Audio Guide of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo

Sant'Apollinare Nuovo is usually open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. For the most up-to-date hours and any possible changes, I recommend visiting the official website or checking directly with the staff. You can find more details on the Ravenna Tourism website: Ravenna Tourism.

Admission to Sant'Apollinare Nuovo is not free, but it is usually included in the combined ticket for visiting Ravenna's UNESCO Sites. This ticket gives you access to several of the city's key monuments. I recommend checking current prices and purchase options on the Ravenna Museums website or at the ticket office.

To fully enjoy the mosaics and architecture of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo at a relaxed pace, I recommend allowing between 30 and 45 minutes. If you stop to observe every detail or use an audio guide, your visit may take a little longer.

This basilica is an outstanding example of early Byzantine art and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by the Ostrogothic king Theodoric the Great, it houses remarkable mosaics depicting scenes from the life of Christ and processions of martyrs and virgins, making it essential for understanding the transition between the Roman and Byzantine periods. It was converted from Arian to Catholic worship.

For a quieter experience, the best time to visit Sant'Apollinare Nuovo is early in the morning, just after opening, or late in the afternoon. Low-season months, such as autumn and winter outside holiday periods, are also usually less crowded than spring and summer.

In general, Sant'Apollinare Nuovo is quite accessible, as there are no major level changes inside. However, it is always advisable to contact the tourist office or the basilica directly (+39 0544 543711) if you have specific needs, to confirm current accessibility conditions.

Sant'Apollinare Nuovo is located in the heart of Ravenna, very close to other UNESCO Sites. Within walking distance, you can visit the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, the Basilica of San Vitale, and the Neonian Baptistery, all of them featuring spectacular mosaics. Ravenna's historic center is very walkable, so you can easily plan a walking route.

For the best experience, I suggest using an audio guide, or downloading an app if one is available, to better understand the rich history of the mosaics. Also, respect the silence and the site rules. If you visit in summer, the basilica is a pleasant refuge from the heat. Don't forget comfortable shoes, as Ravenna is best enjoyed on foot.