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| Right in the back of the Basilica di San Vitale, another structure stands on the northeast side. It is the Mausoleo di Galla Placidia, built between 425 and 433. |
I entered this small mausoleum and found inside a little dark. Right above the entrance, I saw the mosaic called the Good Shepherd. I saw three lunette mosaics here in the mausoleum, but this was the most impressive one. |
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This lunette mosaic depicts St. Lawrence carrying the Cross of Christ and the Gospel, standing next to the gridiron. It is titled the Martyrdom of St. Lawrence.
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This lunette is adorned with two deer drinking at a fountain. It is said that the deer symbolizes the Christians, and these deer are seeking water from the foundtain of life or God, the Resurrection. |
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| Looking up from the very center of the mausoleum, the Cross is surrounded by the Four Evangelists (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) and the symbols of each Evangelist, the angel for Matthew, the lion for Mark, the ox for Luke, and the eagle for John. |
As I went out the gate of San Vitale, I felt peaceful and contented. |
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