Basilica San Vitale
the exterior of the Basilica
The sombre appearance of the exterior of the Basilica gives no clue to the dazzling brilliance of inside. The building is immense, and the height of the dome was the first thing that amazed us. The fact that it is also filled with beautiful mosiacs seemed almost secondary, until we got closer. When you realise that the building was consecrated in 548 ad, it becomes even more incredible.
inside the dome
amazing construction
looking up
at the top of the dome
this place is huge
The mosiacs include scenes from the Old Testament. Inside the chancel, the finest mosiacs of the series depict the Byzantine Emperor Justinian with San Massimiano and Empress Theodora It would be easy to spend hours in here trying to take it all in. Unfortunately photos don’t do the Basilica justice. It is hard to get a sense of the size and the mosiacs are quite high up. I would have loved to climb up a long ladder to get closer.
Empress Theodora - thousands of multicoloured tiny glass cubes interspersed with mother of pearl
incredible mosiacs
a bit closer
the beautiful floor
lovely arches
detail at the top of the column
detail of Christ on an arch
Empress Theodora and friends
Emperor Justinian
Theodora- ex circus performer
Justinian
detail of mosiacs