Sant Apollinare in Classe...

Sant Apollinare in Classe is about 5 kms from the town of Ravenna which is renowned for its superb Byzantine mosaics
[Sant Apollinare in Classe - Ravenna - Italy]

The Basilica was built by...

The Basilica was built by Giuliano Argentario on behalf of Archbishop Ursicinus during the first half of 6th century
[Sant Apollinare in Classe - Ravenna - Italy]

It is one of the most...

It is one of the most perfect Basilicas in Ravenna
[Sant Apollinare in Classe - Ravenna - Italy]r

Besides its architectural...

Besides its architectural structure, it is renowned for its mosaics and marble sarcophagi of former archbishops along the side naves
[Sant Apollinare in Classe - Ravenna - Italy]
[Sant Apollinare in Classe - Ravena - Italy]

The Basilica was...

The Basilica was consecrated in 549 by the Archbishop Maximian and was dedicated to Sant'Apollinare, the first Bishop of Ravenna
[Sant Apollinare in Classe - Ravenna - Italy]
[Sant Apollinare in Classe - Ravena - Italy]

The bowl vault of the apse ...

The bowl vault of the apse is fully occupied by the majestic figure of Sant'Apollinare with his arms in a praying position in the middle of his flock
[Sant Apollinare in Classe - Ravenna - Italy]
[Sant Apollinare in Classe - Ravena - Italy]

The flock is symbolised by ...

The flock is symbolised by twelve sheep in a vast floral valley surmounted by a symbolic representation of Transfiguration
[Sant Apollinare in Classe - Ravenna - Italy]
[Sant Apollinare in Classe - Ravena - Italy]

In the middle of the upper ...

In the middle of the upper register of the arch, there is a medallion with the haloed portrait of Christ
[Sant Apollinare in Classe - Ravenna - Italy]

On the sides, immersed in a...

On the sides, immersed in a group of many coloured clouds, there are the symbols of the Evangelists
[Sant Apollinare in Classe - Ravenna - Italy]

The interior is divided...

The interior is divided into the nave and two aisles which maintains the fascination of its ancient splendour
[Sant Apollinare in Classe - Ravenna - Italy]

There are twenty-four...

There are twenty-four columns of Greek marble with transversal veining
[Sant Apollinare in Classe - Ravenna - Italy]

Numerous marble sarcophagi ...

Numerous marble sarcophagi (from 5th to the 8th century) stand in the two aisles
[Sant Apollinare in Classe - Ravenna - Italy]