This unique Byzantine monument, Basilica of Sant’ Apollinare in Classe is not included in the standard tourist itinerary. When UNESCO inscribed eight Ravenna sites on the World Heritage List, it cited this basilica as “an outstanding example of the early Christian basilica in its purity and simplicity of its design and use of space and in the sumptuous nature of its decoration”. A private guide took us to the area that is outside city limits in Ravenna.

We took the 176 Bus line near bicycle stands in the heart of  Ravenna. The bus passed  rolling fields, fish and fresh produce stands. The church is in a traditional Italian architecture neighborhood with the latest cars. In the front entrance  were posters dedicated to a man who saved the Basilica from Allied bombing. The internet and tourist books do not explain in detail what almost happened.