Ravenna, the queen of mosaics, surprisingly isn't on the radar of most travellers. Situated between Bologna and San Marino and near to the Adriatic Sea, the city holds an abundance of truly impressive artistic jewels. Once the capital of the Western Roman Empire and the Byzantine Empire in Italy, the city will astonish you with its breath-taking mosaics. A visit to UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Basilica di San Vitale and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia is a must. Marvel at the intricate craftsmanship that depicts religious and historical scenes in vibrant colours. The photos do not give justice to the beauty you will see in reality.
Top 10 Highlights of Ravenna
The Mosaic Wonders of Ravenna
Ravenna, Emilia-Romagna
The Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna is a masterpiece of early Christian architecture, renowned for its magnificent mosaics. This unique building, dating back to the 6th century, blends Western and Eastern architectural styles in a truly exceptional way. Upon entering this octagonal gem, you are immediately struck by the vibrant colors and intricate depictions of biblical scenes.
Byzantine Art in radiant Mosaics
Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo
Ravenna, Emilia-Romagna
The magnificent 6th-century basilica, just a ten-minute walk from the old town, is one of the area's absolute highlights. Originally built by King Theoderic as an Arian palace chapel, it was later consecrated as a church in 561 under Byzantine rule. The basilica is renowned for its impressive mosaics, with the upper rows vividly depicting 13 scenes from the life of Christ and the Passion. The walls showcase a long procession of saints and martyrs, a true feast for the eyes. These mosaics, blending Arian and Orthodox iconography, create a unique and captivating artistic treasure.
Stunning starry night sky
Mausoleum of Galla Placidia
Ravenna, Emilia-Romagna
The Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, is a true surprise when entering the unassuming, small building. With its stunning deep blue starry night sky mosaic, the building stands as a testament to artistic brilliance. The empress Galla Placida was responsible for the rich art we can find today in Ravenna.
Ravenna, Emilia-Romagna
The Baptistery of Neon is a Roman religious building in Ravenna, northeastern Italy. The most ancient monument remaining in the city, it was partly erected on the site of a Roman bath. It is also called the Orthodox Baptistery to distinguish it from the Arian Baptistery constructed on behest of Ostrogothic King Theodoric some 50 years later.
Ravenna, Emilia-Romagna
The Arian Baptistry in Ravenna, Italy is a Christian baptismal building that was erected by the Ostrogothic King Theodoric the Great between the end of the 5th century and the beginning of the 6th century A.D., at the same time as the Basilica of Sant' Apollinare Nuovo.
Theodoric was an Arian Christian and decided to let the Goths and the Orthodox Chalcedonian Christians live together but separately, and so there were separate neighborhoods and separate religious buildings.
Near his palace, the king commissioned an Arian cathedral, now called the Church of Spirito Santo, but originally named Hagia Anastasis. It was re-consecrated as the Chalcedonian cathedral of Saint Teodoro in 526 AD. Little remains of the original church after its reconstruction in 1543; some historians speculate that the original mosaics were lost over a thousand years earlier during its Catholic reconstruction due to Arian themes. During this same period, Theodoric also had the baptistry built, today referred to as of the Arians in order to distinguish it from the Baptistry of Neon which is about one century older.
Ravenna, Emilia-Romagna
The Tomb of Dante is an Italian neoclassical national monument built over the tomb of the poet Dante Alighieri in 1781.
It is sited next to the Basilica of San Francesco in central Ravenna.
The monument is surrounded by a zona dantesca, in which visitors have to remain silent and respectful. The small garden to the monument's right originated as the monastic cloister but now only has a colonnade on one side. The garden is traditionally named after the Quadrarco di Braccioforte, where two people invoked the strong arm of Christ to guarantee their contract and therefore had the image of that arm painted on the arch
Ravenna, Emilia-Romagna
The Archbishop's Chapel is a chapel on the first floor of the bishops' palace in Ravenna, Italy, the smallest of the famous mosaic sites of the city. It is a private oratory of Trinitarian bishops dating from the turn of the 6th century. Although commonly attributed to St. Peter Chrysologus, Archbishop of Ravenna from 433–450, the chapel was actually built by Peter II shortly after he became archbishop in 495. The mosaics date from the original construction, or soon after.
Ravenna, Emilia-Romagna
The palace of Theodoric was a structure in Ravenna, Italy, that was the residence of the Ostrogothic ruler and king of Italy Theodoric the Great, who was buried in the nearby Mausoleum of Theodoric.
Both the location of the former palace and a large part of the ground plan can be gathered from excavations of the remains of foundations and walls carried out by Corrado Ricci in the period between 1907 and 1911 in the garden of the Monghini family and in the adjacent area between the Viale Farini und Via Alberoni. Ricci identified the building on the basis of lead sewer pipes on which the name of Theodoric was engraved. The palace lay behind San Apollinare Nuovo, Theodoric's cathedral church, and the partial building which is now referred to as the so-called Palace of Theodoric, which was erroneously believed to be a remnant of the palace for a long time. The lead pipes revealed by the excavation, along with other finds, are kept in a dedicated room of the National Museum, Ravenna.
A large-scale mosaic depiction of the palace, located on the upper part of the southern interior wall of San Apollinare Nuovo and dating from the time of Theodoric, allows the palace to be reconstructed to a certain extent. From that, the palace seems not to have been very large. The relevant mosaic in San Apollinare Nuovo, which probably originally depicted Theodoric sitting on a horse in the centre and members of his court or his family in the two flanking colonnades, was altered after Theodoric's death in 526. Because he was an Arian, the Roman Church considered him a heretic. After his death, therefore, all images that depicted him and other people were removed from the mosaic and covered with other images. Of the original figures, the hands still remain on the columns of the palace.
In the excavations, among other things, some remnants of the palace's mosaic floor were discovered. The mosaics were brought to the so-called Palace of Theodoric in 1923, where they were set up in a display room. In the display room, on the upper level, a poster with a plan of the excavated foundations was displayed as well.
Ravenna, Emilia-Romagna
San Giovanni Evangelista is a church in Ravenna, Italy.
It was built in the fifth century AD by the Roman imperial princess Galla Placidia.
In the Middle Ages the Benedictines annexed to it an important monastery. Two of the four bells date to 1208. In the 14th century both the church and the monastery were renovated in the Gothic style: of that intervention [http://www.edificistoriciravenna.it/en/san-giovanni-evangelista/ the portal is visible today]. In 1747 the church was almost entirely stripped of its mosaics; the only two remaining fragments of the original 5th-century floor record the first Christian use of hooked crosses. Heavily bombed during World War II, the building was later restored. Other mosaic fragments found surviving the WWII bombing belong to the 13th-century floor and [https://helenmilesmosaics.org/blog/mosaics-of-san-giovanni-evangelista/ depict the Fourth Crusade].
Ravenna, Emilia-Romagna
The Archiepiscopal Museum is located in Ravenna, Italy, next to the Baptistry of Neon and behind the Duomo of Ravenna. In the museum relics of early Christian Ravenna are preserved, including fragments of mosaic from the first cathedral church, and the chapel of Sant'Andrea, dating from the Gothic kingdom.
The main room, on entering, contains lapidary inscriptions as HIC REQUIESCIT IN PACE VIR SBL SEDA IGNUCUS , CUBICULARIUS or 'Bedchamberlain' to Theodoric the Great, buried 541 AD. Beneath this, by the window, a reliquary for the martyred saints Quiricus and Julietta, whose remains were carried from Tarsus, the birthplace of Saint Paul, to Auxerre and from thence to Ravenna. The depictions on its four facings are in keeping with the theme of donation: Galla Placidia placed it in the church of San Giovanni Battista. They are:
*Christ giving the Tables of the Law to St. Peter, with Paul standing by him;
*Daniel in the lions' den, with the prophet Habakkuk offering him a loaf and fishes;
Inspiration
Travel Info
How long should you stay?
Two days provide ample time to explore Ravenna. It's an ideal destination for a short cultural getaway or as part of a broader exploration of the Emilia-Romagna region. Many visitors only opt for a day trip to explore the main sights in a few hours. However, we found it a bit overwhelming to take in the stunning mosaics all in one go. In our opinion, Ravenna has enough to offer to stay for at least one night.
Best time to visit
Consider visiting in the shoulder seasons of spring and fall. September is particularly ideal, with temperatures ranging between 20-25°C. However, since Ravenna isn't overrun with tourists visiting in Summer is also good. You can combine your visit with a beach vacation.
How to get to Ravenna?
Ravenna is well-connected by train and road. Direct train connections are available from major Italian cities, and the city is easily accessible by car from Bologna, Florence, and Rimini. Day trips are often made from Rimini or Bologna, both about 1 hour away.
Parking in Ravenna
Ravenna offers a few conveniently located parking garages just a short walk from the city center. The "Parcheggio San Vitale" offers affordable parking.
Fancy a roadtrip?
Be inspired by our hand-picked road trips.
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Day trips from Ravenna
Brisighella
A picturesque village surrounded by the foothills of the Apennine Mountains, Brisighella offers a scenic escape with its medieval, 14th century castle and charming streets. Climb up the fortress for stunning views and try the local specialty, Salame di fossa. This cured meat is aged in underground pits and is simply delicious. To get here, it is best to come by car. The scenic drive takes about an hour and a half.
Po Delta Regional Park
Enjoy a relaxed day in this paradise for birds and wild mammals. In this nature reserve foxes, badgers and rare wild cats say good night to each other. Bring binoculars to discover some of the 350 bird species, including the great flamingo colonies and cranes.
LinkUNESCO Sant'Apollinare in Classe
Located only about 6 km from Ravenna, the church is one of the best-preserved examples of early Christian architecture. The basilica has a simple but elegant, and gigantic structure with a long nave and two side aisles and displays wonderful beautiful mosaics.
The medieval town of Faenza
The small town is famous for its ceramics and you can visit the Ceramic Museum, in the 13th century Palazzo del Podesta to learn more about this craftmanship. Later on go shopping for some ceramic souvenirs. Visit also the cathedral with its beautiful façade. By car you only need about 30 minutes. You can also arrive by train in 45 minutes.
Rimini
The Adriatic Coast town is a good choice for a day trip at the Mediterranean Sea. Drive only an hour and half by car to enjoy a day on the beach with its many clubs and cafes. But Rimini also has more to offer. If you are interested in history, visit the Rimini Archaeological Museum and the Tempio Malatestiano.
Santarcangelo di Romagna
Explore this quiet nearby town known for its medieval architecture and immense underground system across 3 levels. The origin of the 160 caves is still a mystery. You can visit parts of the caves during a tour of 30-40 minutes.
Further tipps for day trips
Mirabilandia: For a day of family fun, visit the Mirabilandia amusement park, just a 20min drive from Ravenna.
Cervia: Enjoy the coastal charm of Cervia, known for its salt pans, pristine beaches, and the historic Salt Museum. The salt pans are no longer in operation and offer a paradise for birds and wildlife. Stop with your bike or car and observe the birds. You may encounter colonies of flamingos. Binoculars are a must.
Regional specialities
What to Drink
As in the entire region, the Italian love their aperitivo. Join in with a glass of wine or cocktail with some light snacks and just enjoy life.Wine
The local flagship wine grapes include the Albana, Trebbiano, Sangiovese, Pagadebit, and Cagnina. Due to the near sea and the saline breeze, the local wines can be recognized by their typical minerality. Pair a strong and well-bodied Sangiovese DOCG with rich dishes and an Albana with cheeses and desserts for a perfect experience.
Pasta
Ravenna offers a delightful array of local pasta specialties from tortelli, cappelletti, tortellacci to lasagne. A dish you will likely only find here is tardura, pasta with egg and parsley. As a former ancient seaport (the sea retreated and left Ravenna "stranded"), seafood plays a prominent role in the city's cuisine. Here are some must-try Ravenna delicacies:- Cappelletti: This traditional pasta dish is served with broth or with meat ragù in almost every restaurant around the Piazza del Popolo or along the streets of the old town.
- Piadina or piada: hot, triangular pieces of flatbread is the backbone of the culinary culture of Romana. It is served with various fillings in one of the many piadina kiosks. Piadina is typical of the valley of the Santerno river, with a thicker version served in Ravenna.
- Tortellaci di Ortica: Pasta stuffed with cheese and served with fish and tomatoes.
- Passatelli: Pasta made out of eggs, breadcrumbs, Parmesan and nutmeg
Seafood
- Mussels from the Marina di Ravenna: The fresh mussels are a favourite ingredient. Try out the mussel soup, tagliolini with mussels or mussels au gratin to just name a few. If you arrive end of June, make sure to visit the mussel festival in the Marina.
- Fried "naked men": A curiously named dish with fish from the Adriatic Sea. You will find it also in the Marina di Ravenna area.
- Frog soup: Ravenna is famous for its frog soup, which is not only delicious but was also given to heal ill people for centuries.
There are so many seafood dishes, it is hard to name them all. In Ravenna and along the coast you will find a wide variety from fish soups, clam risotto and marinated sardines to prawns, crustaceans, cuttlefish skewers, seafood spaghetti and the popular grilled catch of the day.
Desserts
- Zuppa Inglese: Among the most popular desserts in the entire Emilia-Romagna region. It consists of cookies and custard, alchermes and ladyfinger biscuits with a splash of cordial.
- Dolz to Saint-Michele: is made out of cream, apricot jelly, raisins and various nuts.
- Grape jam: Famous delicious jam made from grapes with almonds, orange peel, grape syrup and musk
- Ciambella Romagnola: also a common dessert, the ciambella is a light, simple, ring-shaped cake. Dip it into sweet wine or try it with a glass of Albana di Romagna Passito
Other seasonal delicacies: Quince Honey, Medlar Tree Fruits, Volpine Pears:
Tips for cafés & restaurants
Grinder Coffee Lab: Trendy café near Basilica di Sant'Apollinare Nuovo with excellent coffee.
Serafina: Modern restaurant in Ravenna's center offering buffet-style lunches.
Antica Trattoria Al Gallo 1909: very popular, upscale art nouveau trattoria close to the Basilica di San Vitale.
Il Portolano Trattoria: wonderful fish restaurant with daily fresh-caught dishes with a good price
Mercato Coperto: market hall for culinary souvenirs, also houses a stylish restaurant.
Trattoria La Rustica: reserve a table at this small trattoria and enjoy one of the typical dishes of the Romagna region, such as rabbit, passatelli, tortelli and cappelletti
What do you think is the best thing to shop for in Ravenna? You are right: Mosaics! You will find quite a few souvenir shops selling creative, fun and weird mosaic souvenirs. Just stroll along the historic centre and you will easily find them.
Explore Ravenna's shopping streets via Cavour, via Diaz, via Cairoli, via Corrado Ricci, Piazza del Popolo and the covered market in the center for souvenirs and local products.
Events
- Festival of Wild Mussels: The mussel festival is among the finest in Italy and takes place end of June (23. - 25.06.) The main event is in the Marina di Ravenna, but also restaurants along the shore and in the city of Ravenna take part in it. www.lacozzadiravennainfesta.it
Fun Facts
Ravenna served as the capital of 3 Empires
• Western Roman Empire (402 - 476 AD) till the fall of the Empire
• Kingdom of the Ostrogoths (493 - 540 AD) King Theodoric the Great integrated Roman & Gothic culture
• Byzantine Exarchate (584 - 751 AD) Capital of the Eastern Byzantine territory in Italy till the conquest by the Lombards.
Dante's final rest
Exiled from Florence in 1302 due to political reasons, Ravenna became Dante Alighieri's save haven. He completed here his masterpiece, the 'The Divine Comedy'. It is one of the greatest works of world literature. Written in the Tuscan dialect instead of Latin, it shaped the Italian language. After his death in 1321 his remains stayed in Ravenna, although Florence tried to get them back.
Empress Galla Placida, the patron of Ravenna
The Empress has led an exceptional life. She was abducted by the Visgoths during Rome's sacking in 410 AD and later forced to marry the Visigothic King Ataulf. After his death, she returned home. During her later regency for her son, she became one of the most powerful woman in the entire Roman Empire. She was also a major patron of the arts in Ravenna and is responsible for the construction of the most famous buildings & mosaics we can visit today.
More fun facts to know
Be on the look-out for the work of the
street artist invader across town. He has left his
pixelated mosaic-like art pieces in many cities across the world, from New York to Bangkok.
The wild mussels of the Marina di Ravenna are handpicked by fishermen, the 'cozzari' who dive between 10-12 meters. There are also wells in the Marina, where the mussels thrive well.
