Mausoleum of Theodoric, Ravenna

The Mausoleum of Theodoric stands as an ancient and enigmatic testament to the architectural prowess of the Ostrogoths in Ravenna, Italy. This UNESCO World Heritage site, dating back to 520 AD, was constructed as the final resting place for Theodoric the Great, the king who ruled over the Ostrogothic Kingdom of Italy.

Unlike many of the ornate, marble-clad monuments scattered across Italy, the Mausoleum of Theodoric is renowned for its stark, massive structure made primarily of Istrian stone. It presents a unique blend of Gothic and Roman styles, which is quite rare for the period. The building is characterized by its decagonal shape and is topped with a striking monolithic dome, measuring over ten meters in diameter, made from a single piece of stone weighing an estimated 230 tons.

Visitors to the mausoleum will find a two-tiered design: the lower level, once a chapel, is a space of solemnity with a central niche that may have housed Theodoric's sarcophagus. The upper floor, accessible via a narrow staircase, offers a more intimate encounter with the past, where a small room opens up to an arcade surrounding the base of the dome.

The Mausoleum of Theodoric is not just a burial place but also a symbol of the complex cultural and historical tapestry of Ravenna. It is located a short distance from the city center and is often included in walking tours alongside Ravenna's famed Byzantine mosaics.