Mausoleum of Theoderic, Ravenna
The Mausoleum of Theoderic (Mausoleo di Teodorico) is one of the early Christian landmarks in Ravenna that is widely known not only in Italy but also outside of it. This monumental stone construction is the only tomb of the famous barbarian king that survived till the present day. Besides that, it is impossible for us to see another piece of Goth architecture.
History of the Mausoleum of Theoderic
The tomb was built before the monarch died and he himself commissioned it in 520. It was constructed in the middle of Goth cemetery that existed in Ravenna back in the day. When the city was taken over by the Byzantine emperor Justinian I in 561, the king’s body was removed from his tomb. After that, it was turned into a Christian chapel. In the 19th century, the stream that was flowing near the building eroded foundation which is why urgent restoration works were performed.
In the late 20th century another renovation was carried out, then in 1996, the mausoleum alongside with other monuments was recognized as a World Heritage site. Currently, the tomb is open to the public and is considered to be a museum.
Exterior and interior design
From the outside, the mausoleum shares the simplicity and even austerity with the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia. However, compared to it and other ancient constructions in Ravenna it is built not out of bricks, but white and grey Istrian stone tiles. This is a ten-sided building that consists of two stories. The top one is covered with a monolithic dome that has 12 protruding stones around it. There are names of 8 Apostles and authors of 4 Gospels carved on each one of them. The size is quite impressive: they have a diameter of 10,76 meters and height of 3,09 meters. According to the latest data, the dome weighs around 230 tons, it was carved out of a massive chunk of rock. Since there were no machines that would lift such weight the builders simply filled tomb’s two stories with earth and put the dome on the top.
Interiors aren’t much different from the exterior – you will not find any decorations on the inside. Well, except for maybe ordinary frieze around the perimeter of the second level. Aside from that, the mausoleum can only offer bare grey walls. Monarch’s porphyry tub-shaped sarcophagus is located under the dome on the top floor. It still can be found there without anything covering it. The lower story has 10 recesses in arches and 6 small windows. Inside its floor plan is shaped like a crest. It is believed that this lower level was supposed to serve as a burial place for Theodoric’s royal family. It was also meant for holding funeral liturgies. Later a chapel was housed here.
How to get
The Mausoleum of Theoderic is located on the former cemetery in the northern part of Ravenna, far from the city center, on Via delle Industrie, 14. Railway tracks which lead to the Brancaleone Fortress are laid near it. A bus stop called Mausoleo Di Teodorico can be found here as well. You can catch buses № 2, 5, 18, 90, 161, 195 there.
Opening hours: during wintertime from 08:30 till 16:30 every day, during summertime – from 08:30 till 19:00. The ticket office closes 30 minutes before the closing time. Contact numbers: (+39) 0544 543724, (+39) 0544 456701.
Admission: a full ticket will cost you 4 euros, a reduced one – 2 euros. The entry is free on the first Sunday of the month. People under 18 are free of charge as well.
The information is relevant for July 2018.
