Archiepiscopal Museum of Ravenna

The Archiepiscopal Museum (Museo Arcivescovile) of Ravenna holds two of the city's great early Christian works: the Archiepiscopal Chapel and the ivory Throne of Maximian. The chapel, also known as the Chapel of Saint Andrew, was built around 500 as a private oratory for the city's bishops. Its mosaics include a rare image of Christ dressed as a Roman soldier, treading on a lion and a serpent. It is one of Ravenna's early Christian monuments on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

The throne was made for Archbishop Maximian in the sixth century. It is covered in carved ivory panels showing scenes from the life of Joseph and the Gospels, and it is among the finest surviving ivory works of its age.

The museum occupies part of the Archbishop's Palace beside the cathedral. Its collection of around two hundred objects also includes carved stonework and other material from the city's early churches. A visit is compact and suits anyone exploring Ravenna's mosaics.