Basilica di Sant'Apollinare in Classe

The Basilica di Sant’Apollinare in Classe is an early Christian basilica located in the small town of Classe, Italy which is 6 miles southeast of Ravenna. The basilica is considered a masterpiece of Early Christian architecture, and is known for its mosaics. It was built in the early 6th century at the order of Bishop Ursicinus and is one of the most important of the 20 surviving Ravennese churches. The exterior is in two stories with a central nave, two aisles and semi-circular apses. The apse was richly decorated with mosaics and the lower walls with marble slabs. In the immediate vicinity, the landscape is shaped by rows of grapevines, cultivated since centuries.The Basilica is open to the public, and entry is free. The basilica’s interior is at its best seen in the morning light when its mosaics become alive in great colors. There are various events throughout the church year, being an important pilgrimage shrine.