Sant'Apollinare in Classe, Ravenna

Summary

Explore the breathtaking mosaics of Sant'Apollinare in Classe, an ancient basilica near Ravenna, once part of the Roman Empire's port. The apse features a striking mosaic with a golden cross symbolizing the Transfiguration of Christ, flanked by the figures of Moses and Elijah, and surrounded by 99 stars. The triumphal arch above showcases the four Evangelists, and symbolic lambs emerge from Jerusalem and Bethlehem, walking toward Heaven. Saint Apollinaris himself is portrayed in prayer, offering a glimpse into early Christian art and the sacred truths revealed to worshippers in the sixth century.

Takeaways

• 😀 The church of Sant'Apollinare in Classe is located near Ravenna and was once part of the Roman Empire's port in the early first century.
• 😀 The site was an ancient Roman cemetery and is possibly the burial place of Saint Apollinaris, the first bishop of Ravenna.
• 😀 The church is a basilica that has undergone many phases, similar to other churches in Ravenna, with many original mosaics now missing.
• 😀 A key feature of the church is its large and extraordinary apse mosaic, which is a significant artistic highlight.
• 😀 The triumphal arch surrounding the apse shows an image of God with a book, flanked by the four Evangelists: John (eagle), Matthew (man), Mark (lion), and Luke (ox).
• 😀 The blue and red clouds in the sky behind the Evangelists symbolize a divine presence.
• 😀 The mosaic features two cities, Jerusalem and Bethlehem, with lambs emerging from them, symbolizing a journey towards Heaven.
• 😀 The apse mosaic prominently displays a gold cross with a small bust of Jesus Christ, surrounded by 99 gold stars.
• 😀 The Greek letters alpha and omega on the cross represent Christ as the beginning and end of all things.
• 😀 The mosaic depicts the Transfiguration of Christ, with Moses and Elijah appearing alongside Him, symbolizing His divine nature revealed to the apostles.
• 😀 The scene includes 12 sheep at the bottom, symbolizing the apostles, and Saint Apollinaris is shown praying with his name written beside him for identification.

Q & A

What is the historical significance of the Church of Sant'Apollinare in Classe?

The Church of Sant'Apollinare in Classe is historically significant because it was located in what was once a bustling Roman port and is believed to be the site of an ancient Roman cemetery. It is also linked to Saint Apollinaris, the first bishop of Ravenna, who may have been buried here.

What happened to the lagoon that once connected the town of Classe with Ravenna?

The large lagoon that once connected the two towns has long since disappeared, changing the landscape of the area over time.

What can we find in the apse of the church?

The apse of the church features an extraordinary mosaic, which includes symbolic imagery such as a gold cross, a bust of Christ, and representations of Moses and Elijah, among other religious symbols.

What does the triumphal arch in the apse depict?

The triumphal arch around the apse depicts an image of God holding a book at the top center, with the symbols of the four Evangelists: John (eagle), Matthew (man), Mark (lion), and Luke (ox).

What is the significance of the lambs emerging from Jerusalem and Bethlehem in the mosaic?

The lambs emerging from Jerusalem and Bethlehem symbolize Christ's birth and sacrifice, reflecting his divine mission and the connection between his earthly and heavenly aspects.

What does the central gold cross in the apse mosaic represent?

The central gold cross symbolizes the Transfiguration of Christ, a moment when Christ revealed his divine nature to his apostles Peter, James, and John.

Why are Moses and Elijah depicted in the mosaic?

Moses and Elijah are depicted in the mosaic because, in the Transfiguration story, these two figures appeared alongside Christ, affirming his divine nature as God the Father spoke, proclaiming Christ as His beloved Son.

What is the meaning of the 12 sheep in the mosaic?

The 12 sheep in the mosaic represent the apostles, further emphasizing the connection between Christ and his followers, as well as the sacred nature of the event.

Why is Saint Apollinaris shown in the mosaic, and what is he doing?

Saint Apollinaris is shown in the mosaic as a symbolic figure of prayer, with his arms raised, which was a common gesture in early Christian art. His position highlights his importance as a spiritual leader.

How does the mosaic in Sant'Apollinare in Classe contrast with other churches in Ravenna?

Unlike some other churches in Ravenna, Sant'Apollinare in Classe has retained its impressive apse mosaic, while others have lost their mosaics along the nave. The mosaic here provides a vivid depiction of Christian theological themes.