Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, Ravenna (must see)

The Mausoleum of Galla Placidia is a Late Antique Roman structure constructed between 425 and 450 AD. This site was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1996, along with seven other landmarks in Ravenna.

Despite its name, the mausoleum is not the final resting place of Empress Galla Placidia. The misconception that she was buried here dates back to the thirteenth century. In reality, Galla Placidia passed away in Rome and was interred there, likely beside Emperor Honorius in the Mausoleum of Honorius at Old Saint Peter's Basilica.

The "mausoleum" was originally an adjunct to the Church of the Holy Cross (Santa Croce) in Ravenna, constructed in 417 as the church for the imperial palace and probably dedicated to Saint Lawrence. It has a cruciform layout with a central dome supported by pendentives and barrel vaults over its four transepts. A square tower encases the exterior of the dome, rising above the lateral wings with decorative blind arcades. The brick surface is set with narrow mortar joints, and alabaster window panels allow light to enter.

The interior of the mausoleum is adorned with exquisite mosaics. Two notable mosaic lunettes are located inside, and the remainder of the interior is filled with mosaics featuring Christian and Apocalyptic symbols. The mosaics, crafted from glass tesserae, embellish the vaulted ceilings, lunettes, and cupola, showcasing high-quality work. Above the entrance portal, there is a mosaic portraying Christ as the Good Shepherd among his flock.