San Vitale Floor Plan

Church of san vitale church in ravenna italy that was built in the 6th century and is considered a masterpiece of byzantine architecture.

San vitale floor plan. Some of the floor mosaics in san vitale especially at the periphery are original byzantine work but most including the labyrinth are more recent. 526 527 consecrated 547 ravenna italy san vitale is one of the most important surviving examples of byzantine architecture and mosaic work. The basilica of san vitale is a late antique church in ravenna italy the 6th century church is an important surviving example of early christian byzantine art and architecture it is one of eight structures in ravenna inscribed on the unesco world heritage list its foundational inscription describes the church as a basilica though its centrally planned design is not typical of the basilica form. Learn more about the church s construction and artwork.

It was consecrated in 547 and completed soon after. San vitale begun c. These are considered the largest and best preserved. San vitale s mosaics are from different times but altogether belong to the 6th century the oldest from bishops ecclesius time is the one depicting the theophany in the apsidal semi dome.

It is especially noted for the colorful mosaics of christian iconography that decorate the interior walls and ceilings. One depicting the justinian procession and another the theodora procession mosaics can be seen in all available spaces lunettes extrados. In addition to the magnificent architecture the mosaics in san vitale are the main attractions. Floor plan of the 6th century byzantine san vitale church in ravenna italy.

Built on a sharply inclined hillside above the village of riva san vitale on the shores of lake lugano the house is set in the lower part of the plot and laid out on different levels like a tower. But beauty is not everything san vitale has. All visitors would marvel at its intricate design and magnificent golden mosaics. The mosaics of the basilica of san vitale.

San vitale is best known for its beautiful mosaics which adorn every aspect of the church from the ceiling to the floor. The plan of san vitale is borrowed and used by constructions such as the palace chapel of charlemagne in germany. The bianchi house was designed by italian architect mario botta in 1971. Political and religious meanings also play a big role while church of san vitale is constructed.

Sadly with heads turned up looking at all the iconography few have taken the time to look down at the floors.