Breathtaking mosaic. Rich colors and textures, well preserved. Get in-depth experience by taking off the shoes so you can feel those cool marble underfoot.

Perhaps the most astounding church in the whole of Italy, pivotal both in art and religion, with links to ancient Rome, early Christianity, Ostrogothic period, Byzantine rule, Charlemagne Palatine Chapel and (sadly) later Baroque additions, which are completely out of place in otherwise perfect architectonic and artistic gem. Worth visiting Ravenna if only that would be interesting to see. And way less crowded than other (undeservedly?) more famous places in Italy.

Impossible to describe it by words. If you only had this in Ravenna, it would be still worth to visit the city every year. The architecture is a unique combination of Roman western-eastern (byzantine) elements. The central architecture, the ight and the integration of mosaics in the architecture, make it unique. Please also notice that in the 6th century Jesus was young, optimistic and almost cheerful. Death, sorrow and pain came later with Middle Age.

Make this Basilica the *final* site you visit in Ravenna - it will blow your socks off and seeing it in between the other sites would take away from the other beautiful buildings which all deserve visiting in their own right but are smaller and/or less opulent. The unique layout, the scale, the floor mosaics, the light shining off the walls and ceilings - it's magical and transports you back in time.

This basilica of San Vitale is definitely worth a visit. The beautiful mosaics are all over the place and some of them are really breathtaking. The entrance is free so there's no excuse not to visit this exquisite church.

Must see Byzantine Architecture. Beautiful Mosaics and Vault Architecture. The Basilica of San Vitale is a late antique church in Ravenna, Italy. The 6th century church is an important surviving example of early Christian Byzantine art and architecture. It is one of eight structures in Ravenna inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Sounded like a three-story building but when went in, was big dome covered with so many colorful baby mosaics. Spiritual atmosphere in whole facility. Painting on the ceiling were exceptional. Local people are nice and helpful. Parking is a big problem since it is LTZ area and even you can’t drive through the area around Basilica. Even could not Find any parking out of LTZ and was too far, finally left the car inside the zone in a local parking and asked them to send my plate number to City to not to get a ticket. The online ticket is available, and will cover 5 locations which 2 of them close together, and for the rest asked to guide me to others.

A gem of early Christian architecture, spatially complex, with an apse filled with stunning mosaics. So splendid and peaceful that I had to make a second visit the same day. Allow enough time to take everything in. Note that while you need a ticket, it is not timed like the smaller structures at Ravenna.

The Basilica of San Vitale is a late antique church in Ravenna, Italy. The 6th century church is an important surviving example of early Christian Byzantine art and architecture. It is one of eight structures in Ravenna inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Its foundational inscription describes the church as a basilica, though its centrally-planned design is not typical of the basilica form.[1] The Roman Catholic Church has designated the building a "basilica", an honorific title bestowed on exceptional church buildings of historic and ecclesial importance.

The most incredible place in the Ravenna. The paintings and mosaic arts are amazing. Totally worth it. To visit this place you have to buy a package ticket of 5 places for 12.5 Euro, yet you can see all of them in half a day.

The mosaics are amazing. How the colors all go together in the Basilica is very affecting. It is definitely worth seeing. Don't miss visiting the little mausoleum outside. It doesn't look like much from the outside but the starry night mosaic inside is so beautiful.

Visited this beautiful basilica in Ravenna and was absolutely captivated by the stunning mosaics. It's a true masterpiece of art and history. A must-see for anyone who appreciates art and culture!

Pretty interesting place, a quick visit to enjoy history.

An absolute must if you are in Ravenna. The interior of the basilica is magical.

All the mosaics are beautiful-the colours and details are incredible. Advice would be to buy tickets online (€12.50 for 5 tickets) and get in as early as you can to miss the crowds. Couldn't work out how to choose a time slot when booking tickets so it automatically allotted me 9.30 and 10am (which was fine) and the rest stayed as 9-1830. Ravenna a lovely unassuming town.

The basilica was built in the 6th century during the reign of the Emperor Justinian I and is dedicated to Saint Vitalis, a Christian martyr. The building is notable for its octagonal shape, which is unusual for a church of this period, and for its use of light and space. The mosaics inside the basilica are considered to be some of the finest examples of Byzantine art in existence. They depict scenes from the Bible, as well as portraits of Justinian and his wife, Empress Theodora. The mosaics are remarkable for their intricate detail, vivid colors, and luminous quality. The Basilica di San Vitale is not only important from an artistic and architectural perspective but also from a historical one. It is a reminder of the complex cultural and religious influences that shaped the city of Ravenna and the Byzantine Empire during the early Middle Ages

San Vitale’s mosaics, finished in 547 AD, are magnificent. I’ve seen art all over the world and I find these among the most beautiful works I have ever seen. San Vitale is one of 8 UNESCO World Heritage sites in Ravenna, 7 of which are famed for mosaics. San Vitale is one of five sites that you can visit with one ticket. They’re all within a 10 minute walk of one another. They’re all worth seeing.

The Basilica San Vitale, built in the 6th century AD in Ravenna, is a magnificent example of early Byzantine architecture. Its intricate mosaics and grand dome are a testament to the skill of its craftsmen. The stunning depictions of biblical scenes and royal figures, including Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora, make it a true masterpiece.

One of the very few buildings from medieval times , this Church from the sixth century is a unique witness of European craftsmanship .

Wonderful piece of history splendid.

Exquisite! The mosaics are impressive, as anywhere else in Ravenna and the place has a phantastic energy, beyond its ravishing history. A must see in Ravenna! A hint: buy a composite access ticket (includes 2 or 4 additional historical attractions in Ravens) - we bought those that includes the Archbishop's Palace and Basilica St. Apollinaire Nuovo and we had a great experience!

This building is so important to art history. It's worth the time to visit if you are in Ravenna. The mosaics inside are just beautiful.

Online ticket works best, combined one. The building is maybe the most beautiful preserved church in Ravenna and beyond. There De different styles inside, it reminded us a bit of Sofia Church in Constantinople. The mosaics are very powerful and concentrated in messages and fabulous to look at.

Simply incredible. The space itself is awesome and then your eyes are drawn up to the stunning and glittering golden mosaics. Awesome visually, spiritually, and historically.

What a work of art which takes you back in time....I actually love a church like this than a st peters which is too big for me..:)

Amazing place, inside I enjoyed my time a lot, around the area many good restaurants and cafes

Go here first thing in the morning!! I saved it for last and there was a huuge queue at ticket office...and didn't have time left😭😭 Well, i have excuse now to come back. Old mosaics from Roman period are still inside, probably the best in Italy... still have to see to judge😉

From the outside you won’t have any idea how beautiful and interesting this place is on the inside. The mosaic are an impressive collection of art very well preserved. The painting on the dome is also very impressive. A must visit when in Ravenna.

One of the places in Ravenna with the world famous mosaics. Absolutely marvellous, a must see. Very few tourists, peaceful. Don't miss it, plan one extra day into your Europe trip for this.

A must see monument and UNESCO site or works heritage. Absolutely stunning. This place inspired the Haggia Sofia in Istanbul! You must add it to your list! €11 for the combined ticket to see 5 sights in the city, 3 of which are UNESCO! Well worth the price.

A wonderful Basilica, unbelievable mosaics. It was built in the 6th century!

It’s must see place in Ravenna. It is a late antique church in Ravenna, Italy. The 6th century church is an important surviving example of early Christian Byzantine art and architecture.