What secrets are hidden by the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, built 1,500 years ago and still admirable today

2024 Author: Richard Flannagan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 23:55

The Mausoleum of Galla Placidia was built in 425 AD. Later he was included in the UNESCO heritage list, and the composer Cole Porter was so inspired by him that he wrote famous music right after visiting the mausoleum. What do millions admire and who was this mausoleum really intended for?

The Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, a cross-domed structure located next to the magnificent Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna, was built in 425 AD, in the last years of the Western Roman Empire. The mausoleum is especially famous for its mosaics (the starry sky "embracing" the vault and the vines representing the Eucharist). Each corner contains a figure of four evangelical symbols.

Galla Placidia

"The most noble girl" - as she was nicknamed in childhood - Galla Placidia was born in Constantinople between 388 and 392 years. She was one of the most talented women of her time, the daughter of the Roman emperor Theodosius the Great, the last emperor of the Western and Eastern Roman Empire, and the half-sister of the emperors Arcadius and Honorius. She spent most of her life as an influential political figure. Galla later became regent of the Western Roman Empire for her minor son, who became Emperor Valentinian III. As regent, Galla Placidia participated in numerous grandiose building projects in Rome, Jerusalem and Ravenna. Galla Placidia died in 450 in Rome and, most likely, was buried in the mausoleum.

History of the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia

The Mausoleum of Galla Placidia dates back to 425 AD and is one of the oldest structures in Ravenna. For many years, it was believed that the purpose of its construction was a family mausoleum. There is also speculation that the building was originally associated with the narthex of the nearby church of Santa Croce (Church of the Holy Cross), which is known to have been built by Galla Placidia. The sarcophagi in the mausoleum, attributed to Galle herself and her closest relatives, according to some researchers, were not originally in it, the first time they were mentioned in the XIV century by Bishop Rinaldo da Concoregio. After the XIV century, numerous sources already confidently call the building the mausoleum of Galla Placidia. It is believed that the largest of the sarcophagi belonged to Galle, two other sarcophagi were attributed to Gaul's son, Emperor Valentinian III, and her husband, Emperor Constantius III.

Again, there is great uncertainty about the accuracy of these facts. The building of the mausoleum belongs to the Western Roman architectural tradition. It is shaped like a Greek cross and measures 40 x 30 feet. The interior walls are clad in yellow marble panels and the space is dimly lit by 14 small windows. The mosaic becomes even brighter and more beautiful thanks to the golden light penetrating through the alabaster windows. The cross on the vault is directed to the east.

Mosaic of the Mausoleum

The rather simple appearance of the mausoleum contrasts sharply with the magically beautiful and breathtaking interior environment. First of all, it is decorated with mosaics of the early Byzantine style, decorating the floors, ceilings and walls. Perhaps most impressive is the vault, which features a mosaic of the night sky with a golden cross (there are over 800 stars in the sky!).

The atmosphere of the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia is undoubtedly magical. The dome's countless stars have deeply thrilled the imaginations of many visitors to Ravenna, as well as the American composer Cole Porter. He was so inspired by this mosaic that during his honeymoon in the 1920s he wrote his popular song "Night and Day".

The lower surfaces of the interior are covered with marble slabs, while the upper part of the building, including the vault walls, lunettes and dome, is fully decorated with mosaics. The themes presented in the mosaic decoration show traces of influence from both the Hellenic-Roman and Christian traditions and aim to present the victory of eternal life over death from different perspectives. One of the most significant mosaics inside the mausoleum depicts Christ as the Good Shepherd. their flocks. A fairly common motive for the Roman period, when Christ is depicted as an ordinary shepherd, but in this mosaic Christ is completely different: he is the Good Shepherd with a golden halo, dressed in a royal purple robe over a golden tunic and holding an imperial staff connected to a Christian cross. This mosaic is located above the north-facing entrance. On the south wall, there is a mosaic depicting the martyr Roman deacon Saint Lawrence running towards an iron grate that is engulfed in flames. He is holding a cross and a book in his hands.

The Galla Placidia mosaic has impressed millions of visitors over the centuries. This magnificent building with the oldest mosaics was intended for some of the highest nobility. Perhaps Galle herself. But on the other hand, the mausoleum for a long time served as an oratorio at the unpreserved palace basilica of Santa Croce. Probably, it was a chapel-prayer house dedicated to the great martyr Laurentius, who was especially revered in the family of Galla Placidia, whose image is placed in the most conspicuous place - in the lunette opposite the entrance. The true purpose is still not known. Whatever it is, today this beautiful mausoleum in Ravenna is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.