Santi Giovanni e Paolo

Santi Giovanni e Paolo is a church in Ravenna with Early Christian foundations and a Baroque facade distinguished by Tuscan pilasters, rectangular windows, and a centered entrance portal. The interior follows a rectangular floor plan with classical proportions that blend both ancient and later architectural traditions.

The original building dates to the 5th-6th century when it served as an important Early Christian structure. In 1758, architect Domenico Barbiani undertook a major renovation that transformed its deteriorated form into the current church we see today.

This place served as a spiritual center for Ravenna over many centuries and originally held a marble ambo from the 6th-7th century, now displayed at the Archiepiscopal Museum. Today, visitors can still see artistic works by local painters like Muzzarelli and Ciomei that decorate the interior walls.

The church is located at Via Cura 1 in Ravenna and is easy to spot thanks to its bell tower visible from the street. Visitors should be aware that regular Catholic services according to the Roman Rite are held here, which may affect visiting hours.

The bell tower combines elements from different periods, with a square base that transitions into a circular upper section with exposed brickwork. This unusual transition demonstrates how various renovation phases were visibly integrated into the structure.

Location: Ravenna

Inception: 1758

Architectural style: Early Christian architecture

Address: via Cura 1 ‒ Ravenna (RA)

GPS coordinates: 44.41831,12.19358

Latest update: December 14, 2025 15:01