Ravenna: Basilica di San Vitale (1)



This gate is the entrance to three of the most famous sites of Ravenna: the church (Basilica di San Vitale), the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, and the National Museum.



The church was founded by Bishop Ecclesius. The work probably began during the reign of Amalasuntha who succeeded her father Theodoric in 526. The building, though begun by the Goths, was finished by the Byzantines, following their conquest of Italy. The church was consecrated by Archbishop Maximianus in 547 (or perhaps in 548).

The Bell Tower (campanile) of the church

The brick wall is decorated with reliefs of fantasy animals (winged lions)

A Roman sarcophagus on display in the garden outside the church

The front of the sarcophagus. On the lid:
a cross flanked by two peacocks, symbols of immortality.

The Latin inscription on the front of the sarcophagus

The short end of the sarcophagus is decorated with a large cross

The short end of the lid: a cross flanked by two sheep.

The back side of the church

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For more information about the church please turn to

Ravenna: Art and History by Giuseppe Bovini

(published in 1991)

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Go to the next installment:

Ravenna: Basilica di S. Vitale (2)

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