The Mausoleum of Theodoric stands in Parco di Teodorico, at Via delle Industrie 14, outside Ravenna’s historic centre. Built around 520 by the Ostrogoth king, it has two ten-sided levels of fitted Istrian stone and a roof formed from one enormous stone block. Inside, a dark red porphyry tub once held Theodoric’s remains. Its pale, undecorated stone makes a striking change of pace after Ravenna’s mosaic-filled churches, and the quiet park setting gives the monument room to stand out.
A tomb unlike Ravenna’s mosaic monuments
Built around 520 by Theodoric, king of the Ostrogoths, the mausoleum is one of Ravenna’s early medieval monuments. Its restrained stonework sets it apart from the city’s famous churches and their colourful mosaics. The building has two ten-sided levels, giving it a compact, clearly defined shape.
The walls are made from fitted blocks of Istrian stone, laid without mortar. At the top sits a single massive stone block, forming the roof. The scale of that stone is striking against the building’s spare exterior.
The porphyry tub inside
Inside is a dark red porphyry tub that once served as Theodoric’s sarcophagus. His remains are no longer there; they were removed during the Byzantine reconquest. The empty tub is a direct link to the Ostrogoth king for whom the building was made.
The mausoleum was later used as a Christian oratory. Its plain interior and the red stone tub offer a very different experience from Ravenna’s decorated religious buildings.
Planning a visit
The mausoleum is at Via delle Industrie 14, in Parco di Teodorico, outside the historic centre. Access to the upper level is by a brick stair. Allow time for the steps as you move between the two levels.
An early visit gives you a quieter setting. For a broader look at Ravenna’s monuments, combine the stop with Galla Placidia Mausoleum and Basilica di San Vitale. Their mosaics make a vivid contrast with the mausoleum’s bare stone.
Perguntas frequentes
Who built the Mausoleum of Theodoric?
The Ostrogoth king Theodoric had the mausoleum built around 520 as his tomb.
What is unusual about the roof?
It is formed from one enormous stone block, set above the mausoleum’s two ten-sided levels.
What is inside the mausoleum?
A dark red porphyry tub that once held Theodoric’s remains. The remains were later removed.
Where is the Mausoleum of Theodoric?
It is in Parco di Teodorico, at Via delle Industrie 14, outside Ravenna’s historic centre.
