Sant'Apollinare Nuovo
On Gingerguide's self-guided Ravenna audio tour, Sant'Apollinare Nuovo is a stop worth about ~30 min. Stand in front of it, press play for a short narrated story, and put any follow-up question to the built-in AI guide.
- Type religious
- Suggested visit ~30 min
- Ravenna Ravenna guide
About Sant'Apollinare Nuovo
Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, the palace church built by Theodoric in Ravenna around 505, whose long nave walls are covered with gold mosaics of saints, virgins and the three Magi in procession.
Theodoric built the church for his Arian court; after the Byzantine conquest it passed to the Catholic church and its mosaics were partly changed. The great processions of martyrs and virgins on gold date from that time. Look for the palace of Theodoric and the port of Classe in mosaic, and for the hands left on the columns where figures were removed.
The church is part of the diocesan combined ticket. Hours are shorter from early November, and visits pause during services.
Did you know? In Sant'Apollinare Nuovo the three Magi wear Persian trousers and pointed caps, and their names, Balthasar, Melchior and Gaspar, are written above them.
How much time do you need at Sant'Apollinare Nuovo?
Around ~30 min works well for Sant'Apollinare Nuovo — time to look properly and listen to its story on the spot. Linger if you like; nothing on a self-guided walk is on a clock.
Should you stop at Sant'Apollinare Nuovo?
Yes — Sant'Apollinare Nuovo made the cut as one of 13 places the Gingerguide team researched and narrated across Ravenna. The story tells you why it is worth the stop, and the AI guide fills in anything you still wonder.
Nearby stops in Ravenna
Sources and further reading
Where to check the facts about Sant'Apollinare Nuovo and read more:
Day 1 of the Ravenna in 2 days itinerary →
Updated:
Hear the story of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo
Preview the Ravenna tour free in the Gingerguide app.