Beyond the UNESCO-listed eight monuments that present Byzantine history, what else should one not miss in Ravenna? The city does an excellent task in keeping these eight places on the map and well described. Yet, other fabulous finds in Ravenna connect to Byzantine history. Let’s explore these hidden Byzantine gems of non-UNESCO sites in Ravenna.
The National Museum of Ravenna
When my wife and I entered this building, we thought it was a small area near San Vitale and provided a place to visit that could avoid the rain. Yet, two hours later, the place amazed us with the vast scope of Byzantine history and insights.
On the second floor, an impressive Byzantine sarcophagus and capital sit unlabeled for observation. This is one of the unique Byzantine gems.
In my explorations, I attempt to learn new things, but I often do not describe things correctly. I hope that as you travel with me, you will also observe new thing.
San Francesco Basilica
St. Agatha Church
The fascinating thing about this Byzantine gem called the St. Agatha Basilica is the manner of the apse, where simple furniture is on display. I was intrigued since it formally displayed a mosaic and frescoes. Yet, the marble throne and the window designs give insight into what most places in eastern Byzantine areas lack.
In my travels to Byzantine sites, I often see broken panels with crosses, ribbons, and hearts, but never together. Here in this church, I found one, most likely a 6th—or 7th-century sarcophagus. (There is one in the Ravenna National Museum, also.)
Look at the apse and the 6th-century Proconneisian marble pulpit in the video:
Another Byzantine Gem – Spirito Santo Church
This 5th church is active today and does not advertise for tourists to come to its services. There were no advertised hours, but on Sunday, I wanted to visit a church, and this one became my choice. The Romanian Orthodox church provided a very animated sermon, with the singing time including a responsive singing of priests and parishioners.
The capitals and the Proconnesian marble ambo are from the Constantinople area. The ambo crosses had world-shaped bottoms and panels of flowery imagery, like the tree of life displayed, growing upward. See a clear picture here. Above the capitals and pillars, the upper side walls display fresco paintings from a later period, some in rectangles and others in Byzantine windows replicating the life of Christ and Mary, which are found in the former Chora church in Istanbul.
The apse area had a wall dividing it from the congregation and the priestly area. On one occasion, the priest returned to obtain the Bible/books and a cross for his message and presentation. The program was well organized and moved forward quickly. Most women were covered, and the men, if standing, had their arms straight down in front of them.
My quiet visit exploration can be found below for those interested. This is an unlisted video since the church is not open to tourists.
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