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Church · Ravena, Emília-Romanha
Basilica di Sant'Apollinare Nuovo
Basilica erected by Theodoric in the early 6th century. The nave walls display long processions of martyrs and virgins on a golden background, as well as Theodoric's palace and the port of Classe.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Basilica di Sant'Apollinare Nuovo
Theodoric, king of the Ostrogoths, ordered this church built in the early 6th century, near his palace, for the Arian rite, the Christian current he followed. After the Byzantine conquest, the church passed to the Catholic rite and was dedicated to Saint Martin. In the 9th century it received the relics of Saint Apollinaris, brought from Classe for safety, and changed its name.
The walls of the central nave are covered with mosaics in three registers. At the top, small panels show miracles and the Passion of Christ, one of the oldest cycles of this type. In the middle register are figures of saints and prophets between the windows.
In the lower register are the best-known processions. On the right side, martyrs depart from Theodoric's palace, the Palatium, heading toward Christ. On the left side, virgins leave the port of Classe, guided by the Magi, toward the Virgin and Child. In the palace mosaic, the figures of the Ostrogothic court were erased and replaced by curtains; on some columns you can still see hands that were left behind.
The church was bombed in February 1916, during the First World War, and later restored. The portico at the entrance dates from the 16th century.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
20 to 30 minutes.
Best time
In the morning or late afternoon. The church is included on the diocese's combined ticket; check the opening times before you go.
How to get there
It's on Via di Roma, about a 10-minute walk from Ravena station and 5 minutes from the Piazza del Popolo.
Tip
Look for the hands left on the columns in the Palatium mosaic after the figures of Theodoric's court were erased. The Magi appear at the front of the procession of virgins.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Basilica di Sant'Apollinare Nuovo
Who built Sant'Apollinare Nuovo?
Theoderic, king of the Ostrogoths, in the early 6th century. Later the Byzantines altered part of the mosaics.
What are the hands on the mosaic columns?
They are remnants of figures from Theoderic's court, removed by the Byzantines and replaced with draperies. Some hands remained visible.
Is it close to the station?
Yes, about a 10-minute walk from Ravena station.