After lunching in Bologna, we headed to Ravenna. A little more off the beaten path for most tourists, but seeing the mosaics at the Basilica of San Vitale has always been a dream of mine. We studied them when I was in college, and for some reason they really captured my imagination, or something! We saw some Byzantine mosaics when we were visiting Croatia a couple years ago, and I was over the moon about that, but this was the real trump card for me! The Byzantine empire was not as long lived or as widespread as say the Roman empire, so finding Byzantine ruins seems a bit more of a treat, too.
First glimpse of the basilica in the strong light of the afternoon... it is known for it's octagonal shape, and it's Eastern influence (think Hagia Sophia...) it was built in 547.
First glimpse of the apse, where all the mosaics are... I started crying... no I'm not kidding.
Christ in the center, flanked by 2 angels, San Vitale to the left, and the Bishop who built the Basilica (holding it in his hands) to the right.
On the right side of the apse we have this, most well known portrait of Theodora, with some of her attendants... (unfortunately the camera doesn't pick up any of the sparkle in the gold pieces!)
Portraits adorning the arch at the opening of the apse.
Another shot, not quite as dark...
And to the left, the equally famous portrait of Emperor Justinian...
His royal, purple robes...
The ceiling...
Some of the details...
Standing directly beneath the arch...
Theodora in all her splendor...
Gold figures on her purple robes... (these glitter in real life!)
Ladies in waiting...
Next to the basilica is a mausoleum which also has notable mosaics... unfortunately it was just too dark to capture well in photos... and flash was not allowed. But it is really spectacular because you have this small, low space, with almost no lighting, but you walk in and it just almost bursts with dancing light...
We found this little bed and breakfast for a steal, we were sad to leave this beautiful little room!
Luna loved the "sink," she thought it was special just for her! Washed her hands and feet in it!
The main square where we had dinner... pasta with a prosciutto cream sauce... mmm.
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