The Basilica of Sant'Apollinare in Classe rises majestically and solemnly about 8 km from the center of Ravenna. Built at the time of Bishop Ursicino during the first half of the sixth century. and financed by Giuliano Argentario, it was consecrated by the bishop Massimiano in 549 d. C. It stands on a cemetery area in use between the end of the second and the beginning of the third century, where the proto-bishop Apollinare himself, patron saint of Ravenna, was buried. The church has been defined as the most grandiose example of an early Christian basilica. Despite the spoliation suffered over the centuries, it still retains the beauty of the original structure and is admired for the splendid polychrome mosaics of its apse and for the ancient marble sarcophagi of the archbishops arranged along the side aisles.