Italiensk reise - Viaggio italiano

Ravenna was the seat of the Roman Empire in the 5th century and then of Byzantine Italy until the 8th century. Ravenna has a unique collection of early Christian mosaics and monuments.
Between the great churches are the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare in Classe, constructed in the 6th century. It's situated outside Ravenna, near the old harbour, and dedicated to the bishop of the first Christian community.

The basilica remains one of the most expressive examples of Byzantine art. A great center nave is divided from one aisle at each side by 12 columns of Greek marble giving arcaded spaces at both sides. Beneath the short wall in the far end, the apsis, there is a raised platform for bishop and priests. The whole apsis is decorateted with a brilliant mosaic. Looking closer to the mosaics, a hand can be seen on top of the picture. The hand is representing Good himself.

The figures in the sky outside the circle are Moses and Elijah. The sheep on the ground are apostles. Peter standing alone to the left, John and James to the right. Beneath the cross are the words: "salus mundi", salvation of the world. Christ himself has the position in the centre of the cross.

In the section below the circle, the solemn figure of the first bishop Sant'Apollinare is portrayed in a setting between plants and birds. The whole apsis represents an allegory in explaining a main religious story to everybody.

In details the elements of the mosaic consists of small pieces of glass put together into a great work of Christian art.

The mosaic also shows what shoes that was used in the late roman antic period.

Today the quality of the art of decoration in Ravenna is also seen on top of a Cappuchino. Ravenna is also a city where people use their bicycles. Many of the main streets in the historic center are prepared for cyclists.