Basilica of Sant'Apollinare in Classe

Church Byzantine-era basilica renowned for its mosaics

Outside Ravenna, the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe preserves 6th‑century Byzantine mosaics in an early Christian basilica built for the port community. Visitors study mosaic iconography and the site’s archaeological context.

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The Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe is an early Byzantine church located in the village of Classe, near Ravenna in Emilia-Romagna, Italy, and is one of the region’s best-preserved examples of early medieval ecclesiastical architecture. It dates to the 6th century and is celebrated for its mosaics and preserved basilica plan.

The interior contains one of the most famous early medieval apse mosaics in Italy, with a central figure of Saint Apollinaris set within a symbolic landscape and flanked by a procession of sheep and holy imagery. The basilica’s architectural form - a long nave with side aisles and a raised apse - illustrates Byzantine liturgical design adapted in Italy.

Built in the 6th century during Ravenna’s period as an imperial centre, the church served as a regional episcopal seat and retains much of its original mosaic decoration and plan through later conservation. Its proximity to Ravenna links it to the city’s wider suite of Byzantine-era monuments.

Situated in Classe, a suburb of Ravenna near the Adriatic coast, the basilica lies within the historic context of Ravenna’s early medieval monuments and is accessible from the city of Ravenna.

  • Apse mosaic: Renowned for its well-preserved 6th-century apse mosaic depicting Saint Apollinaris flanked by sheep against a starry, purple background.
Basilica of Sant'Apollinare in Classe
Basilica of Sant'Apollinare in Classe, Via degli Ariani 1, 48121 Classe, Ravenna RA, Italy
+39 0544 542 531
44.3801, 12.2332
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https://www.ravennafestival.org/en/venues/santapollinareinclasse/
Typically open to visitors daily with limited hours for the basilica and separate opening times for the archaeological site (check local schedules)
Free to view exterior; church services regular (donation suggested); archaeological area access may have small fees

How to Get to Basilica of Sant'Apollinare in Classe #

From Ravenna’s central station, take local bus routes (AT A/R) toward Classe or a 15-20 minute taxi ride. The basilica is a short drive from the city centre; limited parking is available.

Tips for Visiting Basilica of Sant'Apollinare in Classe #

  • Attend a weekday mass to hear the basilica's acoustics and see the mosaics in use by the local community.
  • Combine the visit with the nearby archaeological area of Classe - the site of the Roman port of Ravenna.
  • Wear modest clothing when entering sacred spaces; photography inside may be restricted during services.

Best Time to Visit Basilica of Sant'Apollinare in Classe #

Best in shoulder seasons for comfortable visits and clearer viewing of mosaics without excessive crowds.

Spring/Autumn (Apr-Jun, Sep-Oct)
April-June, September-October · 10-25°C
Mild weather and good light for mosaics without the high-season crowds.
Winter (Nov-Mar)
November-March · 3-12°C
Quieter, but some seasonal closures or reduced hours for services.

Weather & Climate near Basilica of Sant'Apollinare in Classe #

Climate

Basilica of Sant'Apollinare in Classe's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 0°C to 30°C. Moderate rainfall (662 mm/year).

Best Time to Visit
JulyJuneAugust
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
34°
Warmest Month
-2°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

47 Poor

Comfort

3°
Feels Like Cold
3°C
Temperature
0° – 6°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

40 mm
Rainfall
1.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.1
UV Index
Low
9.1h daylight

February

February is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

61 Good

Comfort

5°
Feels Like Cold
5°C
Temperature
1° – 9°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

37 mm
Rainfall
2.1 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.3
UV Index
Low
10.3h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

63 Good

Comfort

9°
Feels Like Cold
9°C
Temperature
4° – 13°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

53 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
11.8h daylight

April

April is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

73 Very Good

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
8° – 17°
76%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

55 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.0
UV Index
Moderate
13.3h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

83 Excellent

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Cool
18°C
Temperature
13° – 23°
72%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

50 mm
Rainfall
2.3 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.4
UV Index
High
14.6h daylight

June

June is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm) and mostly sunny skies.

89 Excellent

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
16° – 27°
68%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

49 mm
Rainfall
2.3 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.7
UV Index
Very High
15.3h daylight

July

July is the warmest month with highs of 30°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm) and mostly sunny skies.

91 Ideal

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Warm
24°C
Temperature
19° – 30°
64%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

46 mm
Rainfall
2.3 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.7
UV Index
Very High
15.0h daylight

August

August is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and mostly sunny skies.

89 Excellent

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Warm
24°C
Temperature
19° – 30°
65%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

59 mm
Rainfall
2.1 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.4
UV Index
High
13.8h daylight

September

September is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 15°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm).

83 Excellent

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
15° – 25°
68%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

71 mm
Rainfall
2.1 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.9
UV Index
Moderate
12.4h daylight

October

October is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

71 Very Good

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
10° – 19°
75%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

66 mm
Rainfall
2.0 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.5
UV Index
Moderate
10.8h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C. The wettest month with 81 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.

51 Acceptable

Comfort

8°
Feels Like Cold
8°C
Temperature
5° – 12°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

81 mm
Rainfall
2.0 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.2
UV Index
Low
9.5h daylight

December

December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

47 Poor

Comfort

4°
Feels Like Cold
4°C
Temperature
1° – 7°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

55 mm
Rainfall
2.1 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.7h daylight

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