Imperial splendour: the Basilica of San Vitale, Ravenna

Just next to the Mausoleum of Galla Placida is the Basilica of San Vitale. It's the most cathedral-ly in feeling of all the mosaic sites we visited, thanks to its proportions and size. Construction began in 526, under the rule of the Goths, but was completed in 548, by which time Ravenna was part of the Byzantine Empire, something which is clearly reflected in its beautiful mosaics. I put about a million photos of it below because it's so pretty, especially in the chancel area above the altar.

Exterior of San Vitale by night

Abel and Melchizedeck offering sacrifices to the Lord

The cupola on the right is the only substantial part of the Basilica which has been redecorated. It provides an interesting contrast to the rest of the Byzantine interior. The arch between the two has a central medallion of a bearded Jesus, flanked by the Apostles and two other saints

The vault shows the Lamb of God in the centre, supported by four angels against a background of vines and small animals on a blue, green and gold ground

Two horses prepare to fight to death for possession of the cross

Note the peacock beautifully fit into the co

The whole Basilica glowed with a soft yellow light reflecting off the marble on the floor and walls

Isaiah below a depiction of the evangelist Mark with his lion

The central mosaic over the altar shows a younger-looking Christ, with the church's namesake, Saint Vitale, on his right, and the founder of the church, Bishop Ecclesius, on his left. Christ offers a martyr's crown to St Vitale, but it can also be interprested as an offering to the Emperor Justinian below him

I didn't manage to get a great shot because of the angles, but bottom right depicts the Byzantine Emperor Justinian and his court. He is flanked by church and civil officials, representing his central authority in both realms. However, the Bishop Maximianus, on Justinian's left is actually standing slightly in front of the Emperor, perhaps reflecting tension between Church and State. Justinian is carrying a bowl of bread for the Eucharist, implying they are processing in to the Mass at the altar

There was a moody, Russian-looking model doing a photo shoot in this area when we visited. Here's my attempt

The angels above the arch, holding a medallion, are flanked by depictions of the City of Jerusalem, representing the Jewish/Old Testament Church, and the City of Bethlehem, for the Gentile/New Testament Church

Moses and the burning bush (top) and watching his flocks (bottom)

Abraham offers bread to the "mysterious strangers" (angels), before having a go at sacrificing Isaac. Above, Jeremiah stands on the right, and Moses ascends Mt Sinai on the right. Below Moses is Aaron with the Twelve Tribes of Israel

Facing Justinian is his wife, the Empress Theodora, and her court. She holds the cup for the Eucharist and the bottom of her gown features an embroidery of the three Magi bearing gifts, thus associating herself with these Biblical kings