Ravenna - San Vitale

The "Basilica di San Vitale" was erected on an octagonal plan from 526 on, when Ravenna was under the rule of the Ostrogoths, followers of the Arianism. It was completed and got consecrated in 547, when Ravenna was part of the Byzantine Empire.

The church combines Roman with Byzantine elements. It is most famous for its wealth of Byzantine mosaics, the largest and best preserved outside of Constantinople. It is one of the most important examples of early Christian Byzantine art and architecture in Europe.

The impact, that this church had on the Wesern European architecture, can hardly be overestimated. The Palatine Chapel in Aachen, commisioned by Charlemagne, has strong parallels to San Vitale.

Emperor Justinian clothed in full regalia and standing in the center of a retinue of clergy, officials and soldiers (flanked on the right by Bishop Maximian) bringing the bread of the Eucharist to the altar. He has a nimbus already!

"Justinian the Great" (= Saint Justinian in the Orthodox Church) was born into a peasant´s familiy ~ 482. He made an astonishing career. He was Byzantine (East Roman) emperor from 527 to 565. He tried the empire's greatness and reconquer the lost western half of the historical Roman Empire.