Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo (Basilica of Saint Apollinaris the New), Ravenna (must see)

The Basilica of Saint Apollinaris the New in Ravenna, Italy, holds a rich history. Initially constructed as a palace chapel by the Ostrogothic king Theodoric the Great in the early 6th century, it was dedicated to "Christ the Redeemer" in 504 AD.

In 561 AD, under Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, the church was rededicated as "Sanctus Martinus in Coelo Aureo" ("Saint Martin in Golden Heaven") after suppressing Arianism. It was named in honor of Saint Martin of Tours, a staunch opponent of Arianism.

Legend has it that Pope Gregory the Great ordered the blackening of the church's mosaics because their golden splendor distracted worshippers from their prayers.

The basilica received its present name in 856 AD when relics of Saint Apollinaris were transferred from the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare in Classe due to frequent pirate raids from the Adriatic Sea.

A 16th-century marble portico stands at the church's entrance, and a round bell tower from the 9th or 10th century is located on the right side of the portico.

Over the centuries, the apse and atrium underwent renovations, with some original mosaics being destroyed. Nevertheless, mosaics on the lateral walls, twenty-four columns with simplified Corinthian capitals, and an Ambo have been preserved.

The mosaics were modified in the mid-19th century by Felice Kibel, and the apse was reconstructed after sustaining damage during World War I.

The church's walls feature mosaics depicting Jesus' miracles, parables, saints, prophets, and evangelists. The figures in these mosaics are noted for their individual expressions, following a Hellenistic-Roman tradition.

Some art historians suggest that one of the mosaics contains the first depiction of Satan in Western art. In this mosaic, a blue angel appears on Jesus' left, behind three goats, as mentioned in St. Matthew's account of Judgement Day.