Basilica of San Apollinare Nuovo - one of the oldest churches in Ravenna, built in the first half of the 6th century by King Theodoric of the Ostrogoths as the palace chapel. Originally Arian church was dedicated to Christ the Redeemer, and in the 561 th year of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I gave her the name of Sanctus Martinus John Coelho aura. After the suppression of the Arian cult, it was pereosvyaschena in honor of St. Martin of Tours, an ardent opponent of Arianism.

According to legend, Pope Gregory the Great ordered to cover all the mosaics in the basilica since their magnificent glow distract the faithful from praying. The 856-year basilica again renamed, this time in honor of St. Apollinaris, whose relics brought back from the Basilica of San Apollinare In Classe.

The apse and the atrium of the church several times changed and rebuilt starting from the 6th century, when some of the original mosaics were destroyed, as was recognized too Arian. Fortunately, the mosaic of the side walls, 24 columns with Corinthian capitals and simplified pulpit were saved. Some columns can still see fragments of figures depicting the once ready and the court of Theodoric, and removed at the time of the Byzantine Empire. Recent restoration work on the mosaics were made in the mid-19th century, the apse was completely rebuilt after the First World War.

At the top of the left lateral wall of the basilica preserved 13 small mosaics depicting the miracles and parables of Christ, and on the right wall - 13 mosaics depicting the passion and resurrection. In this scourging and crucifixion scenes are missing. Mosaic separate decorative panels depicting a niche in the form of shells and two doves. Scientists, historians believe that over these works of art to work at least two masters.

Entrance to the basilica is preceded by a marble portico, built in the 16th century. And next to it, right from the porch, the bell tower is a round 9-10 th centuries. In 1996, UNESCO included the San Apollinare Nuovo in the list of World Cultural Heritage.