Basilica di Sant'Apollinare Nuovo
Cathedral
Basilica di Sant'Apollinare Nuovo
Basilica di Sant'Apollinare Nuovo
Theoderic's mosaic-adorned main church
After defeating Odacer, Theoderic the Great had a basilica built on his doorstep in the early 5th century. Basilica di Sant'Apollinare Nuovo only got its name in the 9th century when the relics of Ravenna's first bishop were transferred inland from Classe due to fear of robbery. The medieval Campanile dates back to this time. Over the course of the following centuries a Renaissance portico was added to the basilica. Twelve pillars made from Greek marble support the nave and transepts. The basilica is world-renowned for its mosaics and was declared World Heritage Site by the UNESCO.
Effaced mosaics
Sadly, not all of the grand mosaics managed to survive in its original form. Some displays were deemed pagan and effaced in later centuries. Bishop Agnellus had the procession of Theoderic the Great and his dignitaries replaced with Christian figures. Theoderic's palace was converted into a spirit house, the figures replaced by curtains. One closer look reveals individual hands or arms from the original mosaics.
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