While I had heard of the Ravenna mosaics, I had no idea just what an amazing experience visiting them would be. They are among the most beautiful things I have ever seen and it is no wonder that these unique early Christian monuments are all listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. I was lucky enough to visit 4 of the 8 sites, in and around Ravenna, with the Emilia-Romagna tourist board.
The Ravenna Mosaics
In the 5th century, Ravenna was the capital of the Roman Empire and also of the Byzantine Italy that followed, right up until the 8th century. The stuning Ravenna mosaic masterpieces that follow were all built in the 5th and 6th centuries.
Mausoleum of Galla Placidia
Via Argentario, 22

As was the tradition the exterior of the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia is rather plain and gave no clue to the wonders inside. As I passed through the doorway, my eyes slowly adjusted to the light and I caught my breath at the sight of the lavishly decorated interior made of thousands of pieces of coloured glass. The iconography used represents the victory of eternal life over death. Each visitor is only allowed 5 minutes so as not to disturb the micro-climate inside but I think you’ll agree this is something that is well worth looking after. The lower portion of the walls are lined in marble but the upper portion and all the ceiling is covered in the most beautiful of mosaics I have ever seen.
A well as the light from a number of alabaster window panels (shown above and below), electric light was also being used but originally there would have been flickering lanterns that would have made the gold in the mosaics twinkle.
A panel showing Christ as the Good Shepherd tending his flock.
If you would like to know more about this building and the powerful woman who built it, Galla Placidia, the daughter of Emperor Theodosius I, there is an interesting video on the Smart History website. For further information including opening times visit Tourismo.ra.it.
Below you can see some samples of the type of small pieces of glass that make up the mosaics.
Basilica of San Vitale
Via Argentario, 22
Construction of the basilica started in 526 by the Goths on the site of the martyrdom of St. Vitalis but it was the Bynzatines that finished it in 548, having taken Ravenna some 8 years earlier. You’ll find more information on the website Sacred Destinations.
The great cupola is decorated in 18th century murals (above and below) which are rather out of keeping with the rest of the church and its Byzatine mosaics.
Here there is no time limit to your visit but as is so often the case, I was so busy trying to get some good images (which was not easy because of the crowds and the terrible lighting) I didn’t take time to simply stop and soak it all in. Don’t make the same mistake as me. Sit down, admire and drink it all in…
Only then snap away and grumble at the people standing quite obviously in your way (without realising, no doubt, that you are most probably in another photographers way yourself).
Don’t be fooled into just looking up, the floor is also quite lovely and includes this labyrnith. Rather than leading you into the centre of the maze the arrows lead you from the centre out.
Basilica of Sant’ Apollinare Nuovo
Via Di Roma, 52
A sumptuously decorated chapel erected by Ostrogoth King Theodoric the Great as his palace chapel during the first quarter of the 6th century. Another wonderful place but with fewer visitors.
The Arian Baptistry
Vicolo Degli Ariani, 1
This small octagonal building was also erected by the Ostrogothic King Theodoric the Great between the end of the 5th century and the beginning of the 6th century.
Further Ravenna Mosaics
While I only visited four of the UNESCO sites in Ravenna there are another four which I am told are well worth visiting if you have time.
- Neonian Baptistery
- Chapel of Sant’Andrea – Archiepiscopal Chapel
- Mausoleum of Theoderic
- Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe
For further information on these and other sites please visit Tourismo.ra.it. You will find details on each monument, including opening times and costs, by clicking the links in the panel on the right hand side.
Ravenna’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites
View Emilia-Romagna in a larger map
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Beautiful pics, Kat. We will have around 4 hours one day this summer to walk around old Ravenna &
see the mosaics. Thanks.
Can you recommend anywhere to step in for a late lunch?
Thank you! Trattoria La Rustica on Via Massimo d’Azeglio has a good reputation for serving traditional local cuisine. Have a fabulous time. The above GPSmyCity app will help you make the most of your time there.
These are absolutely stunning! Here’s another place to add to my (already massive) bucket list…. in fact I’m shocked I haven’t been here already!
Oh yes, you must see them. And they are close together making it easy to see them in one visit. Hope you get there soon!
Truly stunning, Kat.
Aren’t they! Need to go back one day and see the others I missed though and take that time to just soak them up.
The mosaics are exquisite and you’ve captured them beautifully. Hope I wasn’t one of those people in your way!!!
No, no, not you. I wasn’t thinking of any of the bloggers, although, with a large group of over excited travel bloggers I’m surprised we didn’t get in each others way more than we did. I think everyone in the group was pretty thoughtful. What is the collective noun for bloggers anyway. I rather like a baggle of bloggers.
Great comment about being in the way of other photographers! Guilty as charged! However, despite crowds, your photos are spectacular! They really capture the essence of ‘mosaic’ – which sometimes gets lost in the overall composition. Just beautiful. I never cease to be awed by the intricacy of this type of workmanship. Today, even with our sophisticated tools, it just isn’t the same – and the fact that these treasures have been around so long for us to enjoy…makes me want to return to Italy!
Thank you so much Deirde. They really are breathtaking.
love the pics and Italy!
Thanks Florence! Have you ever seen these mosaics? If not, I hope you get to go there one day.