Basilica of San Vitale

When you spend a while looking at churches (and even though you like almost all of them), you very rarely get knocked speechless. Well, upon entering this basilica I was at a loss for words...it was like nothing I'd ever seen before. The circular structure has different domes but the incredible apse decorated in super-detailed mosaics is the best part. Ravenna is already famous for its mosaics but this basilica takes both technique and visual splendor to a different level. You can spend hours looking at the colorful little stones that give life to these stories and characters. It's simply beautiful.

When you first enter the Basilica de San Vitale and see the enormous mosaic, the king of all mosaics, all you can think is W-O-W.