Early Christian Monuments of Ravenna

The Early Christian Monuments of Ravenna are a group of five religious buildings from the 5th and 6th centuries, including the Basilica of San Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, the Baptistry of Neon, the Church of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, and the Arian Baptistry. Each structure displays elaborate mosaics and different architectural features that visitors explore one after another.

These monuments arose when Ravenna served as the capital of the Western Roman Empire and later the Byzantine realm in Italy. Their construction marks the transformation of the city from a Roman center into an early Christian heart of Europe.

The mosaics depict biblical scenes and holy figures in vivid colors that visitors notice while walking through. This blend of Roman and Byzantine artistic approaches appears nowhere else from this period in quite the same way.

Visitors can explore all five buildings with a combined ticket, with guided tours offered in multiple languages. Informational panels at each site help explain the architecture and artwork.

Inside the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, about 800 stars cover the inner dome in concentric circles against a deep blue mosaic background. This artificial sky creates a striking visual effect when entering the chamber that makes the space feel larger.