Mausoleum of Galla Placidia - this is one of the main attractions of Ravenna, located next to the Basilica of San Vitale. The mausoleum was built in the second half of the 5th century, is a cross-domed building. Inside, it is decorated with mosaics in the Byzantine style, which are considered the most ancient in Ravenna. It is interesting that, despite the fact that the mausoleum dedicated to Galla Placidia, daughter of Emperor Theodosius the Great, her body does not rest here. Gallus died in Rome in the year 450, and probably buried in the family tomb of Feodosia near the St. Peter's Cathedral. A mausoleum of its name in 1996, was included in the list of World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.

Over the years, the building served as a chapel for not extant Basilica of Santa Croce. Historians believe that the original mausoleum was dedicated to the great martyr Lawrence - his picture can be seen in the lunette opposite the entrance. A mausoleum of Galla Placidia it became known only after the 14th century. Most likely, this was due to the fact one of the sarcophagi mausoleum stored body seated on the throne of cypress and mosaic building similar to the mosaic of the Roman church of Santa Constanza, which buried a daughter of Constantine the Great.

Mausoleum in appearance resembles a fortress - especially emphasize the similarity of the thick walls and narrow windows. In the plan, it is a Latin cross, topped with a cubic tower with an inner dome is not visible from the outside. The outer walls of the building are decorated only with vertical ridges with flat arches, and on the north facade, you can see a frieze with two panthers and vines.

But inside all surfaces of the mausoleum covered with amazingly beautiful mosaics featuring special splendor. Despite the fact that the mosaic devoted to various subjects, all together they create an organic unity. In the center of the dome can be seen a gold cross surrounded by eight gold stars, and the corners - allegorical images of evangelists. The ceiling is decorated with complex patterns, which symbolizes the Garden of Eden.

Another attraction of the mausoleum are three sarcophagus of Greek marble. Central - unfinished and left without decor - named after Galla Placidia, however, according to historians, it was buried in a rich and noble pagan. The sarcophagus of Constantia III, husband of Galla was made in the 5th century, and the sarcophagus of Valentinian, her son, dates back to the 6th century. Interestingly, the latter was opened in 1738, the year, and it found the remains of a man and a woman.