Basilica of Saint Apollinare Nuovo : info and guided tour

Introduction to the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo

The Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo is one of the best-known religious monuments in Ravenna, Italy. Located on Via di Roma, it attracts visitors for its remarkable Byzantine mosaics and the solemn atmosphere of its vast interior. The building is among the sites that testify to Ravenna’s major role in early Christian art.

Built in the Ostrogothic period and later altered over time, the basilica underwent several changes of use before becoming a major heritage site. Its long, bright nave architecture, with reused ancient columns, creates a restrained setting that highlights the interior decoration and the way the spaces are read.

The place is especially famous for its wall mosaics that cover the long walls of the nave. They feature biblical scenes, processions of martyrs and virgins, as well as stylized landscapes and architecture. These ensembles are among the most important examples of early Christian mosaic art in Italy.

Among the emblematic features to admire are the richness of the decorative cycles, the light that enhances the golden tesserae, and the harmony between architecture and imagery. The basilica thus offers an essential visit for understanding the art of Ravenna and the city’s place in the religious and artistic history of the Mediterranean.

Discover Ravenna with a private guide

A private guide can help interpret the mosaics, place the basilica in the history of Ravenna, and distinguish the different phases of its evolution. With focused explanations, the visit becomes clearer and richer, linking the monument’s artistic details to its religious and urban context.