Mausoleum of Theodoric, Ravenna

The Mausoleum of Theodoric is renowned as the most iconic funerary structure of the Ostrogoths, an ancient Germanic people. The exact date of its construction and its builder are subjects of historical debate. It remains uncertain whether the mausoleum was commissioned by Theodoric the Great himself before 526, or if his daughter, Amalasunta, took charge of its construction shortly after his demise. The Mausoleum of Theodoric was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996, forming part of the broader ensemble known as the "Early Christian Monuments of Ravenna."

This monumental structure is situated outside the city's protective walls, occupying an area that had long been a burial ground, perhaps with a section reserved for the Goths. Following the enactment of the Pragmatic Sanction in 560, the mausoleum became part of the assets of the Church of Ravenna. It is unclear whether the building underwent a reconsecration during this time. In the 9th century, a Protohistorian named Andrea Agnello reported that the structure was used for religious purposes in his era, bearing the name "Santa Maria ad Farum," owing to its proximity to a port equipped with a lighthouse.

Today, the Mausoleum of Theodoric can be found in a park situated in the immediate vicinity of Ravenna's city center. Distinguished from other architectural wonders in Ravenna, this mausoleum is constructed not with bricks but with blocks of Aurisina stone, evoking the architectural style of Diocletian's Palace in Split. It features a decagonal floor plan and draws inspiration from the design of other Roman mausoleums, signifying a synthesis of Roman and Nordic (Gothic) architectural traditions. Moreover, the structure exhibits Syriac influences, notably in the pronounced crowning frame that enhances its distinct appearance.