Historical Centre Tour and Classe

HALF-DAY TOUR (3 HOURS)

• Basilica of S. Vitale
• Mausoleum of Galla Placidia
• Arian Baptistery
• Mausoleum of Theodoric
• Basilica of Sant ‘Apollinare in Classe

This tour starts in the historic centre of Ravenna. The first momument you will visit is the extraordinary Basilica of S. Vitale which, with its original octagonal shape, is the treasure chest of the famous Byzantine mosaics, including the portraits of the Emperor Justinian and his wife Theodora.

Next to it there is the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia where the poetry of the mosaic reaches its peak. The Roman empress, a strong and legendary woman, wanted to build this burial place for herself and her family by decorating it with stories related to Christian iconography and with symbols that recall the East and nature. The splendid and enchanting blue vault, illuminated by 570 golden stars, will take your breath away.

The visit continues with the Arian Baptistery built under the Ostrogoth reign of Theodoric. The mosaics of the splendid golden dome tell the story of the baptism of Jesus Christ and the procession of the apostles.

You now continue to a lush urban park where you will find the majestic Mausoleum of Theodoric which still fascinates and amazes visitors with the mysteries  of its white mass of Istrian stone.

Then the tour proceedes to the nearby Classe where the tour will end in the magnificent Basilica of Sant ‘Apollinare in Classe. Here the gilded apse decorated with mosaics takes us to a paradisiacal garden dominated by a wonderful jeweled cross and the image of the saint. This church, which miraculously survived the bombardments of the Second World War thanks to the cunning of some soldiers, is the only testament that has passed down to us from the ancient community of Classe.

INFO: € 9,50: combined ticket for the entrance to the following monuments: Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, Orthodox Baptistry, Basilica of San Vitale, Mausoleum of Galla Placidia **.
Free ticket: children under 10 years, disabled persons plus companion.

** from March 1st to June 15th for the visit of Mausoleum of Galla Placidia an extra-fee of € 2,00 must be added to the combined ticket.

Combined ticket: Basilica Sant’Apollinare in Classe + Mausoleo di Teodorico: € 10

The Basilica of Sant ‘Apollinare is closed on December 25th and January 1st, and tourist visits are suspended on Sunday mornings until 1.00pm.

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