Ravenna, Romans Byzantine mosaics. breathing Art
Ravenna, in Northern Italy, close to the coast of Adriatic and next to Venice, He would have been in its principles made up of small settlements, perhaps this was due to its geographical condition similar to Venice, over a very flooded region.
Later it begins to gain importance due to its location as a military port city on the northern border., being is incorporated into the roman republic in the year 89 before Christ to later gain greater importance even when it becomes capital of the Western Roman Empire when the Empire was divided and the transfer by Emperor Honorius of its capital in the third century. Later with Justinian it was seat of Byzantine government in Italy. It was also part of the Papal States from the 6th century to finally become part of the unified kingdom of Italy in the 17th century.. Today the city of Ravenna is not exactly on the coast but a few kilometers inland.
In the midst of wars Ravenna, probably because of its location, enjoy a long period of peace, era in which the arts and their main monuments were developed, and although some today are non-existent, the legacy that has been saved and protected gives us a sample of the cultural value that the city houses.
Ravenna currently has numerous monuments that have been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996:
– Galla Placida Mausoleum. 5th century. a brick building, with Latin cross plan. Its name is due to the empress who had it built and is dedicated to San Lorenzo. It is wonderful the mystery that generates in its interior the entrance of light reflected in the wonderful mosaics that cover it completely..
– Church of Saint Vital. The 5th century building has an octagonal floor plan and is covered by a dome, made of brick. A building whose interior and the beauty of the mosaics that cover it is very difficult to describe in words. The color they radiate according to the entrance of light is wonderful and magical.. It is an incredibly beautiful experience to see an interior as it was seen exactly at the time it was clad in the 6th century., in all its splendor, with all the color that reflects its walls so delicately covered in mosaics. A true work of art.
– Basilica San Apollinaris Nuovo. Built in the 6th century for the religious practices of the Arians, later transformed into a Catholic Church. Its central nave also radiates the beauty of the mosaics that cover the upper part of the walls with representations of characters and biblical passages.. Its exterior is completed with a 9th century cylindrical bell tower built in bricks..
Other monuments included in the list UNESCO World Heritage Site and notable in Ravenna are:
Basilica of Saint Apollinaris in Classe
Archbishop's Chapel
Neonian Baptistery (orthodox)
Baptisterio degli Ariani
Mausoleum of Theodoric
Basilica of Saint Vital
Galla Placida Mausoleum
Neonian Baptistery
Ravenna is a city to walk it. At every turn, in every street, in each square, surely we will find some reference to one of its most precious and valued assets such as the Mosaics.
Numerous artists today offer their work made in mosaic as well as numerous workshops and schools dedicated to teaching the art of mosaic.. It was striking to see a large number of groups of young people and children making visits to the monuments of the city, learning and valuing their culture. It is a legacy that the city through the centuries has known how to value and transmit from generation to generation., continuing to this day. Legacy that with the preparation offered by today's artists and experts, I doubt that the mosaic culture will be lost as it is something ingrained in its people forever.
Art is constantly developing in Ravenna and it is possible to visit in addition to the monuments that Byzantine artists have bequeathed to us., Modern Mosaic spaces, parks and museums, open spaces and exhibition centers, in which we can enjoy the wonders of modern art.
Modern Mosaic Spaces in Ravenna:
– MAR – Collection of Modern Mosaics.
– Peace park
– Source Ardea Purpurea
– Monument of Pier Paolo D'Attore
– NiArt Gallery de Felice Nittolo
– The Celestial Jerusalem
– Stella d'Orient Railway Station
Of course in the city there are recreation areas and other monuments of great cultural value, like your peace, public walks, pedestrian streets, churches that are pleasant to meet and enjoy, as well as it offers a wide range of restaurants and bars in which we can enjoy the typical meals of the place.
If we still have energy or want to relax away from the hustle and bustle of the city… what can you do in ravenna? Well, we can go to the neighboring beaches or the marinas that are a few kilometers from the city center.. Very wide beaches of light sand, that offer the necessary infrastructure to fully enjoy them.
Ravenna and its surroundings offer this and much more to spend a few days of leisure, culture and relax.