Basilica of San Vitale, Byzantine church in Ravenna, Italy.
San Vitale is an octagonal basilica in Ravenna, Italy, known for its extensive mosaics and central dome. Eight massive pillars support the dome and connect through arches, while marble columns line the lower levels.
Construction began in 526 under Bishop Ecclesius and was completed in 547 during the reign of Emperor Justinian I. The church was built when Ravenna belonged to the Byzantine Empire and served as a bridge between East and West.
The names of patrons appear in wall mosaics where real faces from the sixth century look directly at visitors. These portraits of emperors, bishops and courtiers convey a sense of power and ceremony from the time when Ravenna served as a capital.
The basilica opens daily for visitors, with certain times reserved for religious services. Guided tours in several languages help interpret the mosaics and architecture.
The dome construction uses hollow tubes in its structure, an early building innovation that anticipated modern clay tile forms. This technique reduced the weight of the dome and allowed for a slimmer construction.
Location: Ravenna
Inception: 6 century
Architectural style: Byzantine architecture
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Part of: Early Christian Monuments of Ravenna, Basilica di San Vitale e Mausoleo di Galla Placidia
Address: via San Vitale, 17 ‒ 48121 Ravenna (RA)
Website: https://ravennamosaici.it/basilica-di-san-vitale
GPS coordinates: 44.42056,12.19639
Latest update: December 4, 2025 19:04
Stone mosaics adorn buildings across continents, offering insights into the artistic traditions of different eras. Roman floor mosaics feature mythological scenes and geometric patterns in villas and public baths. Byzantine wall mosaics in churches depict religious figures using gold tesserae, while Islamic mosaics in mosques and palaces showcase intricate geometric and floral compositions. Examples of this art form can be found at Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, where Christian and Islamic elements coexist, in the early Christian basilicas of Ravenna with their detailed biblical narratives, and at the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem with its elaborate arabesques. Modern interpretations appear in subway stations, public squares, and contemporary buildings, demonstrating the continued relevance of this technique.
Mausoleum of Galla Placidia
75 m
Baptistry of Neon
545 m
Arian Baptistry
525 m
Early Christian Monuments of Ravenna
19 m
Piazza del Popolo
376 m
Domus dei Tappeti di Pietra
244 m
Church of Saint-Croce
94 m
Teatro Comunale Dante Alighieri
423 m
National Museum of Ravenna
45 m
Spirito Santo
539 m
Santa Maria Maggiore
48 m
San Michele in Africisco (Ravenna)
266 m
Porta Adriana
201 m
Santi Giovanni e Paolo (Ravenna)
335 m
Sant'Eufemia
226 m
San Giovanni Battista, Ravenna
367 m
San Biagio (Ravenna)
298 m
Palazzo Rasponi dalle Teste
395 m
Porta Serrata
475 m
Santa Maria degli Angeli
502 m
Casa del Mutilato
387 m
Santa Maria Maddalena
531 m
Santa Maria del Suffragio
415 m
Casa Maioli
414 m
Monument to Pier Paolo D'Attorre
195 m
Palazzo Comunale
387 m
Dante Alighieri
246 m
Torre Civica
329 mReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes