The Basilica of Sant'Apollinare in Classe rises majestic and solemn about 8 km from the center of Ravenna. Built during the time of Bishop Ursicino in the first half of the 6th century and funded by Giuliano Argentario, it was consecrated by Bishop Massimiano in 549 AD. It stands on a cemetery area in use between the end of the 2nd and the beginning of the 3rd century, where the proto-bishop Apollinare himself, the patron saint of Ravenna, was buried. The church has been described as the most grandiose example of early Christian basilica. Despite the looting suffered over the centuries, it still preserves the beauty of the original structure and is admired for the splendid polychrome mosaics of its apse and for the ancient marble sarcophagi of the archbishops arranged along the side aisles.