Loo Y.
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First built by Theodoric as an Arian church, later rededicated to Saint Martin and renamed when the relics of Sant’Apollinare were brought here. The basilica’s nave is flanked by twin rows of columns with pulvini above, leading to a raised choir framed by porphyry pillars. Its mosaics unfold in three registers: decorative panels at the top, Gospel scenes between the windows, and below, processions of saints. On one wall, martyrs led by Saint Martin move toward Christ; on the other, twenty-two female saints approach the Virgin with Child, guided by the Magi. Byzantine rhythm in full stride, yet anchored in Ravenna’s history.