San Vitale at Ravenna, Ravenna, Italy, 525AD

Byzantine Architectural Style

San Vitale at Ravenna contains some of the most finest Byzantine mosaics in the western world. It was designed by Ecclesius, the Bishop of Ravenna. Construction had started in 526 AD but shortly after, Ravenna was taken over by the Byzantine Empire in 540AD and they (Byzantines) had also finished the basilica then.

Plan and Elevation of S. Vitale at Ravenna

San Vitale is a small domed church. It has an octagonal plan built two stories high. The ceilings of the choir and apse glitter with green and gold mosaics. There is an arch that signifies the entrance into the presbytery, which is also decorated large mosaic medallions of Jesus Christ, twelve apostles, and two other saints.

Plan of S. Vitale at Ravenna

The two most famous mosaics can be seen at the foot of the side walls of the apse. On the right is Justinian I, and the left is his wife, Theodora. Justinian is surrounded by a halo of glory, and Theodora is looks solemn and formal, with golden halo and crown and jewels.

Mosaic at S. Vitale at Ravenna

The architecture of this church is to exemplify the design of the Byzantine Imperial Audience Chamber.

The Mausoleum of Galla Placidia

The Mausoleum of Galla Placidia is an interesting building located in Ravenna, Italy. It was built around 430 AD most likely by Galla Placidia herself. It is one of the oldest monuments in Ravenna. Its intended use is still a mystery to most; but what is accepted is that it was an oratory instead of a mausoleum. There are also three sarcophagi which are believed to hold the bodies of Galla’s brother or son, and husband.

            Galla Placidia was the daughter of Emperor Theodosius I. She became the ruler of the western Roman world as the regent for her son who had not yet reached maturity. Galla died on the year 450 in Rome and was most likely not buried in the mausoleum she ordered to build. SHe was most likely buried in the Rotunda of St. Petronilla in Rome.
The most significant part of the mausoleum is the interior. The floor plan is laid out in a crucifix form with a central dome. The outside of the dome is covered by a square tower that rises above the gabled lateral wings. Byzantine mosaics cover the interior on the vault, lunettes, and cupola from top to bottom. The themes in the iconography represent the triumph of eternal life over death. There are two famous mosaics on the inside as well as mosaics of Christian and apocalyptic symbols. On the central bay there are images of four pairs of apostles including Saint paul and Saint Peter. On the lunette on the north side there is a mosaic of Christ tending to his flock while carrying an imperial staff. The Good Shepherd mosaic depicting Christ with his flock shows him as a more regal character instead of the Christ that holds the sheep and is one with the flock. This shows a style of Christian artwork that is different than most of the later artwork.

The Mausoleum of Galla Placidia is truly a marvel to see. With its highly and pristinely decorated interior it stands out from other small cruciform mausoleums as one of the best.

Works Cited

Mackie, Gillian Vallance. Early Christian Chapels in the West: Decoration, Function and Patronage. Toronto: U of Toronto, 2003. Print.

"Sacred Destinations." Mausoleum of Galla Placidia. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Oct. 2016.