San Michele in Africisco

San Michele in Africisco is a 6th-century church in Ravenna built with Byzantine architectural features and decorated interior surfaces. The building contained carefully finished marble panels throughout its interior and featured a mosaic composition in the apse.

The building was commissioned in the 6th century by a wealthy banker named Giuliano Argentarius. It underwent major transformations during the Napoleonic period and was later repurposed for different uses.

The interior displays Byzantine artistic choices that reflect how faith was expressed through costly materials and skilled craftsmanship. Marble and mosaic work show the importance this community placed on creating a beautiful space for worship.

The original building at via Casa Matha 3 is no longer open to visitors as a church since it now operates as a retail shop. The most significant artworks from the site are housed in European museums, so visitors cannot view the religious pieces at this location.

The most valuable mosaic decoration from the apse was transported to Berlin in the 19th century and now resides in the Bode Museum there. This transfer occurred through complex negotiations between King Frederick William IV and the Pope.

Location: Ravenna

Architectural style: Byzantine architecture

GPS coordinates: 44.41870,12.19850

Latest update: December 12, 2025 16:40