The Basilica of San Vitale stands on Via San Vitale in Ravenna, a city in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most significant surviving examples of Byzantine architecture and art in Western Europe.
What to see
The basilica is best known for its mosaics from the sixth century. Among them are depictions of Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora, whose images are set within the church's richly decorated interior. The mosaics are often the main reason visitors make the journey, and they reward a slow look, with their gold backgrounds and detailed figures.
The building itself is worth attention too. Its design reflects early Christian and Byzantine building traditions, and the church shows how these ideas took root far from Constantinople.
Planning your visit
- Location: Via San Vitale 17, 48121 Ravenna RA, Italy
- Contact: +39 0544 541688
- Who it suits: visitors interested in art history, early Christian architecture, or Byzantine culture
Because the basilica is a major sight in a compact historic city, it fits well alongside other visits in Ravenna. Walking between sites in the centre gives a sense of the city's long past, and the mosaics here are a natural starting point for exploring that heritage.
