The Basilica of Sant'Agata Maggiore is one of the oldest churches of Ravenna, located in the heart of the city, just steps from the Basilica of San Francesco and the Tomb of Dante. The church was built in the fifth century, although its current appearance is due to the restoration of the early twentieth century with which the church regained its original shape early Christian era.

History
The Basilica of Sant'Agata Maggiore (defined as greater in the Middle Ages in Ravenna there were two other churches dedicated to St.) was built in the Late Roman period (fifth century) Padenna location overlooking the river, now deceased, whose course is currently traced axis of Via Mazzini. The basilica, as well as the most famous of San Vitale, was probably built under Bishop Peter II (494-519), whose monogram is in the nave, although Bishop John I (477-494) to be considered the true founder. However, the apse was probably built in the next century, under Bishop Lamb (556-569), with the economic contribution of the banker Giuliano Argentario Ravenna, who had also financed the construction of the Basilica of San Vitale (Ravenna).

The original church had a floor at about 2.50 meters below the present one. In place of the garden, once a cemetery, in front of the church facade, a portico was demolished in the sixteenth century to make way for the tower, which opened three doors of the church (you can still see the lintels of the two side doors now buried). Also in the garden, there are pieces of columns, perhaps those of the quadrangle.

At the same time building up the bell tower (1560), inside the church were installed four Renaissance altars, still in place, located in the aisles. In April 1688, due to an earthquake, the mosaic decorations that adorned the apse has been totally lost, except for some fragments. After the earthquake, which damaged the structure of the church, the floor level was raised to 2.50 meters and the apse, now bare, was enriched enriched with baroque furnishings. In the late nineteenth century, then, during excavations, was found the ancient early Christian mosaic floor, which is currently stored elsewhere. During the 1913-1918 restoration of radicals, led by Joseph Gerola, all baroque additions were demolished and the facade was adorned by the beautiful porch and mullioned Renaissance. During the bombing of 1944, the apse was almost totally destroyed and with it all that remained of Renaissance frescoes. Its ancient structure has been recovered during the restoration of the '60s, when they were reopened its large windows. The latest restoration back to the '80s, when they were redone the roof and floor. Currently (2010) the church is regularly visited and officiated.