The basilica was built by the Gothic King Theodoric in 505 as an Arian church, called Domini Nostri Jesu Christi. It served as Theodoric's palatine church, that is, it was intended for his court.
Like all Ravenna churches of the Imperial (402-476), Ostrogothic (476-540) and Justinian periods (540-565 onwards), Sant'Apollinare Nuovo is adorned with splendid and colorful mosaics.
When Emperor Justinian conquered the city in 540, he transferred all Arian and Gothic properties to the Catholic Church. Theodoric's former basilica was later consecrated to Saint Martin of Tours, a defender of the Catholic faith and opponent of heresies.
The basilica was renamed Sant'Apollinare Nuovo in the 9th century when the relics of the proto-bishop Apollinaris were transferred from the basilica of Sant'Apollinare in Classe to the intramural basilica of San Martino for safety reasons.
Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, is protected as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
