What is the Justinian mosaic made of?

marble
Gold, glass, and marble dazzle the eye in this 6th-century church. High above us, Emperor Justinian presides.

When was the Basilica of Sant Apollinare built?

6th century
The Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo is a basilica church in Ravenna, Italy. It was erected by the Ostrogothic king Theodoric the Great as his palace chapel during the first quarter of the 6th century (as attested to in the Liber Pontificalis).

Why is the San Vitale important?

The church is most famous for its wealth of Byzantine mosaics. St Vitale boasts the largest and best preserved mosaics outside of Istanbul. The church is of extreme importance in Byzantine art, as it is the only major church from the period of the Emperor Justinian I to survive virtually intact.

Who built San Vitale in Ravenna?

The church was begun by Bishop Ecclesius in 526 under the Ostrogothic queen Amalasuntha (died 535) and was consecrated in 547. It was dedicated to the martyr Vitalis, the patron saint of Ravenna. At the time, the city was the capital of the Western Roman Empire.

Who made the mosaics in Ravenna?

Their most notable king, Theodoric the Great (454–526) built some of Ravenna’s most impressive monuments including the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, the Palace of Theoderic, and the Mausoleum of Theodoric.

What does the halo signify in this mosaic from Ravenna?

Represents Theodora’s power and her offerings to Christ. She is crowned with a halo signifying her divinity and her role as co-regent.

Who built the Basilica Sant Apollinare?

Theodoric
This basilica was built by Theodoric sometime after 500 AD as an Arian cathedral (in the same era as the Arian Baptistery) dedicated to Christ; it was converted into a Catholic church dedicated to St. Martin around 560.

Who is Saint Apollinaris in Ravenna?

The Basilica of Sant’ Apollinare in Classe (“Saint Apollinaris in Classe”) is a church in Classe, Ravenna, Italy, consecrated on 9 May 549 by the bishop Maximian and dedicated to Saint Apollinaris, the first bishop of Ravenna and Classe.

What is Saint Apollinare Nuovo?

Saint’Apollinare Nuovo was built (493-526) by Theoderic, king of the Goths, as the palatine basilica.

What does Saint Apollinaris do in the middle of the valley?

in the lower one is a green valley with rocks, bush, plants and birds. In the middle is the figure of Saint Apollinaris, portrayed in the act of praying God to give grace to his faithful, symbolized by twelve white lambs.

Where are the relics of Saint Apollinaris now?

The relics of Saint Apollinaris are today in the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe The exterior has a large facade with two simple uprights and one mullioned window with three openings. The narthex and building to the right of the entry are later additions, as is the fine 9th century round bell tower with mullioned windows .