Loading...
English
Русский English
Choose country Add object Visited places map
2451
I was here
0
I want to visit
0

Basilica of Sant'Apollinare in Classe, Ravenna

Basilica of Sant'Apollinare in Classe, Ravenna

Basilica of Sant'Apollinare in Classe is one of the monuments of the early Christian period of Ravenna. The ancient temple belongs to the Byzantine period, and is valuable not only for its architecture, but also for its mosaics. The latter, however, are characteristic of all religious buildings in Ravenna. Along with some of them, the basilica has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1996.

History

Construction of the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare in Ravenna began immediately after the foundation of another temple in the city center, the San Vitale Basilica, in 528. It was also conducted with the assistance of the bishop; the Byzantine banker Iulianus Argentarius was in charge of the financial side of the issue. The consecration was carried out on May 9, 549.

The basilica was erected at the burial place of the first bishop of Ravenna, Apollinaris of Ravenna, to whom it was dedicated. By the 9th century, mosaic interior decoration was completed. At the same time, in the year 856, the relics of the bishop were transported to one of the city temples, so that they were better protected from the attacks of enemies. In the Middle Ages there was more than enough of them. In the 10th century the narthex and bell tower were completed.

In 1001, the Great Ruler of the Holy Roman Empire, Otto III, expelled from Rome, was observing the Lent in a monastery located at the church. And in 1449, the temple was ransacked by soldiers of the Republic of Venice. After this, only the apse of the building retained the original mosaics of the Byzantine period. In 1748, the remains of Saint Apollinare were returned to the temple. In 1909, the church experienced a major restoration.

Architecture and interior

  • Burnt brick was used for construction.
  • The size of the church is 55 meters long and 30 wide.
  • The temple has a narthex, apse and 3 naves, as well as a bell tower.
  • The central nave of the temple is framed by the two rows of 12 columns, made specifically for the basilica out of gray marble.
  • The entire lower part of the temple was previously lined with marble, which in the 15th century was used to build other churches.
  • Medallions with images of the bishops of Ravenna are placed above the arches of the columns.
  • In the central part, above the burial place of Apollinare, there is the altar. 10 sarcophagi of the 6th – 8th centuries are installed near the walls. The remains of the bishops of Ravenna lie in some of them.
  • Numerous mosaics, mostly made in the 6th century, are placed on the walls, ceiling and arches of the apse. Their main subject is religious. They are aimed at the confirmation of the necessary Christian dogmas and teachings. Through the images you can trace the struggle with the Arianism, recognized by the official church as heretical teaching, which was widespread in Ravenna at that time.

How to get there

The basilica is located in the suburb of Ravenna, Classe, 8 km south of the city center, on Via Romea Sud, 224. Not far from here, there is a museum of the ancient Roman military port of Classe. Next to the basilica there is the bus stop Classe Sant'Apollinare (routes 4, 176).

Opening hours: Monday-Saturday from 8:30 to 19:30, on Sundays and religious holidays from 13:00 to 19:30. The ticket office closes at 19:00. Phone numbers (+39) 0544 543724, (+39) 0544 527308.

Admission: the price of a full ticket is 5 euros, with a discount – 2.5 euros. The discount is valid for students (18-25), groups of 20 people. For young people under 18 and people with disabilities – admission is free. Also there is free entry on every first Sunday of the month. Opening hours and ticket prices may vary.

Facebook (0)
Add place's description

Feedback
Feedback
Your attention and time spent on the site IGotoWorld.com is greatly appreciated. If you have any questions, wishes, complaints, or you desire to learn more about us, select the area you are interested in and click the link to make a comment or ask a question.
Feedback form
Request submitted successfully.
Send