Basilica San Vitale
One of the most famous UNESCO monuments in Ravenna is the Basilica di San Vitale, an imposing octagonal building in the city centre. The interior mosaic decoration is truly unique. Anyone admiring it for the first time is captivated by the myriad of coloured tesserae glittering above the apse, but also by the exceptional lightness of the frescoed vaults and the spaciousness of its interior.
One of the most important early Christian monuments in Italy, the Basilica of San Vitale was built at the time of the Ostrogothic rule over Ravenna, at the behest of Bishop Ecclesius; it was then consecrated in 548 A.D. by Archbishop Maximian, when the city was subjugated by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I.
In addition to the basilica, the entrance ticket also includes a visit to the adjacent Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, another treasure trove of marvellous Byzantine mosaics.
What to see in the Basilica of San Vitale
Upon entering the basilica we are immediately enveloped by the magical atmosphere of this central plan building. Looking up to the sky we find a
high dome frescoed by the Bolognese painters Barozzi and Gandolfi and the Venetian Guarana in the late 18th century.
And then, the astonishing mosaics. Beyond the dividing arch that separates the apse from the basilica, we can observe the
mosaic cycles depicting the Byzantine emperor Justinian with the archbishop Maximian at his side, and
his wife Theodora. The stiff figures of the rulers are clad in elegant and opulent robes, enhanced by the gold of the background that contributes to recreating a timeless atmosphere. Next to them, the two imperial processions carry bread and wine, symbols of the Eucharist.
The centre of the apse is occupied by the
depiction of Christ Pantocrator standing out against a sea of golden tiles in the company of two archangels. Seated on a globe, Christ is surrounded by Ecclesius, recognisable by the model of the basilica he holds in his hands, and by the patron saint of Ravenna, San Vitale.
Let us move towards the presbytery to admire the
mosaics of the cross vault. Here is a clypeus depicting the Agnus Dei, adorned with flowers and branches, supported by four angels. The side lunettes depict the sacrifices of Abel and Melchizedek on one side, and the story of Abraham and the three angels and the sacrifice of Isaac on the other.
Finally, on the floor of the Basilica of San Vitale one can also admire a
labyrinth, located in the presbytery. The small arrows that make it up point towards a shell (emblem of pilgrimage), symbolising the long and difficult path to purification for every believer.
