The Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo was erected sometime in the 6th Century, originally as Theodoric’s palatinate church. It is thought that a four-sided portico originally closed the façade, now however it has a simple but fine 16th Century marble portico. To the right of the church is a cylindrical bell tower dating to the 9th or 10th Century, of a style of the buildings of Ravenna. In this ancient building are marvellous mosaics with the largest surface area that has survived from antiquity. The processions of Virgins and Martyrs are one of the most typical examples of the Byzantine style.
