Basilica di Sant'Apollinare Nuovo

About the museum

The basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo was built by Theodoric, king of the Goths, between 493 and 526 as a palatine church in the heart of the historic centre of Ravenna. Originally used for Arian worship, it was converted to the Catholic rite around 561, after the expulsion of the Goths, and dedicated to Saint Martin of Tours, with the name “in Ciel d’oro” (in the golden sky) for the splendour of its gilded coffered ceiling.

From the Gothic period survive the scenes of the life of Christ, the prophets, and the images of the city of Classe and of the Palatium on the walls of the nave. During the conversion, some figures of Theodoric’s court were erased and replaced by curtains, and fragments of hands are still visible today. The apse mosaics, however, were lost between the 7th and 8th centuries.

The mosaic decoration entirely covers the side walls: in the upper band are the parables, miracles and episodes of the Passion; in the lower band are the two long processions of martyrs and virgins, created after 561. Today the basilica is part of the early Christian monuments of Ravenna recognised by UNESCO, and it is managed by the Opera di Religione della Diocesi di Ravenna.

Highlights

• Mosaic cycles on the walls of the nave
• Processions of martyrs and virgins
• Images of the city of Classe and of the Palatium
• Gilded coffered ceiling
• Former palatine basilica of Theodoric

Permanent exhibition

• Mosaici della basilica – The Byzantine and Gothic-period mosaics of the nave walls, with the procession of martyrs and virgins and the scenes from the life of Christ.

Founded

505

Operated by

Opera di Religione della Diocesi di Ravenna

Visitors per year

approx. 415,000

Admission & discounts

Entry to the basilica is included only in the combined tickets. Free admission also for clergy, military personnel and police, ICOM members, residents of the Comune di Ravenna (with a document), licensed tourist guides and accompanying teachers (one per 10 students). Prices 2026.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Access is from the square with cobblestones and a signposted ramp. People with mobility disabilities enter through the side door to the right of the façade, under the portico, which has a fixed ramp. In winter, entry is from the bookshop, with a ramp up to the quadriportico, and then two steps lead into the basilica. An equipped toilet is in the quadriportico. Only guide dogs or pet-therapy dogs are admitted. Project “Mosaici for all”.

Kids & families

• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities

The Opera di Religione welcomes families with children and strollers; staff indicate the easiest route.

Getting there & parking

The basilica is on Via di Roma, in the historic centre of Ravenna, set back from the road and preceded by a flower bed. It should not be confused with Sant’Apollinare in Classe.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Shop and ticket office; refreshment room; toilets with a changing table. Eating and drinking are prohibited inside the diocesan monuments.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit