Monday 1 July 2013
Docked at 7am and the port was 7k's out of town so we got the cruise shuttle bus into town. Ravenna is flat, no hills in sight so great for walking and biking and the locals were whizzing about on their bikes with gusto. Ravenna's claim to fame is it's exquisite 5th century Byzantine mosaics....they are protected under world heritage status. I had read a bit about them before going there but really, the hype do sent do them justice...... they are truly stunning.....they take your breath away....the intricate designs and vibrant colours and the perfection.....a-maze-ing!
First stop Bascillica di San Vitale, mosaics of the imperial couple Justinian and Theodora reflected in the mosaic images. Then the Mausoleo di Galla Placida - a woman to be reckoned with - daughter, sister, wife and mother of emperors. It looked really plain outside and then you step in and its like being encased in a highly decorated Faberge egg.....the blue and gold stars on the ceiling are said to have inspired Cole Porter's ' Night and Day'...such a wonderful sight.
Then Battistero degli Aria I, also 5th century, when Theodora reigned the cult of Adrian was the official religion of the court. The dome has the most amazing mosaic of the baptizing of Christ....the water in the mosaics look transparent - stunning.
Then Bascillica di San Apollinaire nuovo, 6th century, built as Theodora's private church, full height mosaics of the procession of virgins down one side and on the other the martrys.....the church inside is sparsely decorated and then you look up and up and its stunning - the art of mosaics at its best.
Then finally Dante's Tomb. The city of Florence which originally exiled Dante wanted his body back but Ravenna said no, now Florence provides the oil for the eternal flame in the tomb....one day hoping for Dante's return to the vacant tomb in Santa Croce Florence.
Great little walking city with cafe culture, art and history....lovely!
Docked at 7am and the port was 7k's out of town so we got the cruise shuttle bus into town. Ravenna is flat, no hills in sight so great for walking and biking and the locals were whizzing about on their bikes with gusto. Ravenna's claim to fame is it's exquisite 5th century Byzantine mosaics....they are protected under world heritage status. I had read a bit about them before going there but really, the hype do sent do them justice...... they are truly stunning.....they take your breath away....the intricate designs and vibrant colours and the perfection.....a-maze-ing!
First stop Bascillica di San Vitale, mosaics of the imperial couple Justinian and Theodora reflected in the mosaic images. Then the Mausoleo di Galla Placida - a woman to be reckoned with - daughter, sister, wife and mother of emperors. It looked really plain outside and then you step in and its like being encased in a highly decorated Faberge egg.....the blue and gold stars on the ceiling are said to have inspired Cole Porter's ' Night and Day'...such a wonderful sight.
Then Battistero degli Aria I, also 5th century, when Theodora reigned the cult of Adrian was the official religion of the court. The dome has the most amazing mosaic of the baptizing of Christ....the water in the mosaics look transparent - stunning.
Then Bascillica di San Apollinaire nuovo, 6th century, built as Theodora's private church, full height mosaics of the procession of virgins down one side and on the other the martrys.....the church inside is sparsely decorated and then you look up and up and its stunning - the art of mosaics at its best.
Then finally Dante's Tomb. The city of Florence which originally exiled Dante wanted his body back but Ravenna said no, now Florence provides the oil for the eternal flame in the tomb....one day hoping for Dante's return to the vacant tomb in Santa Croce Florence.
Great little walking city with cafe culture, art and history....lovely!
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