Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo

Step into the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo and be transported back to the 6th century. This early Christian church, built by the Ostrogothic king Theodoric the Great, is a masterpiece of Byzantine mosaic art. The long nave is flanked by two dazzling mosaic friezes: on one side, a procession of 22 virgin martyrs led by the Three Magi; on the other, 26 male martyrs and saints. The mosaics shimmer with gold and vibrant colors, telling stories of faith and power. Above the windows, scenes from the life of Christ and the miracles of the saints unfold. The church's tall, slender columns and simple brick exterior contrast with the luminous interior, creating a serene and awe-inspiring atmosphere. As you walk down the nave, the mosaics seem to move with you, a timeless procession frozen in glass and stone.

Don't miss

• The long mosaic friezes of saints and martyrs on the nave walls
• The scene of the Three Magi approaching the Virgin and Child
• The depiction of the palace of Theodoric and the port of Classe
• The apse mosaic (though a 19th-century reconstruction)
• The marble columns and capitals with intricate carvings

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo

Cheapest way inRavenna Walking Tour with Audio and Written Guide by a Local4.7★ · 23 travelers3–4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$7 per personSee dates →Most bookedGuided Tour of Mosaic Tiles in Ravenna4.8★ · 1,898 travelers2–3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$33 per personSee dates →Private & flexibleRavenna Mosaics and Highlights Private Tour with a Local Guide5★ · 26 travelers~3 hoursFrom$221 per personSee dates →