National Museum of Ravenna – Important archaeological finds
Located in the monumental complex of San Vitale, the National Museum of Ravenna houses important archaeological finds, including tombstones and Roman epigraphs, and collections of minor arts. On the first floor are Renaissance bronzes, a fine collection of ivories, a rich collection of icons, a ceramics section and a fascinating collection of ancient weapons. Among the most prestigious artefacts are those from the early Christian and Byzantine monuments on the UNESCO World Heritage List, including the transenna and cross from San Vitale and the preparatory sinopia for the mosaic of Sant'Apollinare in Classe. The museum also houses the important 14th-century fresco cycle, a masterpiece by Pietro da Rimini, detached from the ancient church of Santa Chiara in Ravenna.