Ravenna

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Ravenna(Peutinger Map)

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Mausoleum of Theoderic

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Ravenna SantApollinare Classe3

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Ravenna quattrino

Basilica of San Vitale - triumphal arch mosaics

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Mausoleum of Galla Placidia ceiling mosaics

Ravenna is a city in the Emilia-Romagna region of Northern Italy, known for its stunning Byzantine mosaics, rich history, and cultural heritage. It served as the capital of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century and later of the Ostrogothic Kingdom and the Byzantine Exarchate of Ravenna until the 8th century. Today, Ravenna is celebrated for its well-preserved late Roman and Byzantine architecture, attracting scholars, artists, and tourists from around the world.

History

Ravenna's history dates back to the Etruscan period, but it gained prominence in the late Roman Empire when Emperor Honorius moved the capital from Milan to Ravenna in 402 AD. Its strategic location, surrounded by marshes, made it easily defensible against barbarian invasions. During this period, Ravenna became a center of Christian art and culture, as evidenced by its extraordinary early Christian monuments and mosaics.

Following the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Ravenna was ruled by the Ostrogoths under King Theodoric the Great, who continued the city's development and embellished it with remarkable buildings. After the Gothic War, it was incorporated into the Byzantine Empire, becoming the seat of the Exarchate of Ravenna, a key administrative and military center.

The city's significance waned after it was captured by the Lombards in 751, and later became part of the Frankish Empire under Charlemagne. Despite its decline in political importance, Ravenna remained an important cultural and religious center throughout the Middle Ages.

Architecture and Mosaics

Ravenna is renowned for its spectacular Byzantine and early Christian mosaics, considered among the finest in the world. These artworks adorn the interiors of the city's ancient churches and baptisteries, reflecting the religious and artistic vitality of the city during its heyday.

Notable Sites

• The Basilica of San Vitale is one of the most important examples of early Christian Byzantine art and architecture in Western Europe. Its mosaics, particularly those depicting Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora, are celebrated for their beauty and historical significance.
• The Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, believed to have been constructed in the 5th century, is known for its stunning mosaics, including the representation of the starry sky.
• The Arian Baptistry and the Neonian Baptistry are notable for their exquisite mosaic decorations, illustrating the theological debates and religious practices of the time.
• The Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo and the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare in Classe are other significant religious sites, showcasing remarkable mosaics that depict various biblical scenes and saints.

Cultural Significance

Ravenna's unique collection of early Christian monuments and mosaics has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The city's artistic heritage not only reflects the religious fervor of the period but also the exchange of artistic and cultural traditions between the Eastern and Western Roman Empire.

Modern Ravenna

Today, Ravenna is a vibrant city that blends its historical legacy with modern life. It hosts numerous cultural events, including the Ravenna Festival, an annual celebration of music, art, and history. The city's historical sites, combined with its culinary traditions, make it a popular destination for tourists seeking to experience the richness of Italian culture and history.