Basilica of San Vitale, Ravenna (must see)

The Basilica of San Vitale is a significant late antique church with a unique architectural design. Built in the 6th century under the orders of Bishop Ecclesius of Ravenna, it showcases a blend of Roman and Byzantine elements.

The central vault of the church was constructed using a novel technique involving hollow tubes inserted into each other, a pioneering use of terra-cotta forms that later influenced modern structural clay tile construction. The church's octagonal layout combines Roman features such as the dome and doorways with Byzantine elements like the polygonal apse, capitals, narrow bricks, and early examples of flying buttresses.

The Basilica of San Vitale is renowned for its exceptional Byzantine mosaics, which are among the most studied works in Byzantine art. These mosaics are considered the best-preserved outside of Istanbul. The church holds the honorific title of basilica in the Roman Catholic Church due to its historical and ecclesial significance.

Legend has it that the church was built on the site where Saint Vitalis was martyred. The Baroque frescoes on the dome, created in the late 18th century, add to the artistic heritage of this remarkable structure. The bell tower, with four bells, includes a tenor bell dating back to the 16th century. The Basilica of San Vitale is one of the eight structures in Ravenna inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.