Trip Planner: Europe / Italy / Emilia-Romagna / Province of Ravenna / Ravenna / Basilica San Vitale

Basilica San Vitale, Ravenna

4.9

Must see · World heritage site · Religious Site · Historic Site

Considered a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, Basilica San Vitale was built during the 6th century and is today inscribed on the World Heritage List. The church contains what are possibly the finest mosaics in Europe, the largest and best preserved examples of this art form outside of Constantinople. These mosaics were executed in the Hellenistic-Roman tradition, which focused on lively and imaginative depictions, with rich colors and a vivid portrayal of landscapes, plants, and birds. One of the site's two major mosaic panels depicts Emperor Justinian I flanked by his court officials, while the other shows his wife, Theodora, with a train of her court ladies. This site is of extreme importance in Byzantine art, as it is the only major church from its time period to have survived virtually intact to the present day. After your first visit, hold on to your ticket: it’s valid for seven days. It couldn't be easier to arrange your visit to Basilica San Vitale and many more Ravenna attractions: make an itinerary online using Inspirock's Ravenna sightseeing planner.

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Basilica San Vitale reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating

4,556 reviews

Google

4.8

By Witless_Protection

Beautiful and atmospheric, the most enjoyable of the sites on the self-guided tour. The mosaics are incredible and varied, and pretty unique, but the Basilica itself is also very intricate and... more »
By trooper92

Although the mosaics only cover a small portion of the church, they are worth even a long trip to Ravenna. Beyond the mosaics, explore the inside vaults and remainders of 1500 year old stucco... more »
By Dori R

We had no idea of the beauty of the mosaics in Ravenna. We had heard of them, but to think they are so beautiful and also so well preserved! The mosaic in the floor is like a stone carpet. The... more »

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Google

By Rehaan Laul

Most beautiful basilica ever. I’ve never seen anything as intricate. A ten euro ticket for five sights, but I could pay ten euros for just the basilica and still feel it’s worth it. Mosaics are insanely amazing.

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By Daniel Resheter

One of the most stunning and humbling sites you can visit if your tastes run to late Roman Empire, early Christianity. The mosaics are quite possibly the best, and most ornate, anywhere.

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By Dan Gray

Absolutely stunning!!!!!! A must see. Note - 9.5 Euros gets you in five of the Unesco sights with Mosiacs (should be much more). A complete STEAL. And you can buy the ticket at any of the five sights. Bravo Ravenna! More tourists are on your horizon.

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By Nicola Gervasoni

There is no free admittance, so just people know before they get there. The ticket is approx. 10 euro and includes many other attraction. I was in Ravenna for a short visit and didn't have enough time to get in

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By Nick Laul

Incredible mosaics. One of the most unusual churches ever. Ticket includes 5 sights. Under 10 are free.

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