Sant'Apollinare in Classe
Sant'Apollinare in Classe features on the Gingerguide audio walk through Ravenna. Give it roughly ~30 min: enough to look, hear a two to three minute story on the spot, and ask the AI guide whatever the story leaves open.
- Type religious
- Suggested visit ~30 min
- Ravenna Ravenna guide
About Sant'Apollinare in Classe
Sant'Apollinare in Classe, a basilica of 549 standing alone among the fields south of Ravenna, whose apse mosaic shows Saint Apollinaris among white lambs in a green meadow under a jewelled cross.
The basilica was consecrated in 549 by Bishop Maximian and paid for by the banker Julianus Argentarius, who also paid for San Vitale. It stood in Classe, the old port of Ravenna; the sea has since moved about nine kilometres away. Twenty-four columns of striped marble lead to the apse, and ancient sarcophagi line the walls.
This is a state site with its own ticket; it is about five kilometres south of the centre, by train, bus or bike. Visits pause during services, and hours are shorter in winter.
Did you know? Sant'Apollinare in Classe was consecrated on 9 May 549 and paid for by the banker Julianus Argentarius, who also paid for San Vitale.
How long is a visit to Sant'Apollinare in Classe?
Set aside roughly ~30 min for Sant'Apollinare in Classe. That covers a good look and the narrated story, and because you set the pace you can always stay on.
Is Sant'Apollinare in Classe worth your time?
Sant'Apollinare in Classe is among the 13 narrated highlights the Gingerguide team chose for Ravenna, so it is worth a look. Hear the story for the context, then ask the AI guide for anything more.
Nearby stops in Ravenna
Sources and further reading
Where to check the facts about Sant'Apollinare in Classe and read more:
Day 2 of the Ravenna in 2 days itinerary →
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Hear the story of Sant'Apollinare in Classe
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