Mausoleo di Galla Placidia

Mausoleum build in the 5th century for Galla Placida, the imperial daughter of the roman emperor Theodosius I, also called Theodosius The Great (347 AD – 395 AD), an emperor bn in Hispania and devout orthodox christian, that was known by his success in several campaigns against the Goths, tw civil wars and in establishing an orthodox doctrine (The Creed of Nicaea) in opposition to the Aria (The Creed of Nicaea) being the last emperor to rule the entire Roman Empire before its administration was permanently split between the West and East.

His daughter became sister, wife and mother of emperors, and Galla Placidia reigned the Western Roman Empire. Built c.430 AD, and like the exterior of most of Ravennas majestic places it is rustic and sober, made with orange bricks, but the interior has a magnificent decoration.

You can see countless stars of the cupola - although similar to the great pagan mausoleums with a central plan, single entrance door, vertex of the roof and external sobriety, the inside of this mausoleum is entirely covered with Christian symbols of immortality and eternal life.

For Galla Placidia the glory of the Christian Roman Empire was expressed by the cross, and the mausoleum has the form of a Latin cross, which is the main symbol of the mosaic at the center of the vault.

It is the celestial cross shining among the stars of the sky – the sky of eternal salvation; the sky of the Kingdom of God. The heavenly vault of the great entrance, with its symbols of light, demonstrates well enough the fundamental theme of the concept that the bishop of Ravenna, Petrus Chrysologus, and Galla Placidia held concerning the way towards the prize of eternity for the Christian.

Like most of the places of Ravenna, especially the smaller ones, it is usually crowded with tourists, and if you want photos without them you have to be patient and wait for the exact moment to take them - tripods are forbidden so plan before taking a shot.

Closest place to Basilica di San Vitale, including in the same ticket. Small area with huge art in it. All designed by colorful mosaics on the walls and ceiling based on religious and governmental inspiration in Byzantine era.

Mausoleo di Galla Placidia is small but just packed with beautiful mosaics that cover all of the walls in the mausoleum. The windows are incredible too since they are thin slices of agate. During busy times, in order to limit the density of visitors in the building, you wait outside which is why the timed entrances are needed to be reserved. You then enter the building through a black curtain that ensures that you see the mosaics as they were meant to be seen. Well worth a visit and it is bundled with the other in town Ravenna sites.

One of the top 2 mosaic sites in Ravenna (the other is 100 yards away). It is small and will likely be crowded, but entrance is controlled so isn't overwhelming.

Absolutely gorgeous mosaics decorate this ancient church f
Dating back to the decline of Rome Empire. The history of this UNSCO site boggles the mind.

Small mausoleum completely covered in beautiful mosaics and has lovely alabaster windows

A place to visit once in a lifetime. The true connection between Roman and byzantine civilization. The mosaics are astonishing. So are the window panes which are made from alabaster. No words!!!

Unique experience. The ticket states only 5 minutes for the visit (completely insane!), but if you visit not in the high season, you can spend inside as much time as you need.

It is a fantastic place, full of magic, of authentic spiritual experience. You experience a sense of amazement that something so beautiful, but fragile at the same time, was able to last for such a long time, that it was not destroyed. This gives you hope that the beauty of divine essence has an extraordinary power over man and time.

Stunning mosaics - a must-see church. I haven't seen anything to surpass this ceiling. Incredible when you realise just how old it is. Buy a ticket which allows you to visit all the churches and museums - excellent value

Very nice!!!

Buy the tickets online!!!! Dont wait in the queue

Overall it can't compete with S. Vitale, but it is still unique in its own genre. A small masterpiece of Roman masonry, with a deligthful mosaic decoration.
Suggestion: close your eyes before entering and open them as soon as you enter. The blue sky on the vault is really worth the visit.

Really worth the visit. It is amazing small gem.

The entire Ravenna mosaics tour is incredible, but this was one of the highlights (along with the nearby church). Galla Placidia is a really fascinating historical figure but there isn't much information available to you at the mausoleum, so at the very least google a brief summary of her life before visiting!

The Ravenna mosaics ticket can be purchased online and shown on your phone. They aren't too strict about entrance times so don't worry if you miss your slot by a bit.

You can also buy tickets online. They have ticket for all 3 main destinations of Ravenna for 12 euro and reduced for students

Fascinating, don’t miss! Mosaics are incredible. Hot in summer and can be buggy around outside.

One word. Amazing. Worth the couple of Euros it cost to see the beautiful mosaics. On the same grounds as the Basilica. Worth the time and money.

Online ticket works best, combined one. The small interior hides wonders. The color of the light filtered through the yellow windows, the motives on the ceiling and especially the stars make you forget about the actual sarcophagus.

Highly recommended to visit 👌 Fantastic Art mozaico of prevesly century .Beutyfull place!!

Very small and from the outside very simple , this building has impressive mosaics from early Christian times