Ravenna, Italy

Built in 548, this octagonal brick church contains some of the most celebrated Byzantine mosaics in the West.

This mausoleum was built for one of the most powerful women in western history, although she was probably never buried here. It is filled with splendid Byzantine mosaics and marble tombs from the early 5th century.

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.

This baptistery was built at the end of the 5th century, when the Arian Visigoths ruled Italy. The dome mosaic shows the baptism of Christ with a personification of the River Jordan.

The Orthodox Baptistery in Ravenna dates from the 5th century and has even more beautiful mosaics than its Arian counterpart.

Although much restored, this is one of the oldest monuments in Ravenna, dating from c. 426-30. Its chief attractions are its 5th-century architecture and 13th-century mosaics of the Crusades.

Housed in the 6th-century Archbishop's Palace in Ravenna, the Museo Arcivescovile contains numerous Byzantine mosaics and the famous ivory Throne of Maximian.