basilica san vitale

ClaireClaireClairePD

These are some of the best mosaics in the world. The soft glow through alabaster windows provides the most magical lighting, making the tesserae shimmer. The images tell Biblical stories of sacrifice, leading up to the mosaics depicting offerings made by Emperor and Empress Justinian and Theodora above the altar space – the fact that political figures would insert their likenesses in the most sacred space of a church was, of course, very controversial! Christ, as the ultimate sacrifice, is depicted in the apse, framed by an extremely abstract rainbow symbolizing God's promise. Each mosaic tells a story, so it's best to go with a guide or look up the information online (which is fairly easy to do).Those who love Istanbul will love this church – as would be expected its style is similar to Hagia Sophia, and it feels nearly identical to Little Hagia Sophia as you walk around.I've visited in August and November – in November we were the only ones there! But the lines and crowds are well worth it.

N_en_B

Unchanged colours despite the age, amazing to see how all these mosaics were made and put together. History to be respected.

Bob_and_friends-2014

This is what Byzantine architecture is all about. It's heavy. It's dark. And it's got it all over Gothic.

632gerrib

An exquisite basilica, the mosaics are breathtaking and the marble columns with incredible natural patterns are sublime. A must see!

Damus71

San Vitale architecture is curious, with its unusual octagonal shape that at a first glance is a little bit deceiving and makes it difficult to find a "direction" in the church ...But then the astonishing mosaics come into play, and you will be captured by their vivid colours, strong symbology, historic meaning.Their "quasi-naive" style makes them unique.Absolutely not to be missed.

BeautifulBective

San Vitale is almost beyond description, it is so beautiful in its simplicity and the mosaics are awe inspiring. Cliched terms I know but words really cannot fully justify the beauty that is San Vitale. Possibly the best thing I did in Italy!

andreat546

This basilica is possibly one of the most beautifully mosaic decorated churches. Plan to spend quite a long time enjoying the walls ceiling and floors. Stunning.Ravenna is the site of several UNESCO sites, several of them being associated with beautiful mosaic art. There is a multi-site ticket available for €9.50.

Pinky Parker

The churches with mosaics are the main event in Ravenna. The ticket includes admission to several churches, so be sure to visit a few. If you can only visit one, the Basilica San Viatale is the best choice.

bronwynt216

We visited Ravenna in early October 2013. The display of mosaics in the churches are amazing and this church was no exception. Suggest you purchase a ticket which allows entry to the 5 most important churches and displays.

Jim_atl

This was my second visit to San Vitale. The mosaics are very special, and would be even if they were not so old. This is why you visit Ravenna. It is a relatively easy walk from the train station and can be done on a quick trip to Ravenna. Spend time looking at the mosaics from different angles and enjoy what was created so many years ago. It was as good the second time as the first time.

marcellos375

it is hard to believe the mosaics date back to the 6th century, so bright and well preserved, certainly worth looking

Shojo22

From the outside it doesn't look as spectacular as the mosaics will be on the inside; definitely worth the visit!!

Max120368

Byzantine mosaics preserved like they were installed just yesterday. Have in mind that the Church functions till now!

dalmunzie

Visiting the Basilica is an experience like no other. We are not of religious bent, but spent an hour just gazing up and around at the incredible mosaics in this intriguingly shaped church. We had read up a little about the history of Ravenna which proved useful.

Petrus61

The mosaics on the walls above the altar are astounding as well as the layout of this chuch. Not to be missed while you are visiting Ravenna !