Early Christian Monuments of Ravenna
Ravenna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
19.07.2024
Ravenna, located in the beautiful region of Emilia-Romagna in Italy, is known for its rich history and cultural heritage. One of its most famous attractions is its collection of early Christian buildings, which have been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
These Frühchristliche Bauwerke, or early Christian buildings, date back to the 5th and 6th centuries and provide a fascinating glimpse into the development of Christianity in the Western world. Ravenna was the capital of the Western Roman Empire during this time, and the city's importance is reflected in the stunning architecture of these buildings.
Visitors to Ravenna can explore eight different sites, each with its own unique architectural style and historical significance. The most famous of these is the Basilica of San Vitale, renowned for its intricate mosaics and stunning Byzantine design. The Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, a small yet incredibly ornate building, is also a must-see for its beautiful mosaics and historical importance as the final resting place of a Roman Empress.
Other notable sites include the Arian Baptistery, the only surviving example of an Arian Christian building, and the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare in Classe, a magnificent basilica located just outside the city.
What makes these early Christian buildings in Ravenna truly remarkable is not just their architectural beauty, but also the role they played in the development of Christian art and architecture. The intricate mosaics, vibrant colors, and fusion of different styles reflect the influence of both the Roman and Byzantine empires, making them a unique and valuable part of Italy's cultural heritage.
For those interested in history, art, or religion, a visit to the Frühchristliche Bauwerke in Ravenna is a must. These ancient buildings offer a fascinating glimpse into the past and a deeper understanding of the evolution of Christianity in Europe. So, if you find yourself in Emilia-Romagna, be sure to make time to explore these incredible early Christian sites in Ravenna.
Ravenna was the seat of the Roman Empire in the 5th century and then of Byzantine Italy until the 8th century. It has a unique collection of early Christian mosaics and monuments. All eight buildings – the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, the Neonian Baptistery, the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, the Arian Baptistery, the Archiepiscopal Chapel, the Mausoleum of Theodoric, the Church of San Vitale and the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare in Classe – were constructed in the 5th and 6th centuries. They show great artistic skill, including a wonderful blend of Graeco-Roman tradition, Christian iconography and oriental and Western styles.
Ravenna ( rə-VEN-ə; Italian: [raˈvenna], also local pronunciation: [raˈvɛn(n)a] ; Romagnol: Ravèna, Ravêna) is the capital city of the Province of Ravenna, in the Emilia-Romagna region of Northern Italy. It was the capital city of the Western Roman Empire during the 5th century until its collapse in 476, after which it served as the capital of the Ostrogothic Kingdom and then the Byzantine Exarchate of Ravenna.Initially settled by the Umbri people, Ravenna came under Roman Republic control in 89 BC. Octavian built the military harbor of Classis at Ravenna, and the city remained an important seaport on the Adriatic until the early Middle Ages. The city prospered under imperial rule. In 402, Western Roman emperor Honorius moved his court from Mediolanum to Ravenna; it then served as capital of the empire for most of the 5th century.
After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Ravenna became the capital of Odoacer until he was defeated by the Ostrogoth king Theodoric. In 540 Belisarius conquered Ravenna for the Byzantine Empire, and the city became the capital of Byzantine Italy. After a brief Lombard control, Ravenna came under the authority of the Papacy and, save for minor interruptions, remained part of the Papal States until the mid-19th century when it was incorporated into the newly unified Kingdom of Italy.
Although it is an inland city, Ravenna is connected to the Adriatic Sea by the Candiano Canal. It is known for its well-preserved late Roman and Byzantine architecture, with eight buildings comprising the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Early Christian Monuments of Ravenna". Because of the high concentration of mosaics, the city has been associated with workshops and schools teaching mosaics, and is often given titles like the "capital of mosaics".
_001.jpg){kind=link}
_004.jpg){kind=link}
_008.jpg){kind=link}
