Captivating Mosaic Marvels

Our cruise ship docked in Ravenna, which would serve as our base for two days. Initially, we had intended to visit Venice, situated to the north of Ravenna. However, since 2021, Venice has implemented a ban on cruise ships entering the city, meaning we would have had to endure a 3-hour bus journey to reach our destination. While we weren't entirely against the idea, it seemed impractical to spend so much time traveling for just a single day in Venice. Although Venice is one of Jeff's favorite ports, and we've had the pleasure of visiting it numerous times, we decided to explore Ravenna instead . As it turned out, we were unexpectedly delighted with our decision to stay in Ravenna.

Ravenna has a surprising rich history - it served as the capital of the Western Roman Empire for three hundred years and became a thriving hub for talented craftsmen, artists and master masons. This city, in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, is renowned for its stunning and well-preserved Byzantine mosaics dating back to the 5th and 6th centuries. These mosaics are considered some of the finest examples of early Christian and Byzantine art in the world.

During our visit, we had the opportunity to explore two of these incredible masterpieces.

• First, we visited the the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, named for the daughter of the Roman Emperor Theodosius I, who was a powerful figure in the late Roman Empire. The interior of this mausoleum is adorned with breathtaking mosaics set against a rich, deep blue background. It's hard to imagine the time and effort to construct such a marvel. The mosaics were created by skillfully arranging small (about 1/4 inch), colorful pieces of stone, glass, or other materials, known as tesserae, into intricate designs and patterns. These tesserae were set into a layer of mortar or plaster, which was then allowed to harden, creating a durable and long-lasting artistic surface. Some of the most notable mosaics in the mausoleum include:

The mosaic of the Good Shepherd, which depicts Christ as a shepherd tending to his flock.

The mosaic of the Martyrdom of St. Lawrence, which shows a toga-clad St Lawrence standing next to the gridiron, holding the Gospel in one hand and the victorious Cross of Christ.
The mesmerizing ceiling mosaic featured an intricate array of stars and abstract patterns, creating a sense of wonder and tranquility within the space. The close-up views revealed the incredible detail of the design, including this skillfully rendered animal motif that showcased the artistry and precision of the mosaic work.

• Our second stop was the Basilica of San Vitale, a church that boasts a wealth of intricate mosaic artwork, from floors to walls and above. These mosaics depict various biblical scenes, with the most famous being the portrayal of Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora. The level of detail and craftsmanship in these mosaics is truly awe-inspiring.

Another such marvel depicts Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, in ornate imperial regalia, holding a golden ceremonial plate, while surrounded by others dressed in rich garments. One of the figures is believed to be Julian Argentarius, a prominent banker who is thought to have helped finance the construction of the church (he's the sad-looking man that is showen with only head and shoulders behind the others).

All the mosaics in the cathedral were notable for their rich colors, intricate details, and masterful use of symbolism.

Even the floors covered in small stones were amazing in their craftsmanship and beauty.

The mosiac creations provided a unique glimpse into the art, religion, and culture of the early Byzantine era. As a result of their historical and artistic significance, eight of Ravenna's early Christian monuments, including the buildings mentioned above, have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Visiting an Italian city without indulging in the local cuisine would be a travesty. With the thermometer soaring past 90 degrees and the oppressive humidity bearing down on us, we sought refuge in a charming outdoor cafe. Shaded by a canopy and caressed by a gentle breeze, it provided the perfect respite from the sweltering heat. There, we savored the flavors of Italy - delicate ravioli pockets filled with creamy brie, rustic bruschetta topped with juicy tomatoes and fragrant basil, and a crisp, refreshing local beer that quenched our thirst and rejuvenated our energy level - at least enough so to make it back to port!