Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo
Church Early Christian basilica in Ravenna with Byzantine mosaics
A sixth-century Ravenna basilica known for its long Byzantine mosaic friezes depicting processions and saints; visitors examine early-Christian iconography and the nave illuminated by clerestory windows.
The Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo is an early Byzantine church in Ravenna famous for its well-preserved mosaic program. It dates to the early 6th century and originated under Ostrogothic rule.
Long nave walls lined with continuous rows of mosaic figures depict processions of saints and scenes from the life of Christ, executed in the sixth century and notable for their color and iconography. The apse mosaic presents a central Christ figure and attendant imagery typical of the period.
Built in the early 500s as a palace chapel and Arian church under Theoderic the Great, the basilica was adapted to Nicene Christian worship after the Byzantine reconquest and its mosaics were preserved through those transitions.
Situated in central Ravenna, the basilica is within the cluster of early-Christian and Byzantine monuments that form the city’s UNESCO World Heritage area.
- Mosaic highlights: The church contains extensive early Byzantine mosaics from the 6th century, best seen in natural daylight through the nave windows.
How to Get to Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo #
The Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo is in the historic center of Ravenna, a short walk from the main sights. From Ravenna train station (Stazione di Ravenna) it’s about a 10-15 minute walk into the city center; local city buses also stop within easy walking distance of the basilica.
If driving from Bologna or other nearby cities, Ravenna is reached via the A14/E45 corridor; allow roughly 1-1.5 hours by car depending on origin and traffic.
Tips for Visiting Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo #
- Visit early in the morning when light is softer and the mosaics are less crowded so you can study the details without groups in front of panels.
- Allow time to walk the full length of the nave and focus on the continuous processional and biblical mosaic cycles - these 6th-century Byzantine mosaics are the basilica's defining feature.
- Buy the local Ravenna combined-ticket for multiple early-Christian monuments if you plan to see more than one site in town; it typically saves time and money compared with separate admissions.
Best Time to Visit Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo #
Best in shoulder seasons or mornings to avoid peak summer crowds and have a calmer visit to the mosaics and interior.
Weather & Climate near Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo #
Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo'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 (667 mm/year).
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 30°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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August
August is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 15°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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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.
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December
December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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