Free Republic
Browse · Search
Religion
Topics · Post Article

To: Kolokotronis; Carolina; livius
the vitality of the Byzantine style in Italy

If you haven't visited Ravenna, yet, you might want to add it to your itinerary. Ravenna was the Italian seat of Byzantium and has quite a collection of Byzantine art. Most notable are the basilicas of San Vitale and Sant'Apollinare in Classe.

A virtual tour of Basilica di Sant'Apollinare in Classe

Images of the interior of Basilica di San Vitale

The Churches of Ravenna: An Early Christian Picture Show

42 posted on 08/18/2006 9:37:32 AM PDT by ELS (Vivat Benedictus XVI!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 37 | View Replies ]


To: ELS

Another place I want to see. My wife says I'm fixated on Greece! :) But you know, the call of the blood is strong!

The links to the church interiors are appreciated. Byzantine church architecture and decoration contribute mightily, especially when coupled with the Divine Liturgy of +John Chrysostomos, to an other worldly sense in worshippers. As +Vladimir's envoys to Constantinople reported when they returned to Kiev, "We knew not whether we were in heaven or on earth!" My belief is that this experience is what lies at the base of the Orthodox conviction of the timelessness of the Faith as Holy Tradition has given it to us, both in theology and praxis.


43 posted on 08/18/2006 9:54:13 AM PDT by Kolokotronis (Christ is Risen, and you, o death, are annihilated!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 42 | View Replies ]

To: ELS; Kolokotronis

The mosaics at Ravenna are some of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. Ravenna, in fact, is a remarkable place, with its connection with Dante, the beautiful church that is now mostly underwater, etc...and the great food, for those more earthly minded among us.


45 posted on 08/18/2006 11:16:57 AM PDT by livius
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 42 | View Replies ]

To: ELS

Yes, Ravenna is definitely on our "to visit" list next time we're in Italy.


50 posted on 08/18/2006 7:48:57 PM PDT by Carolina
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 42 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
Religion
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson