Mausoleum of Galla Placidia
This small cruciform building was originally built for Galla Placidia, the half sister of Emperor Honorius, who was responsible for the construction of Ravenna’s finest buildings. She was apparently never buried there. It was built in the second quarter of the 5th century.
The building is isolated behind the Basilica San Vitale and partially buried in the ground. The exterior of the builing is very plain but it has some of the best preserved original mosiac decoration. The light inside is filtered through alabaster windows which gives the interior dim, but sufficient light to see the beautiful mosiacs. If you had to buried anywhere this would be a good spot.
inside Mausoleo di Galla Placidia
detail of the interior
the drinking doves
decorative motif with a Greek pattern
fruit and leaves