Byzantium in Ravenna

Ravenna is a provincial capital of Emilia; it has 152,000 inhabitants and boasts an extraordinary history. In 404 it became the seat of imperial power and its extraordinary monuments are now a world heritage site. We limit ourselves here to only two masterpieces of Byzantine architecture. The basilica of Sant'Apollinare was built for the Arian cult by Theodoric at the beginning of the sixth century AD. C. and dedicated to Christ. When the Gothic dominion collapsed, it passed to the Catholic cult but only in the ninth century did it take its current name. The exterior of the church is very simple but very elegant with single, double and triple lancet windows and the cylindrical bell tower of the IX century. The interior of the basilica has three naves divided by 2 rows of 24 columns of rare Greek marble with finely carved capitals. The two upper bands on both the right and left are made up of 13 panels representing scenes of miracles, parables and the passion of Christ. The basilica has undergone changes following the Byzantine conquest; at the time of Theodoric, characters dear to the Arian cult were represented under the arches, then canceled or covered, although some small traces are still visible. Another Byzantine masterpiece is the church of San Vitale, begun in 526 on the model of the basilica of Santa Sofia in Constantinople and finished in 547. It was born as an imperial church demonstrating the strong ties between Rome and Byzantium and represents an extraordinary synthesis of the two architectures. It is considered the most beautiful Byzantine church in the western land. With a central plan it is surmounted by an octagonal dome, the bell tower dates back to the 10th century. Inside there are 8 sturdy pillars that support the central dome, while the alabaster windows give an extraordinary play of gold color to marbles, columns, niches and mosaics. The decoration of the vault is divided into 4 finely decorated sectors.