8Ravenna, Italy: The Byzantine Marvels
Ravenna, a city in northeastern Italy, is home to some of the most exquisite Byzantine mosaics in the world. Once the capital of the Western Roman Empire and later a major center of the Byzantine Empire, Ravenna’s mosaics date back to the 5th and 6th centuries. The mosaics in the Basilica of San Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, and the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo are celebrated for their vibrant colors and intricate designs.
One of the most famous works is the mosaic of Emperor Justinian I and his retinue in the Basilica of San Vitale. The figures are depicted in a highly stylized and symbolic manner, typical of Byzantine art, with golden backgrounds that give the scenes a heavenly glow. Ravenna’s mosaics are not only masterpieces of early Christian art but also provide insight into the religious and political dynamics of the time.
