Ravenna mosaics

The mosaics of Ravenna in Emilia-Romagna, Italy, are among the most important witnesses of early Christian art; the buildings were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1996. There are eight monuments from the 5th and 6th centuries, including the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, the Basilica of San Vitale, Sant'Apollinare Nuovo and Sant'Apollinare in Classe. UNESCO highlights the mosaic art, which combines Western and Eastern motifs and techniques. In the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia the mosaics stand out against a dark blue ground.

From 402 Ravenna was the capital of the Western Roman Empire, then the main city of the Ostrogothic Kingdom of Italy and later the centre of a Byzantine exarchate; the mosaic-decorated brick churches date from this period. San Vitale was begun in 526 under Ostrogothic rule and consecrated in 547 after Justinian I had conquered Italy; the mosaic of the emperor and his retinue is famous. Sant'Apollinare in Classe lies outside the city and stands out for its round bell tower from the 9th century and the apse mosaics from the 6th century.

The monuments in the city are mostly close together and can be visited on foot; half a day is enough for the main ones. Lonely Planet also lists the Mausoleum of Theodoric, the two baptisteries and Dante's tomb. Check ticket and opening rules in advance (as of October 2026).