Ravenna, Italy: Church of Santa Croce: Exterior View
Loading...
Authors
Sheppard, Beth M.
Issue Date
5/22/2017
Type
Image
Language
Keywords
Italy , Ravenna , Church of Santa Croce , Church of the Holy Spirit , Byzantine Churches , Empress Galla Placidia
Alternative Title
Abstract
Description
Also on the Via Galla Placidia, northeast of the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia (which is where the woman is pointing), is the deconsecrated Church of Santa Croce (Church of the Holy Spirit) in Ravenna, Italy. The church was built in the 5th century, on the remains of a Roman house, at the behest of the Theodosian Empress Galla Placidia. It features three naves and an extended narthex. Two symmetrical chapels were originally built on the ends of the church, but the only one that remains today is the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, which was separated from the church building at the beginning of the 17th century. Santa Croce is reputed to have been Galla Placidia's favorite church. She went there at night and prayed on the porphyry (a rare, purple-red stone) floor by candlelight.
Citation
Publisher
License
CC BY-NC-SA 4.0