Mausoleo di Galla Placidia — Attraction in Ravenna

Mausoleum build in the 5th century for Galla Placida, the imperial daughter of the roman emperor Theodosius I, also called Theodosius The Great (347 AD – 395 AD), an emperor bn in Hispania and devout orthodox christian, that was known by his success in several campaigns against the Goths, tw civil wars and in establishing an orthodox doctrine (The Creed of Nicaea) in opposition to the Aria (The Creed of Nicaea) being the last emperor to rule the entire Roman Empire before its administration was permanently split between the West and East.

His daughter became sister, wife and mother of emperors, and Galla Placidia reigned the Western Roman Empire. Built c.430 AD, and like the exterior of most of Ravennas majestic places it is rustic and sober, made with orange bricks, but the interior has a magnificent decoration.

You can see countless stars of the cupola - although similar to the great pagan mausoleums with a central plan, single entrance door, vertex of the roof and external sobriety, the inside of this mausoleum is entirely covered with Christian symbols of immortality and eternal life.

For Galla Placidia the glory of the Christian Roman Empire was expressed by the cross, and the mausoleum has the form of a Latin cross, which is the main symbol of the mosaic at the center of the vault.

It is the celestial cross shining among the stars of the sky – the sky of eternal salvation; the sky of the Kingdom of God. The heavenly vault of the great entrance, with its symbols of light, demonstrates well enough the fundamental theme of the concept that the bishop of Ravenna, Petrus Chrysologus, and Galla Placidia held concerning the way towards the prize of eternity for the Christian.

Like most of the places of Ravenna, especially the smaller ones, it is usually crowded with tourists, and if you want photos without them you have to be patient and wait for the exact moment to take them - tripods are forbidden so plan before...

Museo Galla Placidia – A Hidden Gem in Ravenna with Incredible Mosaics

If you’re in Ravenna, don’t miss the Museo Galla Placidia—a small but absolutely stunning museum that’s packed with some of the most exquisite Byzantine mosaics you’ll find anywhere in the world. Though it’s not as large as some of the other attractions in the city, it’s a true hidden gem that will leave you in awe.

The museum is home to some of the most beautiful mosaics in Ravenna, especially in its mausoleum, which houses the tomb of Galla Placidia, the daughter of the Roman Emperor Theodosius I. The mosaics here are simply breathtaking, with intricate patterns and vivid colors that have remained remarkably well-preserved. One of the highlights is the Starry Sky Mosaic, which covers the ceiling and creates the illusion of a sky filled with twinkling stars—a truly magical sight.

The Galla Placidia Mausoleum is small in size, but the artwork and symbolism contained within its walls are monumental. The mosaics here depict Christian themes, including biblical scenes and symbolic representations, with a sense of serenity and grandeur that makes it feel timeless.

Why Visit: • The museum offers an up-close look at Byzantine art and mosaics, showcasing craftsmanship that’s over 1,500 years old. • It’s not crowded, making it a peaceful spot to reflect and admire the incredible mosaics in a serene setting. • The Starry Sky Mosaic is one of the most unique and beautiful features in Ravenna.

Though small, the Museo Galla Placidia offers a rich and immersive experience, and the mosaics alone make it one of the most remarkable spots in Ravenna. If you love art, history, and architecture, this is a...

Ravenna is a city of fascinating mosaics. We are fascinated by every Basilica, every church, every square, every street, every brick, every mosaics .... Its rich history leaves no one indifferent. The presence of the Romans and Byzantines left a deep mark on the development and wealth of Ravenna. So this Galla Placidia Mausoleum is a wonderful example of Byzantine art. According to legend Galla Placidia built this building to serve as a mausoleum for her and her family. The most interesting details inside the mausoleum are the beautiful mosaics that cover the entire interior of the building. The mosaics depict the four apostles of Christ on the vault and the eight apostles on the walls and with colorful decorations symbolize the victory of eternal life over death. Above the front door is a painted Jesus Christ with his stick. In this, early, view of Christ, he is presented as a young man, a shepherd in the natural environment, which differs greatly from the later presentation. There are three sarcophagi in the mausoleum that allegedly guard the remains of Galla Placidia and her family members. Galla Placidia had a rich and turbulent history. Aelia Galla Placidia (388-450AD) was the daughter of Emperor Theodosius the First, the last Roman ruler to hold both empires, the Eastern Roman Empire and the Western Roman Empire. Aelia Galla Placidia (388-450AD) was the daughter of Emperor Theodosius the First, the last Roman ruler to hold both empires, the Eastern Roman Empire and the Western Roman Empire. Extremely beautiful mausoleum...