Experts' Choice Award Mausoleo di Galla Placidia
What the experts agree on
A plain brick exterior hides one of Ravenna's most stunning sights: deep midnight-blue mosaics glittering with gold stars, doves, and peaceful symbolism inside this 5th-century mausoleum.
“Star and floral motifs adorn the dark blue vaults and cupola. In the tympanum and on the pendentives, the mosaics have a symbolism redolent of peace.”
– Michelin Guide
Frommer's "This 5th-century mausoleum (part of the San Vitale complex), looks deceptively plain from the outside, but the dimly lit interior contains some eye-popping mosaics." Full review
Frommer's "Doves drink from fountains, as the faithful are nourished by God; a purple-robed Christ is surrounded by lambs, as the Heavenly king is surrounded by the faithful." Full review
Fodor's "The exterior's seeming poverty of charm only serves to enhance by contrast the richness of the interior mosaics, in deep midnight blue and glittering gold. " Full review
Atlas Obscura "An incredible mosaic-lined monument said to have held the remains of an ancient Roman empress. " Full review
Travel + Leisure "“It’s a beautiful example of early Christian architecture: humble and simple on the outside but preserves so much richness on the inside”...every centimeter of the interiors is ornamented"
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The Guardian "The dark blue in the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia is an exceptional example of a colour that is called blu oltremare in Italian, or 'beyond the sea' – and signifies passing the boundary..."
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