San Vitale: A Byzantine Masterpiece in Ravenna, Italy

San Vitale, located in Ravenna, Italy, and constructed between 526 to 547 CE, is primarily made of which materials, including mosaics?

Final answer:

San Vitale in Ravenna, built from 526 to 547 CE, is constructed primarily of brick with walls adorned with impressive Byzantine mosaics made of small pieces of glass, stone, precious stones, and glazed tiles, including some with gold leaf.

Explanation:

The Church of San Vitale in Ravenna, Italy, constructed between 526 and 547 CE, is renowned for its architecture and its decorative elements. The building's structural framework is primarily made of brick, with bricks that were repurposed from ancient Roman structures. This highlights the continuation of building techniques from the Roman era into the Byzantine period, directly linking the historical past with the present. However, it is the interior decoration that truly sets San Vitale apart. The church's walls are richly adorned with mosaics, an art form perfected during the Byzantine Empire. These mosaics are composed of small pieces of cut glass, colored glass, colored stone, and precious stone, along with glazed tile to create intricate designs. Some of these pieces also contain gold leaf layered between the glass, adding a dazzling reflective quality to the imagery. The application of these mosaics was a labor-intensive process that required exceptional skill, patience, and attention to detail. The mosaics depict various religious icons and narratives, contributing to the religious significance and splendor of San Vitale.