Architectural plan of St Apollinare Nuovo church

Basilica Of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo

Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Complete Guide to Ravenna Historical Sites

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction: The Jewel of Ravenna

The Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo stands as a testament to Ravenna’s spiritual, artistic, and architectural legacy. This UNESCO World Heritage site is celebrated for its breathtaking mosaics, harmonious blend of Ostrogothic and Byzantine influences, and pivotal role in the city’s early Christian history. Whether you are a lover of art, an aficionado of history, or a traveler eager to explore Italy’s cultural treasures, this guide delivers everything you need to plan a rewarding visit. You’ll find up-to-date details on Sant’Apollinare Nuovo visiting hours, ticketing options, accessibility, and connections to other must-see Ravenna historical sites (ravennamosaici.it; UNESCO; Sacred Destinations).

Introduction
Location and How to Get There
Historical and Artistic Highlights
Visiting Hours and Ticket Information
Visitor Facilities and Accessibility
Photography and Group Visits
Rules of Conduct
Other Ravenna Historical Sites to Explore
Essential Tips for Visitors
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Summary and Visit Tips
References & Further Reading

Location and How to Get There

Address: Via di Roma, 52, Ravenna, Italy

Located in central Ravenna, the basilica is easily accessible:

On foot: 10 minutes from Ravenna’s main train station.
By public transport: City buses serve stops nearby.
By car: Limited street parking is available; public lots are within walking distance.
Accessibility: The entrance is designed for visitors with mobility needs, and staff are available to assist (ravennamosaici.it).

Historical and Artistic Highlights

Origins and Significance

Built in the early 6th century by Ostrogothic King Theodoric the Great, the basilica was originally his palatine chapel and dedicated to Christ the Redeemer. Following the Byzantine conquest, it was rededicated to St. Martin and ultimately to St. Apollinaris, Ravenna’s first bishop. This layered history reflects the city’s religious and political transformations (Ravenna City Guide).

Architectural Features

Layout: A longitudinal basilica plan with a long nave, flanked by two aisles separated by 24 marble columns from Constantinople.
Exterior: Simple brick façade and a cylindrical bell tower dating to the 9th–10th centuries, among the oldest in Western Europe.
Interior: The nave’s clerestory windows fill the basilica with light, accentuating its stunning mosaics (Sacred Destinations).

The Famous Mosaics

Sant’Apollinare Nuovo is renowned for its two monumental mosaic cycles, created in the Ostrogothic (Arian) and later Byzantine (Catholic) periods.

Upper Register: 26 scenes from Christ’s life and miracles—among the earliest examples of narrative art in the Christian West.
Middle Register: Processions of saints, prophets, and evangelists, depicted in a stylized Byzantine manner.
Lower Register: On one wall, a procession of female martyrs with the Magi moving toward the Virgin and Child; on the other, male martyrs approaching Christ enthroned. These mosaics shimmer with gold and colored glass, a hallmark of Ravenna’s mastery (Liturgical Arts Journal; Ravenna Mosaici).

The iconography reflects shifts from Arian to Catholic doctrine, with subtle traces of the original imagery—such as a mysterious hand in a column—preserved even after religious changes (Sacred Destinations).

Visiting Hours and Ticket Information

Opening Hours

8 March – 2 November 2025: 09:00–19:00 (last admission 18:30)
4 November 2024 – 7 March 2025: 10:00–17:00 (last admission 16:30)
Closed: May close on select holidays; always check the official website for updates (whichmuseum.com).

Tickets and Admission

Ravenna Monumental Complex Combination Ticket: Access to five major sites—Basilica di San Vitale, Basilica di Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, Museo Arcivescovile (with Chapel of Sant’Andrea), Battistero Neoniano, and Mausoleo di Galla Placidia.
- Standard: €10.50 (valid 7 days, one entry per site)
- Reduced: €9.50 (groups of 20+)
- €2 supplement for Battistero Neoniano and Mausoleo di Galla Placidia; advance booking is required for these sites (ravennamosaici.it).
Children under 6: Free
Discounted rates: For children over 6, military, disabled visitors, and Ravenna residents (supplement applies for certain sites).
Booking: Advance purchase highly recommended, especially for groups (Tel: +39 0544 541688; Email: [email protected]).

Visitor Facilities and Accessibility

Accessibility: Fully accessible for those with mobility impairments; staff can assist with strollers. Accessible toilets and baby-changing facilities are on-site.
Bookshop: Sells books, mosaic reproductions, and souvenirs.
Group rest areas: Available for pre-booked groups.
Defibrillator (DAE): Located at the ticket office for emergencies (ravennamosaici.it).

Photography and Group Visits

Photography: Allowed for personal use, without flash. Tripods, selfie sticks, and professional equipment require written permission ([email protected]).
Group visits: Groups of 15+ must use “whisper” radio guides; smaller groups and young school groups are exempt. Multiple simultaneous groups must use radio guides and maintain low volume. No amplified microphones or laser pointers.
Conduct: Respect the sacred atmosphere—no loud talking, and mobile phones must be silent.

Rules of Conduct

Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered)
No food, drink, or smoking (including e-cigarettes) inside
Do not touch any artwork or mosaics
Audio guides to be used with headphones
Only tactile tours for visually impaired visitors may touch select artworks

Other Ravenna Historical Sites to Explore

The Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo is part of a constellation of UNESCO-listed sites, all within a 3 km radius:

Basilica di San Vitale
Mausoleo di Galla Placidia
Battistero Neoniano
Arian Baptistery
Basilica di Sant’Apollinare in Classe
Museo Arcivescovile & Chapel of Sant’Andrea

A combined ticket (Ravenna Pass) offers great value for those wishing to explore Ravenna’s rich early Christian and Byzantine heritage (visititaly.eu).

Essential Tips for Visitors

Book tickets in advance—especially in peak months.
Arrive early or late to avoid crowds and enjoy the best natural light for mosaics.
Dress appropriately for a place of worship.
Download the Audiala app for audio guides and interactive maps.
Combine your visit with other nearby sites for a full cultural experience.
Check official updates for seasonal hours and special events (ravennamosaici.it).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo visiting hours?
A: 09:00–19:00 (March–early November), 10:00–17:00 (rest of the year). Always check for holiday variations.

Q: How much are tickets?
A: €10.50 for the combination ticket; discounts for groups and special categories. Children under 6 enter free.

Q: Can I take photos?
A: Yes, non-flash photography is permitted for personal use.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, both on-site and through advance booking. Groups of 15+ must use whisper guides.

Q: Is the basilica accessible for disabled visitors?
A: Yes, with accessible facilities and staff support.

Q: Which other sites are nearby?
A: San Vitale, Galla Placidia, Battistero Neoniano, and more—all included in the Ravenna Pass.

Visual Resources

Images:
- “Sant’Apollinare Nuovo Basilica exterior in Ravenna”
- “Early Christian mosaics inside Sant’Apollinare Nuovo”
Map:
- Location of the basilica and other UNESCO sites in Ravenna

Summary and Visit Tips

A visit to the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo is a journey through the heart of early medieval Christianity, with dazzling mosaics and a serene architectural setting. Flexible visiting hours, convenient ticketing (including the Ravenna Pass), and full accessibility make it an ideal destination for all travelers. To enrich your experience, consider guided tours and combine your visit with other iconic Ravenna monuments.

For the latest details or to secure your tickets, visit the official Ravenna mosaics website.