San Vitale Floor Plan

The plan of san vitale is borrowed and used by constructions such as the palace chapel of charlemagne in germany.

San vitale floor plan.

Floor plan of the 6th century byzantine san vitale church in ravenna italy. The mosaics of the basilica of san vitale. San vitale commentary the double shell plan comprised a domed octagonal core with wedge shaped piers framing two storied apsidial columnar screens with a deep chancel running off to the east. All visitors would marvel at its intricate design and magnificent golden mosaics.

Church of san vitale church in ravenna italy that was built in the 6th century and is considered a masterpiece of byzantine architecture. The basilica of san vitale is a late antique church in ravenna italy the 6th century church is an important surviving example of early christian byzantine art and architecture it is one of eight structures in ravenna inscribed on the unesco world heritage list its foundational inscription describes the church as a basilica though its centrally planned design is not typical of the basilica form. It is especially noted for the colorful mosaics of christian iconography that decorate the interior walls and ceilings. Some of the floor mosaics in san vitale especially at the periphery are original byzantine work but most including the labyrinth are more recent.

It was consecrated in 547 and completed soon after. Learn more about the church s construction and artwork. These are considered the largest and best preserved. Built on a sharply inclined hillside above the village of riva san vitale on the shores of lake lugano the house is set in the lower part of the plot and laid out on different levels like a tower.

It was begun in 526 or 527 under ostrogothic rule. San vitale s mosaics are from different times but altogether belong to the 6th century the oldest from bishops ecclesius time is the one depicting the theophany in the apsidal semi dome. San vitale is best known for its beautiful mosaics which adorn every aspect of the church from the ceiling to the floor. In addition to the magnificent architecture the mosaics in san vitale are the main attractions.

San vitale begun c. 526 527 consecrated 547 ravenna italy san vitale is one of the most important surviving examples of byzantine architecture and mosaic work. Sadly with heads turned up looking at all the iconography few have taken the time to look down at the floors. But beauty is not everything san vitale has.

One depicting the justinian procession and another the theodora procession mosaics can be seen in all available spaces lunettes extrados.