Basilica of S. Vitale
Octagonal plan church, founded by Giulianus Argentarius, commissioned by Bishop Ecclesius and consecrated by the Archbishop Maximian in 548. The Basilica of San Vitale is among the most important monuments of early Christian art in Italy, above all for the splendour of its mosaics. The eastern influence, always presents in the architecture of Ravenna, has a dominant role here. No longer a basilica with nave and two aisles but a central octagonal plan, surmounted by a cupola and the whole supported on 8 pilasters and arches. The dome ceiling and the niches were decorated by frescoes painted in 1780 by Barozzi and Gandolfi of Bologna and Guarana of the Veneto. It should be Notesd that the floor is kept dry by pumps since it is below the level of the water table.
Empress Teodora
The labyrinth of the soul
On entering the Basilica of San Vitale the eyes are drawn up to the lofty interior volume, the stupendous mosaic decorations of the apse, the large spaces and the baroque frescoes of the cupola. Perhaps it is due to this upward pull that one does not notice a small and lesser-known jewel. In the floor of the presbytery, right in front of the altar, a labyrinth is represented on one side of the octagonal floor. Small arrows start at the centre of the maze and lead along a winding route towards the centre of the basilica. In the early years of Christianity the maze was often a symbol of sin and the way to purification. Finding the way out of the maze was the act of rebirth. Once the route through the maze in the floor of San Vitale has been followed, the eyes may be lifted towards the altar where the most beautiful mosaics of Christendom can be contemplated.
Contacts
Address:
Via
Fiandrini Benedetto
- RA - Locality Ravenna
Phone number: 0544 541688
Times
Week-day timetable: 9.00 - 17.30 Ticket office closes at 17.15
Weekend timetable: 9.00 - 17.30 Ticket office closes at 17.15.
1° January from 14.30 to 17.00
Close: Closed on the 25th of December
Open: from 10 July to 11 September From Thuesday to Thursday 21.00 - 23.00
Tariffs
Admission:
Euro 8.50 (combined ticket including: S.Apollinare Nuovo, Neonian Baptistery, San Vitale, Mausoleum of Galla Placidia)
Reduced admission:
Euro 7.50 (combined ticket ) for Organizations with special agreements and students and for groups escorted by Ravenna's authorized touristic guides.
Through rates:
The ticket is only inclusive
Free of charge:
Children up to 10 y.o., disabled people and escort, ecclesiastics, militaries, journalists (with document). For groups: 1 tour leader free every 20 payers. For schools: 1 teacher free every 15 payers.
from 01/03 to 15/06
for the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia
Extra charge of euro 2,00 for combined ticket.
Booking for groups is compulsory.
Free admission to the mausoleum only: children up to 5 years of age; group-leaders or bus drivers (1 every 20 paying visitors); disabled people certified; ecclesiastics, journalists and members of the military forces in possession of an official document stating their qualification. For school groups: 1 teacher free every 15 payers. For groups: 1 tour leader free every 20 payers.
Tourist area
City of Art
How to get there
Pedestrian area, central zone, bus stop at 200 mt (Piazza Baracca), lines 1, car park, accessible to disabled people.
Close to Mausoleum of Galla Placidia and National Museum
The ticket office is set on the main entrance of Basilica of San Vitale
.
Book your hotel! 
