St. Apollinaris is a central figure in the Christian history of Ravenna and is venerated as the patron saint of the city. His life and work are partly shrouded in mystery and legend, but there are some details that are generally accepted in Christian tradition.
St. Apollinaris is considered the first bishop of Ravenna and is believed to have been a direct disciple of St. Peter, placing his activity in the 1st century AD. According to tradition, he was sent as a missionary to Ravenna during the reign of Emperor Claudius. His evangelical mission was very fruitful, but also a source of great personal suffering due to the hostility of the Roman authorities towards Christians.
Apollinaris is known to have undergone numerous martyrdoms, including floggings and tortures, before finally being exiled from the city. It is said that he died a martyr, but the exact circumstances of his martyrdom vary in different sources; some claim he was beheaded, while others say he died in exile due to the wounds he suffered.
The cult of St. Apollinaris is very strong in Ravenna, where two important basilicas are dedicated to him: Sant'Apollinare Nuovo and Sant'Apollinare in Classe. These buildings are famous for their splendid Byzantine mosaics and have been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The feast of St. Apollinaris is celebrated on July 23 and remains a day of great religious and cultural importance for the city of Ravenna.
