Ravenna - Sant’Apollinare Nuovo

The Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo was built by Ostrogoth King Theodoric the Great as his palace chapel. The Arian church was originally dedicated in 504 AD to "Christ the Redeemer".

After Byzantine troops had conquered Ravenna the basilica was converted into a Catholic church and reconsecrated in 561 AD. It was now dedicated to Saint Martin of Tours, a foe of Arianism.

The dedication was changed again in the 9th century to St. Apollinare, first bishop of Ravenna, when the saint's relics were moved here.

The interior measures 35 x 21 meters. The walls of the nave and clerestory are covered mosaics from the 6th century. Some of them date from the Arian period under King Theodoric the Great (496-526).

The procession of the 22 virgin martyrs, labeled with their names above, here only partly seen. They move towards the Virgin and Child (further right). Above them are Apostles and Prophets. On the upper band are small mosaics, depicting Jesus' miracles and parables.