The Mausoleum of Galla Placidia was built between 425 and 433, by Galla Placidia, the daughter of the Roman Emperor Theodosius 1.
Current scholarship indicates that she built the mausoleum as a burial place for herself and her family.
The mausoleum is built on a Greek Cross plan, and with a dome over the crossing.
The exterior is plain, in contrast to the rich mosaics of the interior. This reflects the early Christian ethic that the inner person's beauty is to be valued more than the outer appearance.

The interior is covered with the oldest mosaics in Ravenna, the background being mostly brilliant blue with stars.
Various Biblical scenes are depicted as well as saints and apostles.