Ravenna was the capital of the Western Roman Empire from 402 to 476 AD. This transition period marked the Roman empire's adaptation to increasing pressures from Germanic tribes (Ostrogots) and internal strife. Under the rule of emperors like Honorius and later the Ostrogothic king Theodoric the Great, Ravenna became a center of political and military activity, basically the centre of the Western world.
Theodora, wife of the Emperor Justinan I
San Giovanni Evangelista church
Ravenna was heavily damaged in April 1944, during World War II as you can see on the picture below of the San Giovanni Evangelista church.
San Giovanni Evangelista church after the allied bombing of Ravenna in April 1944
Founded in the 5th century by Galla Placidia, the church showcases a rich blend of early Christian and Byzantine art and architecture. It was the first church we came across at the Ravenna railway station. It shows a collection of early mosaics, and a impressive bell tower. The church has undergone several restorations due to damage from earthquakes and war (See above...).
One sample of the many mosaic fresco on display in the church
The harbour of Classe in Ravenna was the most important "marina" in the Mediterranean at the time
Basilica of San Vitale
The Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna is an example of early Christian Byzantine architecture dating back to the 6th century.
Basilica of San Vitale, picture from Wikipedia
Princess Theodora (top picture) was from humble origins and became empress when her husband became emperor Justinian I in 527. She was one of his chief advisers. Theodora is a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Oriental Orthodox Church, commemorated on 28 June. For prosperity, she remains an enigma, a rancorous prostitute for some and a holy empress for others (
article in the Figaro). Those were obviously troubled times, and we spent the day trying to figure out what were the options at stake at the time without managing to get a clear view!
Emperor Justinian I, Theodora husband and emperor in the center, with bishop Maximianius at his side, in the 6th century.
Ceiling mosaic above the presbytery
Mausoleum of Galla Placidia
The Mausoleum of Galla Placidia was built in mid fifth century. It is very impressive as you enter the place you get the feeling that something is wrong in relation with the light coming from the "Center Screen". And quite soon, then you realise that you need such a low light to enjoy the spot.
Details of the mosaics in the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia. The windows are consisting of a very thin layer of marble.
Details of the mosaics in the the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia
Details of the mosaics in the the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia
Details of the mosaics in the the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia
Details of the mosaics in the ceiling of the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia
Basilica di Sant Appolinare nuovo
The Basilica of Sant'Apollinare in Classe, located in Ravenna, Italy, is an example of early Christian architecture and art. Constructed in the 6th century, it is renowned for its mosaics. These mosaics exemplify the Byzantine style, characterised by their rich colours and symbolic representations. The Basilica was originally constructed as a chapelle for his palace by Emperor Theodoric the grea
t who ruled for 50 years the Western Roman Empire in Ravenna. 
Note the right hand cubital claw of Jesus Christ on this mosaic. It was a sign of leprosy at the time!
Theodoric the Great was an "
arianist", an early form of Christianity that became considered as a heresy later on. Therefore, the original mosaic in the Basilica who represented Theodoric and his court on the walls of the basilica got replaced by Emperor Justinian. Note that on the third pillar from the left on the picture below, you still can see the hand of Theodoric.
The palace of Theodoric
The harbour of "Classe", the most important harbour of the Western Roman empire at the time.
Ravenna is a fascinating city charged with history of a troubled period at the end of the Roman Empire. It is worth a visit, and the Ravenna Yacht Club marina is a very nice spot for stopping by!
Details of the mosaics in the ceiling of the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia
Note the right hand cubital claw of Jesus Christ on this mosaic. It was a sign of leprosy at the time!
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