The Mausoleum of Gala Placidia in Ravenna (Italy) is a famous monumental burial site of the sister of Emperor Honorius, Gala Placidia. Built between 425 and 450, it is one of the eight structures in Ravenna inscribed on the World Heritage list in 1996.[1] More than for its architecture, this monument is world famous for its sumptuous mosaics, the oldest in the town. They mark the transition between early Christian and Byzantine art. As UNESCO experts noted, "it is the oldest and best preserved of all mosaic monuments, and at the same time one of the most artistically perfect."

The mausoleum has a plan "Plan (architecture)") in the shape of a Greek cross, with the main nave "Nave (architecture)") being longer than the transept. The building was attached to the narthex of the disappeared Church of the Holy Cross "Church of the Holy Cross (Ravenna)"). It is a funerary building, although it also has a martyrdom character, because it was later dedicated to San Lorenzo.

As for its exterior appearance, it has a very classic appearance: a brick and stone factory joined by mortar. The building has blind arches to the outside, and a roof covered with flat tegula pouring hipped in the central body and gabled on the sides.

Its great innovations can be seen in the interior and in the shape of the floor plan: its transept "Cruise (architecture)") is closed with a hollow dome that is not transdosed, and with barrel vaults on the sides. The walls are decorated with rich mosaics. The dome is also covered in mosaics, depicting eight of the apostles and symbolic figures of doves drinking from a vessel. The other four apostles are represented on the vaults of the transverse nave; Above the door there is a "Celestial Pastoral" representation, that is, of Jesus Christ as the Good Shepherd, young, beardless, with flowing hair, and surrounded by sheep; On the opposite side, there is a theme that is interpreted as the representation of San Lorenzo. Thin, translucent stone panels allow light to enter the structure through the windows. All its decoration and the sarcophagi are preserved.

The decoration (based on Christian motifs) has important symbolism, presenting vegetal themes (evoking paradise) combined with geometric and figurative decoration (martyrs, apostles, angels, etc.). The apse presents a decoration of a starry sky with angels in the corners. The mosaics contain gold dust in the glass mix. This can be observed by looking at the ceiling at a certain angle.