New Basilica of St. Apollinarus

New Basilica of St. Apollinarus

Dedicated to St. Apollinarus (Ravenna's first bishop), this 6th-century basilica is known for its two rows of ancient mosaics that stretch the length of the nave, telling biblical stories.

Quick Facts

Go Historic ID: 248556
Names: Basilica di Sant'Apollinare Nuovo

New Basilica of St. Apollinarus

Sant'Apollinare Nuovo
Location: Ravenna
Ravenna Province
Emilia-Romagna
Italy
Europe
Listed on: World Heritage Site
Categories: church
religious building
Styles: Byzantine

Bibliography

Official Website of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo. Web. Accessed 1 Nov. 2016. <http://www.turismo.ra.it/contenuti/index.php?t=arte_monumenti&id=11&cat=2&__utma=136673973.4556453576545170400.1228637498.1228637498.1228637498.1&__utmb=136673973.2.10.1228637498&__utmc=136673973&__ut>

Images

Mosaics on the north wall of the nave in Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, Ravenna, dating from c.500 (top panels) and c.560 AD. The bottom row depicts a procession of female saints; the clerestory has prophets holding scrolls; the very top of the wall bears miracles and other scenes from the life of Christ. Credit: Holly Hayes.

Detail of nave mosaic at the west end of Sant'Apolllinare Nuovo, Ravenna, depicting Theodoric's Palace. The mosaic dates from c.500 AD under Theodoric, but in c.560, the Arian king and his court were excised from the palace and replaced with black backgrounds and curtains... Credit: Holly Hayes.

The kiss of Judas and arrest of Christ. The soldiers on the left carry torches since it occurred at night; Peter on the right is about to unsheath his sword to defend his Master. One of a series of 26 mosaic panels illustrating the life of Christ in Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, Ravenna... Credit: Holly Hayes.

Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, with 11 apostles below. One of a series of 26 mosaic panels illustrating the life of Christ in Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, Ravenna. The earliest known cycle on the subject, they date from c... Credit: Holly Hayes.

The Last Supper. This interesting composition is similar to a miniature in the 6th-century Codex Purpureus. One of a series of 26 mosaic panels illustrating the life of Christ in Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, Ravenna... Credit: Holly Hayes.

Mosaic of Christ enthroned surrounded by angels in Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, Ravenna, c.500 AD. The mosaic was made under the Arian rule of Theodoric the Ostrogoth (496-526) and left in place by the Catholics who took over the basilica in c... Credit: Holly Hayes.

Mosaic of Christ enthroned surrounded by angels in Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, Ravenna, c.500 AD. The mosaic was made under the Arian rule of Theodoric the Ostrogoth (496-526) and left in place by the Catholics who took over the basilica in c... Credit: Holly Hayes.

view all 70 images