Sant’Apollinare Nuovo

church, Ravenna, Italy

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July 13, 2026

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The Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo is a significant early Christian church located in Ravenna, Italy. Originally an Arian cathedral built by the Ostrogothic king Theodoric, it became a Catholic church in 570 CE. This basilica is renowned for its magnificent mosaics, which are among the oldest representations of Christ's teachings, miracles, Passion, and Resurrection. It also features mosaics depicting processions of male and female saints. The church's construction and decoration reflect the fusion of Roman architectural forms with Byzantine artistic styles, characteristic of Ravenna's history as a capital for both the Western Roman Empire and later Byzantine Italy.123

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Ravenna
The Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo was also erected by Theuderic. It was originally an Arian cathedral but became a Catholic church in 570. This church contains magnificent mosaics depicting the teachings, miracles, Passion, and Resurrection of Christ; these are among the oldest such representations in existence and are…
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The Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo was also erected by Theuderic. It was originally an Arian cathedral but became a Catholic church in 570. This church contains magnificent mosaics depicting the teachings, miracles, Passion, and Resurrection of Christ; these are among the oldest such representations in existence and are…
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campanile
532–49) and Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, Ravenna (c. 490). Round campaniles appeared occasionally in later periods; the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa (begun in 1173), sheathed in a series of superimposed arcades, is a more elaborate version of this type.
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532–49) and Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, Ravenna (c. 490). Round campaniles appeared occasionally in later periods; the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa (begun in 1173), sheathed in a series of superimposed arcades, is a more elaborate version of this type.
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