Basilica of Sant'Apollinare in Classe
Basilica of Sant'Apollinare in Classe, Byzantine basilica in Classe, Italy
Description
Sant'Apollinare in Classe is an early Christian church on the southeastern edge of Ravenna in Emilia-Romagna. It stands in pale limestone with three longitudinal naves, a semicircular apse at the eastern end, and a freestanding cylindrical bell tower beside the facade.
History
Construction began in the 5th century funded by the banker Julius Argentarius, who also financed San Vitale. In 549 the building was consecrated by Archbishop Maximian and served as the diocesan episcopal seat until 1960.
Culture
The name refers to Saint Apollinaris and to Classe, the ancient port of Ravenna. The interior floor displays tomb slabs of former archbishops marked with Latin inscriptions.
Practical
The building stands a few kilometers outside central Ravenna in open countryside. The level structure is easy to walk and wheelchair-friendly, with enough daylight inside for visits into the late afternoon.
Did you know?
In the upper part of the apse a mosaic shows twelve lambs emerging from the cities of Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Above the triumphal arch further motifs appear with doves and palms, pointing to the Eucharist and paradise.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Ravenna).
Emilia-Romagna in Italy has towns like Bologna, Modena, Parma, and Ravenna. Old squares, cathedrals, and historic arcades tell many years of history. The region has several sites listed by UNESCO. These include the Byzantine mosaics in Ravenna, the porticoes in Bologna, and the buildings in Modena....
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