The Basilica of Sant'Apollinare in Classe rises in all its solemn grandeur at a distance of 8 kilometres from the centre of Ravenna. Commissioned by archbishop Ursicino, the church was built by Julian Argentarius during the first half of the 6th century, on an ancient burial area used in the late 2nd or early 3rd century. Apparently, Saint Apollinaris - one of the first bishops of Ravenna - was buried here.Sant'Apollinare in Classe has been described as the most impressive Basilica of the Early Christian period. Despite the plundering it suffered over the centuries, the basilica has preserved the splendour of its original building. It is now admired for its beautiful polychrome apse mosaics and ancient marble sarcophagi of archbishops, placed along the aisles.