Travel Log

The Basilica di Santa Maria, better known as the Pomposa Abbey, is a former Benedictine monastery in Pomposa, Italy, in the northeast near the Adriatic sea. It is known for its Romanesque architecture and splendid frescos. It was also home to the monk musician Guido d’Arezzo, a revolutionary innovator in the field of music.

A UNESCO protected landmark, this 10th-century church is an architectural masterpiece with an unexpected and unique crypt. The Basilica di San Francesco, or Basilica of St Francis, is a 10th century church in the heart of historic Ravenna, Italy.   Dante, the famous medieval Italian poet and author of the Divine Comedy, was originally buried here.  This church is a wonderful place to take traveling companions who may not love medieval churches quite as much as you do, as the crypt has a delightful surprise. Best viewed in 4K full screen.

The Basilica of Sant’ Apollinare in Classe, Italy, is dedicated to St Apolinaris, the founding bishop in nearby Ravenna. The spectacular mosaic apse represents the Transfiguration of Jesus. The basilica is included on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

The Church of St Vitale has been called the greatest 6th century building in the West. Inspired by the buildings in Constantinople, its architecture has both Byzantine and Roman characteristics and Charlemagne’s Achen Palace Chapel is modeled on this structure San Vitale’s early Christian mosaics are the most famous and best preserved in the west.

The Galla Placidia Mausoleum in Ravenna, Italy, has a stunning display of Christian imagery created with the mosaics of late antiquity. Once inside, the visitor is transported to a celestial world.

Ravenna’s Orthodox Baptistry, also known as the Baptistry of Neon, is the city’s oldest Christian monument. Its dome is filled with beautiful mosaics representing the baptism of Christ by John the Baptist, and images of the twelve apostles surround this central medallion. Built in the 5th century, the building is now almost 10 feet underground.