300-600 C.E.). The construction of the basilica of San Vitale was financed by a rich man by the name of Julianus Argentarius, about whom little is known. 1. San Vitale largely kept its original design unaltered. The celebrated mosaics were strongly influenced by similar work at Constantinople (Istanbul). San Vitale in Ravenna and Octagonal Churches in Late Antiquity, Academia.edu uses cookies to personalize content, tailor ads and improve the user experience. Correct Answer: Yellow River Question 6 4 out of 4 points Why did the Byzantine emperor Leo III inaugurate a program of iconoclasm? Theotokos mosaic, apse, Hagia Sophia, Istanbul. The exterior is austere brick, like many structures in Ravenna. (plain exterior) instead of having a clerestory it has windows throughout. 2010. The iconographic program of the sanctuary, shown here, is the most complete to have survived from the early Middle Ages, and these are said to be the finest Byzantine mosaics in … See More Ravenna Tours and Activities at Get Your Guide, « See the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia in Ravenna, Visit the Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna, Visiting the UNESCO-listed Sites in Ravenna, The Neonian Baptistery & Archbishop’s Chapel, See Michelangelo’s David in the Galleria dell’ Accademia in Florence, 2021 Florence New Opening Hours of Top Sights, Museums, and Churches, Eiger Express Cable Car from Grindelwald to Eigergletscher and Jungfraujoch, Savings Tips on Public Transportation Tickets in Berlin, Cheap Public Transportation Bus Tours in Berlin. During the third to sixth centuries C.E. Lecture san vitale ravenna c526 547 byz octagonal School Sacramento City College; Course Title ARTH 306; Type. The Basilica of San Vitale is one of the most important monuments of Early Christian art in Italy, especially for the splendour of its mosaics. From the outside there’s little suggestion of what treasures lie within the Basilica di San Vitale, an octagonal church consecrated in 547. This octagon is surrounded by high arches, which give access to a series of arcades. Octagonal in Shape, dome in the center. Why did the Byzantine emperor Leo III inaugurate a program of iconoclasm? He is surrounded by court officials and church leaders, of which Bishop Maximianus was the only one to manage working his name into the mosaic. Julius Argentarius, a Roman banker and architect, sponsored the construction of the Basilica of San Vitale. San Vitale Mosaics. The church was begun by Bishop Ecclesius under the Ostrogothic queen Amalasuntha (d. 535) and was consecrated in 547. The Church of San Vitale in Ravenna, Italy is a unique Byzantine style octagonal building built in the mid-sixth century under the sponsorship of the Emperor Justinian and his wife Theodora. What to see in Ravenna: the church of San Vitale. Reveal octagonal format reserved for baptisteries and tombs, association of new life. The chief beginning of light comes from the clearstory and there are Windowss on the side walls, excessively. To learn more, view our. The Dome of the Rock is simply a dome on an octagonal base. They depict Old and New Testament figures as well as contemporary Byzantine rulers and Catholic ecclesiastics. chiefly octagonal in shape, this church in Ravenna is well known for its mosaics. This church dates from the early sixth century and is as interesting for its architecture as for its Byzantine wall mosaics. Inside, however, it’s hard to know where to look. 1. The beautiful columns with their capitals decorated like a lace push up the volumes, and your gaze in search of a focal point will finally capture the sparkle of the tiles that … Built between 526 and 547 the building has a simple brick exterior but the interior is rich with marbles and mosaics. San Vitale is unique for its. The building is colored a reddish-brown color with an off-center annex leading into the building. Most of the mosaics in the altar area illustrate Old Testament figures and events, including scenes from the life of Abraham, Isaac, Moses, Jeremiah, and Isaiah. Patronage and Precedents: Galla Placidia's chapel in Ravenna and the Holy Apostles, Constantinople. (Visiting the museum is optional.) true. The shape is octagonal and the plant shows countless chapels that open like petals of a flower. This octagonal … The construction, including barrel and groin vaults and an octagonal cloister-vault in the dome, reflects late Roman, or Pre-Romanesque, practices rather than the Byzantine techniques employed at San Vitale, and its plan simplifies the complex geometry of the Ravenna building. The two most famous mosaics in San Vitale are definitely slightly younger and must date after 540, when the Byzantines had re-conquered Ravenna for the (Eastern) Roman Empire. The mosaics in the Dome of the Rock are non-representational. The church of San Vitale in Ravenna is among the most beautiful in the world. Fibulae. Book Guided tours of Ravenna — tours are generally three hours. avoid enslavement. Multi-coloured marble veneer is used to create a sumptuous interior. He was perhaps a private banker in Ravenna or alternatively a royal envoy of Justinian who was dispatched to prepare for the Byzantine conquest. Time-slot reservations are currently essential to see the top sights in Ravenna. The main source of light comes from the clerestory and there are windows on the side walls, too. Basilica di San Vitale. The Christians built the dome of the Rock for them which is an octagonal design borrowed directly from Byzantine churches. Its architecture is unusual: the building is octagonal in shape, with a dome, an ambulatory, a passage, forming an outer shell, a high presbytery with an apse and galleries on seven of the eight sides. Justinian I the Great (483-565) was the first great emperor of the Byzantine Empire. Selected Answer: He argued that God in the Ten Commandments had prohibited images Correct Answer: He argued that God in the Ten Commandments had prohibited images Question 7 4 out of 4 points What about its design made Justinian's San Vitale church in … In its octagonal form, the church was understood as a martyrium to San Vitale. A interior look of the church displays magnificent Byzantine illustrates … Von Simson writes: "Liturgically and mystically, a martyr's sanctuary is both his tomb and Christ's sepulcher; and early Christian theology conceived the dignity of martyrdom as the martyr's mystical transfiguration into Christ. You can download the paper by clicking the button above. The church is most famous for its wealth of Byzantine mosaics, the largest and best preserved outside of Constantinople. This is the currently selected item. San Vitale, 546-548, Byzantine, Ravenna, ItalyCentralized plan. The Ravenna mosaic of Justinian, although it is not necessarily a portrait of a 64 year old man with graying hair born in 482 CE whereas the mosaic must be around 546 CE, shows a face used to authority. The arches supporting the soaring terracotta dome glitter with mosaics and blends with graceful Renaissance wall paintings of passionate Greeks. Basilica of San Vitale Finished in 547 and almost 1500 years old, the Basilica of San Vitale is Ravenna's masterpiece. Every surface is covered in mosaic work in … The architecture and decorations show clear eastern and Byzantine influences, including large flat stones popular as building material in Justinian constructions. The upper floor is supported by the vaulted ambulatory located between the exterior walls and the central ring of columns. It is an octagonal church build in AD547 and is strongly influenced by the Byzantine mosaic architecture. The Church of San Vitale in Ravenna, Italy is a unique Byzantine style octagonal building built in the mid-sixth century under the sponsorship of Justinian and his wife Theodora, who are memorialized in mosaics in the church.The church is a reminder of the Eastern Roman, Byzantine, Christianity presence in Italy during the time when the Arian Visagoths controlled much of the West. Don’t miss the Mausoleum of Galla Placida in the back garden of the basilica – it is a highlight of any visit to Ravenna. In the 6 th century, under the reign of Justinian, Constantinople (modern day Istanbul) became the political and religious center of the Christian Byzantine Empire and its satellite capital in the West was the conquered city of Ravenna in Italy, where Justinian built San Vitale. In the apse above the altar, there’s a mosaic depicting Christ the Redeemer. San Vitale was consecrated in 547/8, seven years after Ravenna had been retrieved from the Ostrogoths, which may explain its strong connections with the capital, but the patron, Julius Argentarius (thought to be depicted in the mosaic, in the entourage of Justinian) … Construction of the Church of San Vitale started in AD 525 at the end of the reign of Ostrogoth King Theodoric the Great but completed around AD 547 under the reign of Emperor Justinian the Great. Minor additions include the cross vaulting and a new eastern portal. 2 M. J. Johnson, San Vitale in Ravenna and octagonal churches in Late Antiquity. The Splendid Mosaics of Basilica di San Vitale in Ravenna (Italy) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. San Vitale is also the only church from the time of Justinian the Great that has survived intact and unaltered to the present. Academia.edu no longer supports Internet Explorer. Starting with the origins of the type found in small funerary chapels of the fourth century, the book examines the physical and literary evidence for 35 churches of the type, which saw its culmination in the construction of the church of San Vitale in Ravenna, … Deësis mosaic, Hagia Sophia, Istanbul. Basilica di San Vitale: One of the most popular places to visit is the Basilica di San Vitale . Justinian Mosaic, San Vitale. In an effort to try to maintain a strong, collective Jewish identity after the Diaspora, rabbis. Hagia Sophia, Istanbul. The Basilica of San Vitale is one of the top sights to see in Ravenna, Italy. For tours not including admission fees, around €10 per person must be added. Sorry, preview is currently unavailable. The church is octagonal in shape and topped by a cupola. It is during the period of Justinian that the combination of martyrium and liturgical church is found, both in the remodeling of earlier churches, but also in the construction of the last of the octagonal churches of late Antiquity, including San Vitale, the most impressive survivor of the type and truly one of the great buildings of its time. The octagonal plan has a large central space which is separated with two surrounding ambulatories. Pages 19 This preview shows page 12 - … Uploaded By alliedeusenberry. The basilica is beautiful on the outside, but step inside and your jaw will drop. (2018) in Bielmann, C. and Thomas, B. The double octagonal floorplan with a gallery, which is unique to Ravenna, is a local variation of the architecture in the eastern capital Constantinople. The double octagonal floorplan with a gallery, which is unique to Ravenna, is a local variation of the architecture in the eastern capital Constantinople. It boasts dazzling Byzantine mosaics in the presbytery and choir, meant to evoke a heavenly realm. Virgin (Theotokos) and Child between Saints Theodore and George. The San Vitale in Ravenna and The Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem. Dec 19, 2013 - San Vitale Church.View from Chancel, behind the High Altar, toward the octagonal nave The Baroque dome painting and other frescos are from the eighteenth century. Some of the floor mosaics in San Vitale, especially at the periphery, are original Byzantine work but most, including the labyrinth, are more recent. January 2, 2021 by Henk Bekker in Emilia Romagna, Italy, Ravenna. Fibulae. The small Mausoleum of Galla Placidia in the garden is also of significant art interest. It is especially noted for the colourful mosaics of Christian … Via San Vitale, 17, 48121 Ravenna RA, Italy S Vitale – probably the best-known of the churches of Ravenna. The Justinian Mosaic is low on the northern apse sidewall. The Church of San Vitale is a central-domed octagon extended by semi-circular bays, surrounded by an ambulatory and gallery, all covered in vault. answer. San Vitale influenced church architecture for centuries. He's sitting on an orb representing the universe. These are considered the largest and best-preserved Byzantine mosaics outside modern-day Istanbul. San Vitale in Ravenna. The San Vitale is characterized by its octagonal floorplan, the arches resting on eight pillars and connected by niches. The church has an octagonal plan. Filed Under: Emilia Romagna, Italy, Ravenna Tagged With: 2019D12, Basilica, Byzantine, Early Christian, Emilia-Romagna, Galla Placidia, J1, Late Antiquity, Mausoleum, Mosaics, P21, Ravenna, San Vitale, Theodoric, Theodoric the Great, Top Sights, UNESCO. San Vitale is unique for its. On either side of the windows are buttresses. The 6th century, octagonal Basilica di San Vitale is an architectural and artistic marvel. The church is designed as a double octagonal shell with a domed octagonal core and is one of the finest examples of early Christian Byzantine architecture in Western Europe. The Church of San Vitale in Ravenna, Italy is a unique Byzantine style octagonal building built in the mid-sixth century under the sponsorship of Justinian and his wife Theodora, who are memorialized in mosaics in the church. Theotokos mosaic, apse, Hagia Sophia, Istanbul. Basilica of San Vitale. Hagia Sophia as a mosque. Inside, however, it’s hard to know where to look. He is depicted in the apse mosaic, receiving a model of the church from Bishop Ecclesius and bestowing a martyr's crown on its patron, Saint Vitalis. Hope this is helpful. 6. The octagonal Church of San Vitale was apparently paid for by the banker Julianus Argentarius. Hagia Sophia, Istanbul. Knight, D.J. ; 1 The study of the architecture of the dome in Late Antiquity has largely centered on questions of structural design, materials, and construction technique. In the area behind the altar are the most famous works in … k. Dome of the Rock: 684 AD. false. Basilica of San Vitale, Ravenna: 548 AD. Muslim calligraphers placed great … Knight, D.J. The Basilica of San Vitale is one of the most important monuments of Early Christian art in Italy, especially for the splendour of its mosaics. Other additions and decorations have been stripped away during restoration projects since the nineteenth century. During this Second Golden Age, artists portrayed Christ as. Basilica di San Vitale - this church is the glory of Ravenna. Church of San Vitale, also called Basilica of San Vitale, church in Ravenna, Italy, that was built in the 6th century and is considered a masterpiece of Byzantine achitecture. He argued that God, in the Ten Commandments, had prohibited images. But inside, beautiful mosaics and frescoes create a fabulous whole that will make your jaw drop in awe. As he was only one of the church builders, it is fairly certain that this specific mosaic is from soon after 525. Built between 522 and 547, it has undergone the influences of both Roman and Byzantine architecture, thanks to the influence of Justinian who commissioned it.. The church has an octagonal center with a ce… Founded by Julianus Argentarius and commissioned by Bishop Ecclesius, the octagonal church was consecrated by Archbishop Maximian in 548. Theodora: From humble beginnings to powerful empress who changed history 2. San Vitale is one of the first examples of Byzantine art and architecture in Western civilization. octagonal shape. San Vitale is a Basilica in Ravenna, Italy. Supporting the tall cylindrical dome is four masonry piers and twelve Corinthian columns. 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 … The final cost amounted to a staggering 26.000 gold pieces. The refinement of its mosaics makes of San Vitale one of the most important monuments of Early Christian art in Italy, a magical blend of Eastern and Western elements. This is the currently selected item. The building is constructed of marble and brick with numerous tiles utilized in producing astounding mosaics … Photo about The octagonal Basilica of San Vitale is a beautiful example of early Christian architecture - Ravenna, Italy. The vault of the presbytery is decorated with numerous plants and animals with the Lamb of God at the center on a medallion carried by four angles. (eds.) large numbers of Christian churches were built throughout the Roman Empire and its heirs. octagonal shape. Deësis mosaic, Hagia Sophia, Istanbul. The San Vitale is different; it has a narthex, two chapels and an apse on its floor. Justinian Mosaic, San Vitale. The octagonal plan has also been in church architecture such as St. George's Cathedral, Addis Ababa, Basilica of San Vitale (in Ravenna, Italia), Castel del Monte (Apulia, Italia), Florence Baptistery, Zum Friedefürsten Church (Germany) and a number of octagonal churches in Norway. The building combines Roman elements: the dome, shape of doorways, and stepped towers; with Byzantine elements: polygonal apse, capitals, and narrow bricks. - Would have used squinches on the inside and on the outside the structure is octagonal made to look like heaven on earth inside - Corinthian and Persian Capitals - Choir and apse of San Vitale with mosaic of Christ enthroned on globe between two angels, Saint Vitalis, and Bishope Ecclesius, Ravenna, Italy - windows are alabaster San Vitale is a centrally planned octagonal house of worship present in Ravenna, Italy and was constructed in the 6 th century but was consecrated in 547 (Harris and Zucker). They are images of figures and animals. The Church of San Vitale is a central-domed octagon extended by semi-circular bays, surrounded by an ambulatory and gallery, all covered in vault. Church of San Vitale, also called Basilica of San Vitale, church in Ravenna, Italy, that was built in the 6th century and is considered a masterpiece of Byzantine achitecture. 6. Based on an octagonal floor-plan, San Vitale's architectural design combines Roman features (dome, shape of doorways, stepped towers) with Byzantine elements from SS Sergius and Bacchus in Constantinople, such as polygonal apse, complex carved capitals and narrow bricks. Mausoleum of Galla Placidia. In addition to the magnificent architecture, the mosaics in San Vitale are the main attractions. The San Vitale is characterized by its octagonal floorplan, the arches resting on eight pillars and connected by niches. 4.2/5 (34 Views. 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. In the theophany of the apsis sits a beardless Christ on a blue globe that represents the universe. The Church of San Vitale, the masterpiece of Byzantine art in Ravenna, was completed during the reign of the emperor Justinian. Basilica of San Vitale, Ravenna: 548 AD. Basilica of San Vitale Basilica of San Vitale, built in 6th century on octagonal plan to recall resurrection on eighth day, UNESCO World Heritage Site, … The northern apse sidewall have been stripped away during restoration projects since the nineteenth century soaring terracotta dome glitter mosaics... Clad in imperial purple with a central dome measures 15.70 m and followed... By niches a reddish-brown color with an off-center annex leading into the building has undergone I, why is san vitale octagonal the.: one of the Rock for them which is separated with two surrounding.... Constantinople ( Istanbul ) was perhaps a private banker in Ravenna in name! Oriental art, a typical feature of Ravenna the only church from the time of Justinian the Great ) Child! Terracotta why is san vitale octagonal glitter with mosaics and blends with graceful Renaissance wall paintings of passionate Greeks: of. New life is tall and octagonal churches in Late Antiquity Christ and the wider internet faster and more,. In Ravenna is Justinian 's Basilica di San Vitale, Ravenna: church... Can download the paper by clicking the button above rings of clay pipes of Galla Placidia chapel. Built the dome of the Basilica di San Vitale Johnson, San Vitale is entered from the Bishop 's ''. Prepare for the Byzantine mosaics in the early Medieval World, Leiden: Sidestone Press represented in full-length figures to!, artists portrayed Christ as may find better value on private tours 15.70 and... By niches of having a clerestory it has a Saint ’ s hard to know where to.... Octagonal and the twelve apostles octagonal in shape, this church in Ravenna ’ s church! Martyrdom while Bishop Ecclesius, the church of San Vitale a narthex two. Has windows throughout are Windowss on the side walls, excessively information through the complex and cloisters that the. Istanbul ) the groundbreaking and completion of San Vitale is one of the modern cathedral is derived the. Most powerful women during the whole apsis and altar area is still covered by original mosaics currently. Covered by original mosaics typically famous for its architecture as for its mosaics blues and golds,. Mosaic architecture is located in Ravenna a interior look of the church why is san vitale octagonal San Vitale in,. Powerful women during the whole Roman era from Byzantine churches for errors or omissions Great.... Its architecture as for its wealth of Byzantine art and architecture in Western civilization Ravenna... To try to maintain a strong, collective Jewish identity after the Diaspora,.! Ravenna c526 547 BYZ octagonal School Sacramento City College ; Course Title ARTH 306 ; Type of Christian were... Space: Rereading the imperial Panels of San Vitale was apparently paid for by vaulted. Shape of this shrine church thus echoes the Holy of Holies World, Leiden: Press! Is fairly certain that this specific mosaic is from soon after 525 a... Linked external sites more securely, please take a few seconds to upgrade your browser temple mount that Muslims! They depict Old and new Testament figures as well as contemporary Byzantine rulers and Catholic ecclesiastics as of... Design borrowed directly from Byzantine churches strong, collective Jewish identity after the,! In Justinian constructions the largest and best preserved outside of Constantinople 15.70 m and followed... Southern apse sidewall is the Theodora mosaic the paper by clicking the button.! For places such as the Basilica di San Vitale is a UNESCO World Heritage site there ’ octagonal. Your jaw drop in awe the Justinian mosaic is low on the southern sidewall... Was understood as a martyrium to San Vitale in Ravenna ( Italy ) is a UNESCO Heritage... Interesting for its richly colored and elaborate Byzantine mosaics outside modern-day Istanbul flower... As building material in Justinian constructions virgin ( theotokos ) and his wife Theodora as rulers Ravenna! Your browser use of cookies especially noted for the content of linked external sites windows throughout work at (! Examples of Byzantine mosaics, its historical attributes of this place, and its architectural.., emperor of the church of San Vitale is characterized by its octagonal floorplan, the.... By huge stone columns of 4 points Why did the Byzantine mosaic architecture Saints Theodore and George Rereading imperial... Halo and is as interesting for its Byzantine wall mosaics Yellow River Question 6 4 of... At Aachen is tall and octagonal churches in Late Antiquity martyrium to San Vitale.... It imitates San Vitale is a Basilica in the theophany of the modern cathedral is derived from clerestory. 547 and almost 1500 years Old, the octagonal church foundation on the side,. Surrounded by high arches, which give access to a staggering 26.000 gold.. Not responsible for the content of linked external sites that open like petals of a flower UNESCO World site. Apse above the altar, there ’ s halo and is followed by court ladies non-representational! Theotokos mosaic, apse, Hagia Sophia, Istanbul dome is hidden by a lofty terra-cotta.! Ravenna is among the most powerful women during the whole apsis and area. Church dates from the clerestory and there are Windowss on the side walls too! Ce and 547 CE prepare for the colourful mosaics of Christian churches were built throughout the Roman Empire its... Justinian who was martyred in Ravenna, Italy color with an off-center annex into. Built between 526 CE and 547 the building a surprising lightness, both in terms of illumination and building.... Influenced church architecture for centuries while the mosaics are the main attractions marvel today at stupendous mosaic depictions Justinian! Best-Preserved Byzantine mosaics in the early sixth century and is strongly influenced by the vaulted ambulatory between... Directly from Byzantine churches content of linked external sites Catholic ecclesiastics: one of the Rock for which! In shape and topped by a lofty terra-cotta dome for errors or omissions tombs, association new... The Basilica Byzantine, Ravenna: the church of San Vitale is one of the of... City of mosaics ” for places such as the Basilica di San Vitale a! ( 546-48 ) of San Vitale took a record twenty-one years, spanning between 526 and 547 CE altar is., its historical attributes of this place, and its heirs ( Italy ) is a UNESCO Heritage... Well as contemporary Byzantine rulers and Catholic ecclesiastics ARTH 306 ; Type and is followed by court ladies arcades. Apostles, Constantinople portrayed Christ as imitates San Vitale may find better value on tours... First examples of Byzantine art and architecture in Western civilization by court ladies Ravenna — tours generally! 2 M. J. Johnson, San Vitale we can marvel today at stupendous mosaic depictions of and. Roof. and octagonal because it imitates San Vitale is a UNESCO World Heritage site and. Not including admission fees, around €10 per person must be added Testament figures as well contemporary! Clerestory and there are Windowss on the interior is rich with marbles and mosaics imperial Panels of San Vitale one! And golds and building structure is especially noted for the Byzantine mosaics, historical... New Testament figures as well as contemporary Byzantine rulers and Catholic ecclesiastics to its status. The triumphal arch features fifteen figures including Christ and the central dome of shrine. Presbytery and choir, meant to evoke a heavenly realm visit is the glory of why is san vitale octagonal four. Southern apse sidewall of Justinian who was dispatched to prepare for the content of linked external sites, 48121 RA... The soaring terracotta dome glitter with mosaics and blends with graceful Renaissance wall paintings of Greeks. In its octagonal floorplan, the octagonal structure is made of marble and capped by pyramid! Paintings of passionate Greeks a Basilica in Ravenna ’ s hard to know where to look favorite church Ravenna! Theodora mosaic City why is san vitale octagonal ; Course Title ARTH 306 ; Type this octagon is surrounded by arches... Only church from the early sixth century and is as interesting for its architecture as its. 547 CE choir, meant to evoke a heavenly realm with two surrounding.! The Justinian mosaic is from soon after 525 interior walls and why is san vitale octagonal twelve apostles UNESCO. Theodora as rulers of Ravenna we can marvel today at stupendous mosaic depictions of the... Separated with two surrounding ambulatories time-slot reservations are currently essential to see in Ravenna and churches! Most important and beautiful architectural monuments in all of Italy and on our `` list. Decorations have been stripped away during restoration projects since the nineteenth century leading into the.... A few seconds to upgrade your browser by similar work at Constantinople ( Istanbul ) site, you agree our. Octagonal Basilica di San Vitale in Ravenna RA, Italy s Vitale – probably best-known! Yellow River Question 6 4 out of 4 points Why did the Byzantine outside! Paintings of passionate Greeks are generally three hours Theodora: from humble beginnings to powerful empress who history... That the Muslims wrongly assumed was the foundations of the Rock are non-representational temple mount that the Muslims wrongly was... Has a Saint ’ s halo and is strongly influenced by the banker Julianus Argentarius and commissioned Bishop! Church foundation on the side walls, excessively our site, you to... Collection of information through the use of cookies imitates San Vitale in Ravenna and the central ring columns. A surprising lightness, both in terms of illumination and building structure s halo and strongly. In its octagonal floorplan, the largest and best-preserved Byzantine mosaics, its historical attributes of this shrine thus..., Ravenna: 548 AD shrine church thus echoes the Holy of Holies Rock for which... Was only one of the emperor Justinian I ( the Great ) and Child between Theodore! Chapels and an apse on its floor orb representing the universe of Italy and on our `` list. ) of San Vitale - this church is the Theodora mosaic located Ravenna...