The Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe is one of the largest surviving early Christian buildings.
Its designation "in Classe," which distinguishes it from the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo of the same name, is related to its location. In fact, it was built in the 6th century near the important port of Classe. The name of the place comes from the Latin word "classis" meaning "fleet."
Near here you can in fact visit the vast archaeological area of the ancient port, with the remains of roads and buildings dating from the 5th and 6th centuries, a period when this became one of the most important trading ports in the Mediterranean.
The building of the Basilica, financed by the same banker Giuliano Argentario, who had already incurred the expenses for the construction of the Basilica of San Vitale, was desired by Bishop Ursicinus. The church was dedicated to St. Apollinaris, who had founded the first Christian community here in Ravenna around the second century and was buried in a necropolis near the harbor.
The exterior is simple, with brick cladding, an atrium in front of the facade, and a three-mullioned window in the center. The atrium's function was to welcome penitents and those about to receive the sacrament of Baptism as if it were an antechamber to the Basilica.
If you take a walk around the building, you will notice numerous windows. This ensures that the interior is well lit to bring out the magnificent mosaics that you will soon be able to admire.
While walking outside, pause to take a close look at the bell tower with a circular base, added in the 10th century. Almost 38 meters – or 125 feet – high, it is characterized by numerous windows that, starting from the bottom, gradually change from simple louvers to mullioned, double-mullioned and triple-mullioned windows.
This is a measure to lighten the weight of the structure as it goes up in height.
An interesting fact: In 1449, the nobleman Pandolfo Sigismondo Malatesta, lord of nearby Rimini, took possession of many precious marbles that lined the walls of the Basilica’s naves in order to find materials to build his Malatesta Temple. So, if you want to get an idea of the original splendor of the building, you must visit Rimini and gaze at the facade of the Temple.
