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Monument · Ravena, Emília-Romanha
Mausoleo di Teodorico
Stone tomb of the Ostrogoth king Teodorico, from the early 6th century. It is covered by a single block of stone nearly 11 meters in diameter and about 230 tonnes.
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 Mausoleo di Teodorico
Teodorico ruled Italy from Ravena from 493 until his death in 526. His mausoleum, built outside the city's walls, is the best-known funerary construction of the Ostrogoths. It is not certain whether it was erected by the king himself or by his daughter, Amalasunta, shortly after her father's death.
Unlike other monuments in Ravena, which are made of brick and mosaic, the mausoleum is entirely of Istrian stone, with no interior decoration. It has two superimposed levels with a decagonal plan.
The roof is the most striking feature: a single block of stone shaped like a cap, with a diameter of 10.76 meters and weighing about 230 tonnes. It was brought by sea and raised to the top with the help of twelve stone handles, still visible on the rim. A crack runs across the block.
On the upper floor there is a red porphyry tub, which tradition associates with the king's burial. The mausoleum is surrounded by a park and is managed by the state.
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 mid-morning or in the afternoon, when the stone is lit. Opening hours may be reduced during parts of the year; check before you go.
How to get there
It is located on Via delle Industrie, about 1.5 km northeast of the center, beyond the railway line. You can walk there in about 20 minutes from the station, or go by bike or city bus.
Tip
Go up to the upper floor to see the monolithic dome and the porphyry tub up close. A bike rented in the center makes it easier to combine this with visits to the other monuments.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Mausoleo di Teodorico
How was the stone dome put in place?
The block of about 230 tonnes was brought by sea and hoisted using twelve stone handles carved into the piece itself. The exact technique is still debated.
Is the mausoleum in the center?
It is about 1.5 km from the center, to the northeast, beyond the railway. You can reach it on foot, by bike, or by bus.
Is it included in the mosaics' joint ticket?
No. It's a state monument with its own ticket.