Ravenna
Posted by Martin Orr on Monday, 07 August 2006 at 08:33
Apologies for the double post, but I will build up quite a backlog if I don't.
During the fourth century, the centre of the Roman empire moved east to Byzantium and Rome itself was sacked by the Visigoths in 410. After this the capital of the Western Roman Empire was moved to Ravenna, and for a few hundred years it was about the only city in western Europe not to be overrun by barbarian tribes. So it has a large number of fine fifth and sixth century churhces, which have somehow survived.
The buildings are all in reddish-brown brick, and they seem to have liked octagons. But what makes them really special are the mosaics of Biblical scenes and saints which decorate the walls and ceilings. These are wonderfully colourful, in blue and green and gold tiles. The Basilica San Vitale is particularly splendid - and still in regular use as a church.
-- Martin