Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna

This temple has an octagonal plan (eight symbolizes the resurrection because it is the result of seven, the time, plus one, the number of God) ** and it is one of the most important monuments of the paleo- Christian age.** Because of the splendid mosaics but even because of its adherence to the oriental art canon: there are no nave and aisles in this basilica but just a central frescoed dome with octagonal base. If you succeed in stopping looking at the mosaic, in particular Teodora’s face, you’ll notice on the floor some concentric circles: it’s a labyrinth, a typical metaphoric picture that can be found in Christian churches. The labyrinth symbolize the path of salvation from the sin to the purification. If you want to try to go out from that labyrinth we give you a clue: you have to start from the centre. The rest is up to you.

How to get here: By feet from the centre of Ravenna
When: Everyday from 9 am to 7 pm (the ticket office closes at 6,45 pm)
Never: 25th December
Tickets: 8,50 € The ticket allow you to visit: Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, Orthodox Baptistery (Neonian Baptistery), San Vitale and Mausoleum of Gallia Placidia