Ravenna, esterno della basilica di San Vitale.

Unesco monuments

Basilica of San Vitale

An eastern oasis where the Divine perfection is reflected in the gold of the imperial court

Ravenna, il complesso della basilica di San Vitale vista dall'alto.

Ravenna, l'abside mosaicata della basilica di San Vitale vista dall'ambulacro.

WHY IT IS A UNESCO HERITAGE SITE
It is unique for its architecture, where elements of Western and Eastern traditions coexist, and for its mosaics, which have remained intact in their original form and bear witness to specific religious and historical-political concepts.

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History

The façade is made of simple red bricks, and the octagonal, double-walled design features an interior corridor that encircles the central structure. This shape is directly inspired by Constantinople and resembles the churches of Saints Sergius and Bacchus and Hagia Sophia. According to legend, it was built on the ancient site of Saint Vitalis’ martyrdom. The construction of the basilica began under Bishop Ecclesius, funded by the enigmatic banker Julianus Argentario with no less than 26,000 gold solidi, and was finally consecrated in 547 AD by Bishop Maximianus.
Once inside, we are guided by the sumptuous, colorful floor mosaics arranged throughout the ambulatory, a corridor embracing the basilica where architectural voids and solids alternate. A breathtaking view of the apse awaits us, as the presbytery and apse are completely covered in gleaming mosaics that have inspired the greatest artists, travelers, and poets throughout history.

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Must-see mosaics in this place

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Moses in the Burning Bush

This scene depicts an Old Testament passage (Ex. 3:2-15). We see Moses in the human and natural act of unbuckling his left sandal, in order to step on the sacred ground of the Burning Bush.
His eyes are captured by the voice of God, which materialises through his right hand emerging among red and blue clouds. The landscape is dotted with flickering red flames, vibrating against the green and blue background of the shadowy Mount Horeb.

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Ravenna, mosaico di Mosè che si toglie il sandalo per percorrere il roveto ardente, dalla basilica di San Vitale.

Justinian’s procession

Although they never came to Ravenna, the imperial couple wanted to show themselves to their people and emphasise the link between Ravenna and the court of Byzantium. Their portraits, in fact, were made from drawn cartoons that were sent to the entire empire, as if they were photographs. Justinian is at the centre of the scene: he is clothed in purple, a colour reserved only for emperors or sacred figures. He is surrounded by his dignitaries and soldiers, and is flanked by Maximian, the bishop supported by the imperial family. The emperor is holding a large gold plate, the pyx. It was used to hold the blessed hosts during Mass. It is a gift for the consecration of Saint Vitalis – the titular saint and Bishop Ecclesius, with a model of the church in his hand, are depicted in the apse, in the presence of Christ.

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Ravenna, mosaico raffigurante Giustiniano con i suoi dignitari e soldati, nella parete dell'abside della basilica di San Vitale.

Theodora’s portait

Theodora’s portrait is composed of glass and smalti tesserae in delicate colors that subtly suggest her features. The empress has large, fixed eyes, a barely discernible nose, and only a hint of a mouth. Her head is encircled by a halo, symbolizing the divine authority conferred upon her, and she is adorned with precious jewelry made of gold, gemstones, and mother-of-pearl. There is no expression of emotion; for the Byzantines, the face was not meant to reflect individuality but rather the role that the subject embodied. The positioning of the figures and the overlapping feet are intentional, as are the richness of the robes and jewelry.
Theodora and Justinian appear as sacred, almost floating beings standing out against an unreal, supernatural gold background.

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Ravenna, lo sguardo dell'Imperatrice Teodora, dal mosaico nella parete dell'abside della basilica di San Vitale.

Mystical Lamb

The central religious theme depicted in the mosaics of the Basilica of San Vitale is the Eucharist. On the vault of the presbytery, directly above the altar, is an image of the Mystical Lamb. Rendered in delicate shades of white and gray enamel-glass tesserae, it appears in a sky sparkling with 27 gold and white stars. The Lamb is enclosed within a medallion adorned with fruits and lush leaves, supported by four winged angels amidst swirling acanthus vines populated by heavenly creatures. The Lamb seems to gaze down upon the altar below, where, during the Offertory prayer, the bread and wine are transformed into the body and blood of Christ.

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Ravenna, mosaico della volta del presbiterio nella basilica di San Vitale.

Info & Tickets

Via San Vitale, 17, 48121 Ravenna RA

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Entrance Fee

Ticket: € 10.50
Concession: € 9.50 (*)
The combined ticket includes access to Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, Neonian Baptistery (**), Basilica of San Vitale, Mausoleum of Galla Placidia (**) and Archiepiscopal Museum and Chapel. The ticket is valid for 7 consecutive days from the date of issue and entitles the holder to one entry for each monument.
* Valid for Italian and foreign students during the school year; valid for organizations with special agreements (see details).
** An additional charge of €2 applies to access the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia and Neonian Baptistery.
Mandatory booking for groups. The charge applies also to children over 6 and residents of Ravenna.

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Reservations

Tickets can be booked online or by contacting the Reservation Centre.
In addition, tickets can also be purchased on the day of visit at the ticket offices located at the following monumental complexes (priority to pre-booked and pre-sales tickets, subject to availability).
For further information: www.ravennamosaici.it

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Free of charge

Children up to 10 years, citizens of Ravenna (with a valid document); disabled people with certified disability over 74% or “Carta Bianca” holders; ecclesiastics; soldiers; tourist guides of the Region Emilia-Romagna at work.
Journalists must request free admission in advance to the Opera di Religione by writing to info@ravennamosaici.it
For groups: 1 free tour leader every 20 paying visitors. For schools: 1 free teacher every 10 paying students

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Ravenna, vista dell'interno della Cappella di Sant'Andrea, mosaici del Vi secolo e affreschi di Luca Longhi, XVI secolo, nelle lunette laterali.

Mosaic Places

Discover the other UNESCO Monuments of Ravenna

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