The mausoleum of Galla Placidia is one of the main attractions of Ravenna, located near the Basilica of San Vitale. The mausoleum, built in the second half of the 5th century, is a cross-domed building. Inside it is decorated with mosaics in the Byzantine style, which is considered the most ancient in Ravenna. It is interesting that, despite the fact that the mausoleum is dedicated to Galle Him, daughter of Emperor Theodosius the Great, her body is not here. Galla died in Rome in 450-year and probably buried in the family vault of Theodosius near the Cathedral of St. Peter. And the mausoleum of her name in 1996, the year was included in the UNESCO world Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO.

For many years this building served as a chapel when not extant Basilica of Santa Croce. Historians believe that originally the mausoleum was dedicated to St. Lawrence, its image can be seen in the lunette opposite the entrance. And the mausoleum of Galla Placidia it became known only after the 14th century. Most likely, this was due to the fact, in a sarcophagus mausoleum's body was stored, on a cypress-lined throne, and mosaic buildings similar to the mosaics of the Roman Church of Santa Constanza, in which was buried the daughter of Constantine the Great.

The mausoleum looks like a fortress – especially emphasize this similarity thick walls and narrow Windows. In plan it is a Latin cross, surmounted by the cubic tower with an inner dome is not visible from the outside. The external walls are decorated with only vertical protrusions with flat arches, and on the Northern facade you can see the frieze with two Panthers and vines.

But everything inside surface of the mausoleum is covered by the amazing beauty of mosaics, characterized by a special splendor. Despite the fact that mosaic is devoted to various subjects, all together they form an organic unity. In the center of the dome you can see a Golden cross surrounded by eight gold stars, and at the corners, an allegorical image of the evangelists. The ceiling is decorated with an elaborate ornament that symbolizes the garden of Eden.

Another attraction is the mausoleum are three of the sarcophagus of Greek marble. Central – unfinished and abandoned without decor – bears the name of Galla Placidia, however, according to historians, it was buried a rich and noble pagan. The sarcophagus of Emperor Constantius III, the wife of the Gauls, was made in the 5th century, and the sarcophagus of Valentinian, her son, is dated to the 6th century. Interestingly, the latter was opened in 1738, the year, and in it were found the remains of men and women.