced the book, which was opened in words: “ Ego sum rex gloriae» ( I am the King of glory). Palm trees and flowers indicate the heavenly abodes where the saints rest. In addition, the palm tree traditionally indicates the righteousness and holiness of the depicted persons, in accordance with verses 91 of psalms “The righteous one blooms like a palm tree, rises like a cedar in Lebanon. Planted in the house of the Lord, they bloom in the courts of our God. "

All the depicted saints (with the exception of Martin of Tours and Lawrence) are dressed in the same white clothes - a sign of holiness.

• Sant Apollinare Nuovo
• Via di Roma
• daily 09.00–19.00, winter until 16.30

6. Cathedral of Spirito Santo

Chiesa dello Spirito santo

The Church of Spirito Santo, a former cathedral, dates back to the 5th century. This is the first church building erected King Theodoric in Ravenna.

Initially, it was dedicated to the resurrection of Jesus Christ, but after the expulsion of the Arian Ostrogoths, it was rededicated by the Orthodox Byzantines in the name of the Holy Spirit.

• via degli Ariani
• daily 08.30-19.30,
• winter until 13.30, int. St.

Arian Baptistery (Arian Baptistery)

Next to the Spirito Santo church is an octahedral baptistery Arian (Battistero degli Ariani , 490), in the 2nd half of the VI century converted into Church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin (Chiesa di Santa Maria in Cosmedin) .

The architecture of the Arian Baptistery is similar to the Baptistery of the Orthodox, erected earlier in the same Ravenna, which obviously served as a model for the theme mosaics of the Arian temple. Wall masonry is made of thick baked bricks. Under the baptistery's roofs, a cornice with a toothed banner is made.

In the interior of the baptistery, mosaics with the scene of the Baptism of Christ and the Apostles have been preserved. Five mosaicists took part in the creation of the mosaics. As Academician V.N. Lazarev,

"In comparison with the mosaics of the 5th century, the paints have become more heavy and variegated, the drawing has worsened (especially the end), the features of the face have grown, in the hard folds, a sharp line appeared."

The general character of the mosaics is distinguished by its versatility with traits of primitivism.

Mosaic at Battistero degli Ariani

The central medallion of the dome contains the scene of the baptism of Christ by John the Baptist. A special feature of the composition is the fully nude figure of Christ (right up to the genitalia), which probably illustrates the Arian doctrine of the creative life of Jesus, as well as the revision of the history of the history An illustration of the Arian doctrine about the fact that Jesus, at the time of baptism, received his divine essence, is the fact that the water (drowning Christ) is pouring into his soul.

The famous mosaics of the church - a UNESCO monument in Italy

Vokpug tsentpalnogo medalona podkupolnoy mozaiki izobpazheny dvenadtsat apostolov, iduschie with ventsami (kpome apostolov Petpa with keys and Paul svitkom CO) to ppestolu ugotovannomu - part of Po chasovoy stpelke, part ppotiv chasovoy, vsledstvie chego two apostola nappotiv ppestola okazyvayutsya spinoy d.pugoy to porphyry intrusions. Unlike the Orthodox Baptistery, all the Apostles in the Arian temple are depicted with halos. The figures of the apostles are divided by palms.

7. Mausoleum of Theodoric

Mausoleo di Teodorico

Unlike other city buildings made of baked bricks, the Theodoric mausoleum (520) is made of well-hewn blocks of imported Istrian limestone. The mausoleum of Theodoric has an unusual decagonal shape.

The lower floor is surrounded by ten deep arched niches. The second floor, a decagonal snapyzhi, is completely round inside. The building is crowned with a monolithic roof with a diameter of 11 m and a weight of about 230 tons.

Constructed from Istrian limestone on two ten-meter yaruses, which are crowned by a ten-meter dome, hewn out of a whole 300-ton stone, possibly under the tents of the Hermans. Since the ready did not have the means to lift such a heavy slab, the Theodoric mausoleum was covered with earth to the very top, after which the dome was put in place by pulling in, and the earth was removed. The place for the construction of the mausoleum was chosen already existing outside the cemetery is ready.

With the transition under the authority of Justinian, the body of Theodorich was taken out of the mausoleum, and he himself was turned into a chapel. The porphyry sapkofag of the Gothic ruler is now empty. The proximity of the stream led to the erosion of foundations, which required the intervention of the restorers in the 19th century. At the beginning of the 20th century, art critic Pavel Muratov, who visited the mausoleum, wrote:

“The chapel legend has plunged the soul of the apian king into the vest , gave it to the devil in advance. In the people's representation, Teodorikh remained one of the patrons and protectors of the Faven, no less powerful than the saints Romuald and Apolline. The tomb of the Gothic king is visited by all travelers who visit Pavenna. What attracts them here? The memory of Teodorikh can hardly be dear to anyone. And, however, a visit to this mausoleum leaves in the soul of every traveler, neither a history nor an erudite, a deeper trace than just curiosity. This is one of those places in the light, where, for some reason, it is possible to vividly feel the course of the eyelids, where such an abstract concept, like “history,” is felt with captivating strength and closeness. Here we involuntarily believe in the existence of a commonality with the past, in some strange, subtle and complex connection between our fate and the fate of the legendary king. "

In the center of the upper room there is a porphyry tomb, but Theodoric's ashes are not there - they have been scattered. A large crack is visible inside the dome, which probably formed during the installation of the monolith: according to legend, Theodoric was predicted death from a lightning strike, and when during a storm he took refuge in the mausoleum, lightning pierced the huge monolith and incinerated the heretic king.

• Mausoleum of Theodoric
• Via delle Industrie, 14
• daily Apr – Oct 08.30–19.00, winter until 13.00

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Ravenna route map

Basilica of Sant Apollinare in Classe

Basilica di Sant'Apollinare in Classe

Basilica of Sant'Apollinare in Classe - Basilica di Sant'Apollinare in Classe

Basilica di Sant'Apollinare in Classe is one of the best examples of early Christian basilica c. The three-aisled building of baked bricks without a transept was built in 549 (almost simultaneously with the Basilica of San Vitale) over the grave of the first bishop of Ravenna, St. Apollinarius, who began his service here.

Later, the remains of the saint were reburied in the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo. Only the restored mosaics in the apis are considered original, some of the decorations (including mosaics) belong to the later periods.

The interior of the Basilica of St. Apollinaria

The interior of the Basilica of St. Apollinaria in Ravenna

The basilica was decorated by the very ones from the Ravenian mosaics of the Justinian period (the middle of the 6th century), preserved in its apis. Other mosaics were created in the second half of the 7th and 9th centuries. Academician V. N. Lazarev notes:

The masters who worked in Sant Apollinare in Classe are close to the masters who performed the presbytery mosaics in San Vitale. And among them we observe a craving for simplified forms and for unnecessarily bright color combinations. This is accompanied by a decrease in the quality of the pattern and a sluggish use of carnation, in which the number of tonal shades is noticeably reduced.

HOW otmechayut issledovateli, mozaiki Sant-Apollinare-yn-Klasse otrazhayut poyavivshuyusya in posleyustinianovskuyu epohu tendentsiyu frontalnogo izobrazheniya figures under kotoroy proiskhodit otkaz From peredachi kakih libo dvizheny and povorotov.

Mozaiki-Sant Apollinare-in-Klasse, HOW and baziliki San Vitale-ne predstavlyayut sobytiya svyaschennoy istorii their istoricheskoy posledovatelnosti, they are normally imeyut svoey tselyu illyustratsiyu dogmaticheskogo ucheniya tserkvi, raskryvaemogo cherez simvolizm Svyaschennogo Pisaniya. Despite the use of colored glass, smalt, gold and powdered stones for faces and light This is especially noticeable in the mosaics with the image of the Raven bishops between the windows of the apis.

The art critic Pavel Muratov wrote about basilik in 1911:

This church is in many ways reminiscent of the Basilica of San Apollinare Nuovo. It also contains mosaics, but only not on the walls of the main neth, but in the altar apse. These mosaics are performed later, than everything else in Ravenna, and here this art does not stand at such a height as in the Mausoleum of Gala Placidia or even in San Vitale. In addition, the restorations touched the mosaic here, making many parts of them unmistakable.

In the central nave of the basilica, on the elevation, there is a large altar dedicated to the Virgin Mary, it was created in the 11th century with the use of the VI altar. On the side of this altar, addressed to the preacher, it is indicated that at this place, St. Romuald of Ravens received two visions of the Mother of God. In front of this altar there is a memorial plate of the 18th century, containing no historical details that the powers of St. On the wall of the right nave there is a memorial board in memory of a visit to the basilica by Pope John Paul II on May 11, 1986.

• Sant Apollinare in Classe
• via Romea Sud, Classe,
• 6.5 km south of Ravenna
• Mon-Sat 08.30-19.30, Sun 13.00-19.00

In the Emilia-Romagna region, it is the brightest gem. It seems to be the simplest structure, but no, it has imprints of hundreds, or even thousands of years. And if the stones could speak, in Ravenna they would narrate the events that they witnessed. They probably have something to remember, for example, about the last years of the Western Roman Empire, when Ravenna was the capital of the great state that fell soon after ...

The famous Ravenna mosaics tell their stories. The most colorful, the most skillful, the most ambitious - any epithet is superlative of this art form in Ravenna. The most famous one adorns the Basilica of San Vitale and is replicated on souvenirs.

The city is actively developing in our time. Now it is a popular beach resort, and nearby there is a modern Mirabilandia amusement park with roller coasters, a Ferris wheel, attractions, various performances, laser shows. By the way, the largest in Italy. So by listening to the stories of the past, you can have a good rest in the present.

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How to get to Ravenna

By plane

Closest major airport to Ravenna, receiving regular flights, located in Bologna. You can also get by plane to Rimini or Venice, from where you can get to the final destination by land transport.

By train

There is a regional train from Bologna. The journey will take 1 hour and 20 minutes. Some trains stop at Faenza or Portomaggiore, where you will have to change to another. When traveling from Rome, you will most likely have to change trains in Bologna after 4 hours. The same route is from Milan (3 hours). From Rimini you will drive to the sound of the wheels for about an hour.

By bus

The bus service is carried out by the ATM company.

By car

The distance between Bologna and Ravenna is 80 km; you will spend a little over an hour on the way. Include 5 € for road tax. From Rome to Ravenna 380 km, which can be covered in 4.5 hours, the tax will be 4 €. Between Ravenna and Milan about 290 km. The road will take 3 hours and will be the most expensive - taxes will "eat up" an additional 19 €. The A14 motorway leads to Ravenna.

By sea

The port of Ravenna is one of the twenty most important in all of Italy. Many people start their routes here cruise lines: Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises go to Greece, Cyprus and Turkey. A ferry service connects Ravenna with Sicily (Catania).

Hotels in Ravenna

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There are about a hundred hotels in Ravenna for every taste and budget, you just have to choose the one suitable for the purpose of your trip. If the task is to see as many historical sights as possible, then it is better to settle in the city center. Then the minimum cost of living will be from 70-80 € per night for double occupancy (Hotel Centrale Byron 3 *, R&B Casa Aurora) and slightly more expensive (La Reunion 4 *, Best Western Hotel Bisanzio 4 *, etc.). If the distance does not matter to you, you can find a place to sleep for 45-50 €. At the same time, the quality will not necessarily suffer (B&B Al Borgo, Hotel B&B Ravenna 3 *, etc.)

If you wish, you can stay in hotels on the coast, however, in this case, the budget for accommodation can be safely multiplied by one and a half, or even two. The most modest options will cost 80-100 € for two.

Shopping in Ravenna

There are not as many shops in Ravenna as in Rimini or Bologna, but there are also places to leave - from a few euros to six figures.

Designer stores are mainly located in Via Cavour. In the historic center, on any street, you will find a souvenir shop, a grocery supermarket or a shoe boutique. The main food market - Mercato Comunale is located in the Andrea Costa square and is usually open until lunchtime every day, except Sundays.

Any product with a mosaic-like design is considered the main souvenir product. Traditional magnets, leather bags, T-shirts and, of course, ceramics can be decorated in the Ravenna style.

Take home some Ravenna delicacies: the region's typical caramelized figs with Squacquerone cheese. A bottle of local Sangiovese wine will be useful in your luggage on the way back.

Beach holidays in Ravenna

The seaside resort Marina di Ravenna is appreciated both among its Italians and among foreign tourists. Modern beach areas are located next to the city's historical monuments. Most of the beaches are sandy, clean and well maintained.

The most modern one - Lido-Adriano - is designed for a youth audience who, for complete happiness, have little sea, sun and sand, and also serve active sports. For family holidays, Punta Marina Terme is more suitable, it is quieter there due to cottage buildings surrounded by pine trees. A more sedate and wealthy public also comes here, mainly for the sake of thalassotherapy. The center is located on the beach itself.

The main attraction of Ravenna is its mosaic. She is everywhere here - in temples, houses, mausoleums. Its radiance and depth of performance amaze, fascinate, captivate. But Ravenna is famous not only for its unique wall decoration. There is a house where Byron lived, Dante's grave, mausoleums of ancient rulers, as well as a lot of temples, whose age is one and a half thousand years.

Ravenna is a city located in the east of Italy. It is the capital of the province of Ravenna in the region (Emilia-Romagna). The province is bordered by the three largest districts of its region: in the west with (Bologna), in the north with (Ferrara), in the south with Forlì-Cesena. On the east side of Ravenna is the Adriatic Sea (mare Adriatico), which is part of Mediterranean Sea(mar Mediterraneo).

More than a millennium ago, the city was located directly on the coast of mare Adriatico. But over time, the waters receded, and as a result of siltation, a lowland was formed. Now Ravenna is connected to the Adriatic Sea by the Canale Candiano.

The area of ​​Ravenna is 652 km2, and the number of inhabitants exceeds 150 thousand people. The historic center is located at 2 km2. Previously, it was surrounded by fortress walls, of which only a gate remained. And where the lines of fortifications used to be, now there is a boulevard ring on three sides, while from the west there is a railway.

After in the XIII century. on the People's Square (Piazza del Popolo), the house for the ruler of the city was built, the residence of Bernardino Poleta (la residenza di Bernardino da Polenta), it became the main square of Ravenna. A few years later, the house of the rector of Romagna (palazzo del Rettore di Romagna) appeared here.

Paguro platform

Not far from Ravenna, in the depths of the Adriatic Sea, there is a very interesting place for divers. This is the Paguro Platform, which sits on the seabed opposite Porto Corsini. This is the name of a small town located on the site where the Candiano Canal flows into the sea.

The platform appeared in the middle of the last century after gas reserves were discovered in the bowels of the Adriatic Sea. In the fall of 1965, a disaster struck off the coast of Ravenna: a gas eruption occurred during the work. As a result, a fire broke out on the platform, after which it exploded and drowned, plunging to a depth of 25 m. Three engineers were killed, the water column rose 30 m above sea level, and a huge crater appeared at the bottom. The eruption was stopped only three months later.

The platform was not removed from the bottom of the sea - and since then it has been a popular place among diving enthusiasts., because in addition to the sunken structure, you can clearly see the inhabitants of the sea, who have found refuge here. Most often you can see starfish, lobsters, shrimps, crabs, eels, sea ruffs here.

How to get there

Despite the fact that Ravenna is located close to the sea and is connected to it by a canal, you can get here by sea only by cruise ship or yacht. Ferry crossings are not currently in service. There is also no airport near the city, so people who fly to Italy by plane will have to get there with transfers. There are three airports at a distance of 90 km from the city, from which you can get to Ravenna by bus, train, but most conveniently by car. The transfer can be ordered at.

If a decision is made to get to Ravenna by train, the train schedule can be viewed here:. Also buses from different cities of Italy and Europe go here.

By plane

The closest airport to Ravenna, at a distance of 40 km, is the airport in Forlì (Aeroporto di Forlì). A little further - in Bologna (Bologna) and (Rimini). There is also (Venezia), but the road from it to Ravenna by land transport will take from two to three and a half hours.

Federico Fellini International Airport (Aeroporto internazionale Federico Fellini), which is located in Rimini, separates from Ravenna 70 km. Aerostazione is within walking distance from the airport. From here, take a bus to the 4 Rimini Fs bus station, which is located on Via Dante Alighieri. Then you have to walk to railway station Rimini or the bus station, which are located in the same square, at Piazzale Cesare Battisti. From here, an hour's drive to Ravenna by train or bus. You can also order a transfer from the airport on the website

By train

Ravenna train station (Stazione Di Ravenna) is located at Piazza Luigi Carlo Farini, 13, a ten minute walk from the center. Trains come here that run between the cities of Rimini - Ferrara, Ravenna - Faenza, Ravenna - Castel Bolognese. There are also trains to Bologna, Venice (Venezia), (Verona).

If a traveler travels from Rome (Roma), you need to take into account that a direct train travels only once a day. Therefore, many get with a transfer in Bologna. There is no direct connection with Ravenna from (Milano).

By bus

Ravenna has three bus stations where suburban, intercity and international buses arrive. Therefore, it is first necessary to clarify exactly where the bus will stop, especially since stops are possible in other places. The terminal station of the bus can be at:

• Piazzale Aldo Moro - on the back of the railway station;
• Piazza and Viale Farini - right next to each other, opposite the railway station;
• Via Trieste.

By sea

But not far from Ravenna, on the Adriatic coast, where the waters of the Candiano Canal flow into it, there are two towns, Porto Corsini and Marina di Ravenna. They are separated from each other by a channel, which can be crossed by a ferry. Porto Corsini has a Cruise Port where cruise ships stop, including those that go to Greece, Cyprus, Turkey. Marina di Ravenna has the ability to moor yachts. It takes half an hour to get to Ravenna by bus from here, but it is better to book a transfer.

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Everything that is minute, everything that is perishable
You buried it for centuries.
You sleep like a baby, Ravenna,
In the hands of a sleepy eternity.
A. Blok, "Ravenna"

Ravenna - millennia of history

It is believed that these lands were originally owned by the Etruscans, or perhaps by the Umbres, due to the proximity of their territories. The name of this important Italian most likely goes back to the Latin root rava-, which in Umbrian means “a ravine washed by streams of water” or “channel, swamp” and the addition of the Etruscan ending -enna. Since prehistoric times, the natural landscape of these places has been distinguished by many rivulets that carry their waters into the Adriatic Sea, forming swamps and lagoons up to the mouth of the Po River.

In the II century BC. all the lands of the Padan plain were captured and colonized by the Romans.

Due to the specifics of the local landscape, swamps and many small river flows, these lands were accessible only from the sea. That is why the emperor of the Roman Empire Octavian Augustus ordered to deploy a navy here and build a naval port. Drainage and reclamation works were carried out and a military port was built Classis... According to the description of the historian Pliny the Elder, the naval port accommodated 250 ships and 10,000 sailors to control the northern waters of the Mediterranean.

Over time, a city grew around the port. During the Roman Empire, thanks to the port, Ravenna became an important point for the commercial movement of goods throughout the Mediterranean.

The last emperor of the united Roman Empire died in 395 Theodosius the Great... After his death, the empire was divided into western and eastern, and the sons of Arcadia and Honorius inherited parts of the empire. Arcadius was proclaimed emperor of the East, Constantinople was the capital, and Honorius was the West, with its capital in Milan. In 402, after the siege of Milan by the Visigoths, the emperor of the Western Roman Empire, Honorius, moved the capital to Ravenna.

Ravenna became the permanent residence of the emperor, therefore it gained great importance as the political, economic and cultural center of the empire. During this period, the city is experiencing a construction boom, although due to the silting up of rivers and lagoons, the port becomes underutilized and loses its importance.

In Ravenna, the fate of the Western Empire was decided. In 476, its last emperor, Romulus Augustulus, was deposed by the leader of the German mercenaries, Odoacer. It was the end of the story Ancient rome though the story of Ravenna doesn't end there. In 493, after a long siege, the city was conquered by the Ostrogoths. Theodoric, and five years later the Byzantine emperor Anastasius recognized him as king and ruler of Italy with the capital in Ravenna. Ravenna was conquered in 540 Justinian and introduced into the Byzantine Empire.

About two hundred years have passed and Ravenna again found itself in the center of historical events. The city was conquered by the Lombards. In 751 at the behest of the king of the Franks Pipin Korotkogo Ravenna came under the control of the Pope, but received autocephaly and became the seat of kings. The archbishops of Ravenna received generous gifts from the emperors of the Saxon dynasty and were used in open confrontations with the popes. During this period, the city was gradually ravaged: many mosaics, marble decorations, friezes and statues disappeared, and the port of Classis was finally forgotten, plundered and abandoned.

During the Middle Ages, Ravenna came under the control of the archbishops, and later into the hands of noble aristocratic families. One of them was the family yes Polenta... With this family, the great Florentine found his last sad refuge poet Dante Alighieri... He died of malaria and was buried in Ravenna.

In the middle of the 15th century, Ravenna was subordinated to the Venetian Republic and remained under its rule until 1509. At the same time, many palaces in the Venetian style were built in the center of the city, and the famous fortress was erected to defend the city. Brancaleone(photo on the left - click). When Julius II ascended the papal throne, he conquered all of Romagna. Ravenna has since languished quietly for the next 350 years. The city gradually sank into water due to the swampy fields surrounding it, until in May 1636 the sea flooded the very center. Dad intervened Clement XII Corsini... New drainage and reclamation works were carried out, canals were laid, a pier, a new Cathedral were built and Dante's tomb was reconstructed. In 1861, Ravenna became part of the Kingdom of a united Italy. After the Second World War, Ravenna was awarded the title of Honorary City and was awarded the Gold Medal for courage and military valor in the War of Independence - for the sacrifices of its people and participation in the guerrilla struggle during the Second World War.

Ravenna in a glow of mosaics and ancient monuments - attractions

Ravenna boasts monuments and structures from the early Christian period, as well as Byzantine architecture and beautiful mosaics. In 1996, the following facilities were incorporated into World heritage UNESCO:

Basilica of San Vitale and Mausoleum of Galla Placidia

Outwardly, they outwardly look very modest. Simple brick structures, like all other Byzantine buildings in the city. But once you cross their threshold, the reason for their worldwide fame becomes obvious. characterized by an octagonal shape and emphasizes the influence of Constantinople. Founder of the Basilica, Bishop Ecclesias, visited there and could admire the beauty of the majestic Hagia Sophia. In the apse, the basilicas shine with their unique beauty of mosaics.

The structure of the building is complex, it is crowned with a faceted drum, on which, with the help of eight central supports, rests a dome with a diameter of 16 meters. Thanks to the supporting pillars, a round structure is formed inside the temple, on the second tier of which there are choirs. The entire structure appears to be magical due to the artfully unique lighting and decoration.

Inside Mausoleum of Galla Placidia , deepened by 1.5 meters due to the rise of the cultural layer over the centuries, except for the marble basement of the early 20th century, everything has been preserved in the form in which it was conceived and implemented in the 5th century. The earliest Ravenna mosaics cover the inner surface of the mausoleum, where golden light penetrates: alabaster windows let it through, which creates an extraordinary setting. The first minutes you need to be in the semi-darkness for your eyes to get used to, and then you can see and appreciate the unique mosaics, their decor and colors. It is better that the front door remains closed: then not a single detail will escape and the real masterpiece of the Mausoleum above the front door will become obvious - the image of Christ in the robe of the Good Shepherd.

The mausoleum is built in the shape of a cross: the dome in the center is supported by sails, and the branches of the cross connect the vaults. Mosaics cover the entire interior space and are distinguished by rare beauty and splendor. They contain different plots, but organically form one whole.

The Italian mosaicists loved a few, thick and deep colors - blue, green and wine red. Unusually and somehow incomprehensibly deep is a very dark blue color on the ceiling of the Galla Placidia mausoleum. Depending on the play of light that penetrates here through small windows, it shimmers amazingly and unexpectedly beautifully with greenish, then purple, then crimson shades.

Russian art critic Pavel Muratov - about the mausoleum of Galla Placidia.

There are four sarcophagi inside the mausoleum. To whom they belong is not established exactly. And although the mausoleum was built for herself and her family by Galla Placidia herself, it is known that she died in Rome in 450 and was buried in the family tomb of Emperor Theodosius - Santa Petronila in Rome. Researchers claim that her ashes were later transferred to Ravenna. For a long time, the mausoleum was a chapel-chapel dedicated to St. Lawrence, who was deeply revered in the family of Galla Placidia.

Information for visitors

A sign at the entrance warns of a stay of 5 minutes. Entrance fee: € 9.50 total cost; concessional € 8.50. The ticket is valid for 7 days and also allows you to visit the Basilica of Saint Apollinarius Nuovo, the Orthodox Baptistery and the Archbishop's Museum.

Via S. Vitale, 17 ( 400 meters from Piazza del Popolo, a short walk in the pedestrian area, the nearest parking in Largo Justiniana). Telephone for inquiries: +39 0544 541688. Open: 01/11 to 28/02 daily from 09:30 to 17:00; from 01/03 to 31/03 - daily, from 09.00 to 17.30; from 01/04 to 30/09 daily, from 09.00 to 19.00; from 01/10 to 31/10 from 09.00 to 17.30.
The Basilica of San Vitale and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia are closed on 25/12.

The Baptistery (photo on the left) is the oldest surviving building in the city and the most significant monument of Byzantine mosaics. The octagonal shape reminds us of the Byzantine influence. The brickwork exterior is unadorned. Archaeologists claim that the baptistery was erected on the foundations of ancient Roman baths of the 4th-5th centuries, and the time of its construction is associated with the reign of Bishop Ursus. The baptistery received a different name from the bishop of Neon, it was he who ordered the craftsmen to decorate the interior space with amazing mosaics in the period from 451 to 475.

It can be seen that the current cultural layer is three meters higher than the original, and this makes one think about the past. Going inside, we see the columns of the Ionian order in the window openings, mosaics and images of the prophets on the bas-reliefs. All interior decoration was supposed to emphasize that baptism is one of the first sacraments of Christianity. And in the center there is an octagonal font made of porphyry and marble. The baptismal font was rebuilt in the 16th century, but the original pulpit of the 5th century, carved from a single piece of marble, has survived.

The dome mosaic reproduces the biblical story on the themes of the Baptism of Christ and Heavenly Jerusalem, as described in the last book of the Revelation of John the Theologian. Above the arches of the first tier, there is a floral ornament in the form of spirals of acanthus on a blue background and images of prophets, and between the arches there are candelabra, thrones and the episcopal throne.

Orthodox baptistery - photo

Information for visitors

Address: Via Baptistery, 1 ( 300 meters from Piazza del Popolo, Piazza Kennedy). Phone: +39 0544 541688. The baptistery is open 01/11 - 28/02 from 10:00 to 17:00; 01 / 03-31/03 from 09.30 to 17.30; 01/04 - 30/09 from 09.00 to 19.00; 01/10 - 31/10 from 09.30 to 17.30. Closed on 25/12 and 1/1. Entrance fee: € 9.50 total cost; € 8.50 concessional. The ticket is valid for 7 days and also allows you to visit the Basilica of Saint Apollinarius Nuovo, Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, Basilica of San Vitale and the Archbishop's Museum.

Where to stay in Ravenna

Hotels and apartments in Ravenna Palazzo Bezzi Hotel NH Ravenna Grand Hotel Mattei La reunion Best Western Hotel Bisanzio Albergo cappello Antica Ravenna Residence Hotel Centrale Byron Hotel Sant "Andrea Hotel Diana

Mosaics of Ravenna - video

Basilica of Sant'Apolinare in Classe (outside the city walls)

The Basilica (left - click) was built in 549 over the tomb of Saint Apolinarius - the first bishop of Ravenna. The construction of the Basilica of St. Apolinarius began at the initiative of Bishop Ursinos with funds from the Greek merchant Julian Argentarius. The main relic of the basilica is the relics of St. Apolinarius. Honored as a martyr. At the time of the danger of ruin and enemy raids in the 9th century, the relics of the saint were transferred inside the city walls, to the Basilica of Sant'Apolinare Nuovo. In 1748, the relics of the saint were transferred to the place of their original burial and placed in the central altar.

In the conch of the apse, the basilica is decorated with the latest Ravenna mosaics from the period of Emperor Justinian the Great. They miraculously survived after the sack of Ravenna by the Venetians in 1449. Mosaic masters used smalt, colored glass, gold and semi-precious stones, but marble was used for faces and clothes, so the shapes seem flatter.

How to read the Mosaic? The mosaic tells about the Biblical event of the Transfiguration of the Lord, it is personified in the mosaic as a cross adorned with precious stones, and at the intersection of the cross you can see a medallion with the face of Christ. Peter, John and Jacob, present at this event, are depicted as lambs standing at a distance. In heaven - the prophets Elijah and Moses, who speak of the death of Christ. And at the very top is the blessing right hand of God the Father. The scene is depicted in the Garden of Eden, in the center is Saint Apolinarius and 12 sheep, which are a symbolic depiction of the apostles.

It is noteworthy that in 1001, in a monastery built next to the basilica, Emperor Otto III spent the time of Lent: the emperor expelled from Rome deeply experienced the collapse of the plan to restore the Roman Empire. His mentor was the hermit Romuald of Ravenna, who urged the emperor to go to a monastery. His prophecy was this: "If you go to Rome, you will not see more Ravenna." But the emperor began to prepare a campaign against Rome and ... died in the next year 1002. A plaque in the left nave of the basilica recalls this event.

Mosaic portraits of the great bishops of Ravenna are placed between the windows of the apse, while mosaics on the side walls reflect the themes of the Old Testament and the Grant of Privileges of the Church of Ravenna. In the side aisles there are medieval sarcophagi, where the bishops of Ravenna are buried. The sarcophagi are perfectly preserved, they can read about the history of the basilica, as well as admire their extraordinary decor.

Information for visitors

Address: Via Romea Sud Classe ( short trip by bus or car 8 km. south of Ravenna). Phone +39 0544 473569. From Monday to Saturday, open from 8:30 to 19:30, Mass on Sunday morning from 08:00 to 10:00: visits are suspended and open from 13:00 to 19:30. Entrance fee: € 5 full ticket; € 2.50 concessional.