Welcome to San Vitale

Welcome to the magnificent basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna , a jewel of Byzantine art and a UNESCO world heritage site since 1996. This basilica, dating back to the 6th century , represents an absolute masterpiece of Byzantine architecture.

Witness to the grandeur of the Byzantine Empire , the building stands out for the refinement and preciousness of its decorations and the materials used .

ORIGINS

The Basilica of San Vitale dates back to 526 AD , when the city was under the rule of the Goths . It is completed during the reign of Emperor Justinian , therefore, over the following twenty years.

Consecrated in 547 AD . from the bishop Maximian , was conceived primarily for bear witness to Byzantine greatness .

Legend has it that the location of the construction was not chosen at random. It seems that here there was a chapel (5th century) in which the remains of Vitale , a martyr of the first centuries of Christianity, were kept .

MOSAICS

The mosaics of the Basilica of San Vitale mainly represent religious and imperial scenes . The religious scenes represent the life of Christ , while the imperial ones represent Emperor Justinian and his court .

The mosaics are characterized by bright and intense colors , made with glass tiles , stones and mother of pearl , and are still considered among the most beautiful in the world today.

The basilica is an essential attraction for lovers of art and Christian history . Its historical and artistic importance, together with its timeless beauty, make it an obligatory stop for anyone visiting Ravenna.

INSPIRATION

From this wonderful masterpiece of Byzantine art we inspired our gin and our packaging, creating a label with a mosaic texture , a tribute to this majestic and immortal art of the past .

Credits: Work of Religion of the Diocese of Ravenna