Ravenna: Museo e Cappella Arcivescovile

The Archiepiscopal Palace (Bishop’s Palace) today offers a two-for-one visit opportunity — to gaze upon amazing UNESCO-listed mosaics in a 6th century chapel and to see archaeological artifacts.

When we approached the Neonian Baptistery 15 minutes ahead of our scheduled entry, we were allowed to go inside. No such luck here … primarily because there was a tour group inside. So, after Mui left to go back to the B&B to rest up, I wandered around a bit more, stopping for a feet-rest-break and a cold beverage at the garden where we had coffee this morning.

And then back to the Bishop’s Palace, which was built in the 5th century … conveniently next to the Duomo di Ravenna. Ticket scanned, I made my way up the stairs … along with 10-12 other people who were visiting during the same time slot of 1:00p.

There was no one directing us, or telling us which door to use, but we all ended up in the right place … the museum. When I realized that everyone in the group was dallying amongst the artifacts in the first room, I reversed the order of my visit. Asking one of the guards if the chapel was on this floor as well, I made my way there for what turned out to be several private minutes to study the excellent mosaics and take photos ‘sans people’.

Cappella di Sant’Andrea (St. Andrew’s Chapel) was built during Theodoric’s time as a private oratory for Catholic bishops … and is the only early Christian chapel that has survived intact to modern times. It is aptly described as the “… jewel within the palace.” Around the middle of the 6th century, following the conquest of Ravenna by the Byzantines, the remains of St. Andrew were brought here from Constantinople (modern day İstanbul in Türkiye) and the chapel was consecrated in his name.

Each of the three mosaic sites we’ve visited in Ravenna thus far has surpassed the previous. The two sites for which we have tickets tomorrow have a high bar to live up to and further amaze us!

(For more information about these mosaics … https://www.ravennamosaici.it/en/st-andrew-chap….)

Onto the museum … which was established in the 18th century by Archbishop Farsetti who wanted to ensure the preservation of artifacts following the 16th century restoration carried out on the cathedral (aka Basilica of St. Ursus). Most of the items on display are on the first floor, but there is a small art gallery and additional artifacts on the second floor.

While there is plenty to admire at the museum — including fragments of mosaics that once adorned the cathedral’s apse, the highlight for me was the ivory throne of Archbishop Maximian that once stood in the cathedral but is now preserved in a glass cabinet here. The 6th century carved ivory throne is not only priceless, but is also an amazing feat of artistic endeavor.

Well worth the price of admission, and obviously very popular with visitors since Mui and I ended up having to split up our visit just to gain entrance.Leggi altro