Basilica San Vitale, Ravenna

Basilica San Vitale is considered a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. Built during the 6th century, today is considered a World Heritage site. 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 . Be prepared, you will need at least 45 minutos to an hour to properly admire the site. If you can, use a guided tour. There is a parking nearby, and restrooms. A place not to miss..!

This for me this was the highlight of my trip to Ravenna. The Mosaic workmanship inside is exquisite. We stayed in there for about half an hour just marveling at the intricacy and architecture. It's remarkable how this church has been preserved. It is rather dark inside so I recommend coming in the afternoon while it's still light out. When the sun comes through the windows and hits the mosaic walls they just glitter and light up.

This is incredibly awe inspiring. I have never seen mosaics like this anywhere. A must see in Ravenna and in Italy!!

Ir is an incredible experience: the details, the history and the beauty!

Although it is referred as basilica, it is not. Architecturally a basilica is rectangular. The church of San Vitale (built between 526 and 547 AD) is octagonal, an early Byzantine art and architecture having several Roman elements. The church is most famous for its wealth of Byzantine mosaics, the largest and best preserved outside of Constantinople. The church is of extreme importance in Byzantine art, as it is the only major church from the period of the Emperor Justinian I to survive virtually intact to the present day. The visit to this beautiful building is most recommended._