Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, Ravenna 
Exterior of thee Mausoleum of Galla Placidia. Photo: James Macdonald.
Interior view showing sarcophagi and splendid mosaics.
The sarcophagus intended for Galla Placidia. Photo: James Macdonald.
Starry mosaic ceiling. Photo: James Macdonald.
Good Shepherd mosaic with decorated arch. Photo: James Macdonald.
St. Lawrence with his burning grill. Photo: James Macdonald.
The Mausoleum of Galla Placidia in Ravenna is known for its ancient and breathtaking Christian mosaics.
History
Tradition claims that this cross-shaped structure houses the tomb of Galla Placidia, sister of Honorius, Rome's last emperor. Galla, who died in 450 AD, is one of history's most powerful women.
She became virtual ruler of the Western world after her husband, Ataulf, king of the Visigoths, died, for she was named regent for Valentinian III, only six years old at the time of his father's death.
Galla Placidia died in Rome, and depsite a long tradition to the contrary, it is now doubted that she was ever buried here.
What to See
This 5th-century chapel, in the form of a Latin cross with a barrel-vaulted roof and a dome over the crossing, is so unpretentious on the outside that you'll think you're in the wrong place.
But inside the humble building, entered through a tiny door, are exceptional mosaics dating from about 430 AD. Translucent panels bring the mosaics alive in all their grace and harmony, vivid with blue, green, gold, eggplant, and burnt orange.
Above is a deep blue barrel-vaulted ceiling covered with dozens of red and silver daisy wheels. The mosaics in the cupola literally glitter with stars.
Over the door is a mosaic of Christ the Good Shepherd, and nearby is the less tranquil scene of St. Lawrence about to step onto the flaming grate of his martyrdom.
To the rear of the mausoeum and in the two lateral arms of the cross are marble sarcophagi, believed to house Galla Placidia, her second husband Constantius III (d. 421) and her son Valentinian III (d. 455). It is said that Galla's remains were burned up when a curious local resident bored a hole (still visible) in the marble and used a candle to illuminate the interior.
Quick Facts
| Name: | Mausoleum of Galla Placidia |
| Date: | c.430 AD |
| Architecture: | Byzantine |
| Location: | Via degli Ariani, Ravenna, Italy. Near central pedestrian zone, west of San Giovanni Evangelista. |
| Phone: | 0544 35404 |
| Hours: | Daily 8:30am-7:30pm |
| Cost: | Free |
Location Map
Below is a location map and aerial view of the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia. Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around. For a larger view, see our Ravenna Map or get our free Google Earth download.
- Darwin Porter, Frommer's Italy 2006.
- Ravenna Tourist Office (2006).
- PlanetWare (2006).
- Kristin Jarratt, "The Churches of Ravenna," In Italy Online (2006).
