9Ravenna, Italy
Ravenna is famous for its stunning Byzantine mosaics, but it also houses some exceptional Roman mosaics. The city served as the capital of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century and became an important cultural center. In the Galla Placidia Mausoleum and the Basilica of San Vitale, visitors can find mosaics that represent the transition between Roman and Byzantine art. These mosaics are renowned for their vivid use of color and gold, depicting religious scenes, emperors, and symbols of early Christianity. Ravenna’s mosaics offer a glimpse into the artistic evolution of the Roman Empire as it embraced Christianity.
