Ravenna in Italy - the world capital of mosaics - attractions worth seeing

Name: Ravenna in Italy
Rating: 5

Ravenna (Ravenna) is one of the most unusual cities in northern Italy, located in the Emilia-Romagna region, near the Adriatic coast. Although it may seem inconspicuous at first glance, it hides some of the most valuable monuments of early Christian art in the world. And did you know thatRavenna is the world capital of mosaics? These intricately arranged, colorful ornaments have been inscribed on the UNESCO list as masterpieces of art. A walk through the streets among these harmonious and extremely valuable monuments leaves indelible memories and amazing impressions. Check out our guide to Ravenna and see what's especially worth seeing in this surprising city.

Ravenna – location and access and parking

The city is located about 10 km from the Adriatic Sea, between Bologna and Rimini, near Cesena. It is a great base for both exploring the region and a short stopover while traveling in northern Italy. The easiest way to get here:

by car – Ravenna has good road connections, you can easily get here, for example, from Cesena
by train - from Bologna in about 1-1.5 hours and from Rimini in about 1 hour
by plane - the nearest airports are Bologna, Rimini and Forlì

When moving by car, it should be remembered that the center is partially excluded from car traffic and large penalties are paid for crossing the Zona Traffico Limitato (ZTL) zone. We stopped the car in the parking lot of Parcheggio Giustiniano at Largo Giustiniano 1, near St. Vitus Basilica. It cost 3.5 euros per day, you paid with a card in the parking meter.

Attractions in Ravenna - what to see - a map of attractions!

Although Ravenna is the larger city in the region, it reveals its hidden charms to us as part of a pleasant walk. There is no need to drive here, just wander around the most important monuments on foot, getting to know the squares and charming streets of the city along the way. Of course, the most valuable here are the famous mosaics inscribed on the UNESCO list, which delight with precision, colors and symbolism. But the city has more to offer, here are the top attractions of Ravenna!

Basilica di San Vitale - St. Vitus Basilica - the most important temple of Ravenna

UNESCO-listedSt. Vitus Basilica is the most important temple of Ravenna and one of the most beautiful basilicas in Europe. For us, it is the most beautiful basilica we have ever seen. The basilica is not typically Roman or Greek, it has an octagonal plan that symbolizes eternity and perfection. The church is dedicated to St. Vitalis, a martyr from Ravenna, who according to legend was buried alive for his faith. His story is one of the first motifs of Christian heroism in art. From the outside, the temple presents an interesting and large shape, but it does not throw the appearance on the knees, while from the threshold the interior makes a thunderous impression.

The painted dome and decorations are enchanting, but the best awaits only in the presbytery. The age-old mosaics of Emperor Justinian and his wife Theodora are the absolute top of world art. It's hard to take your eyes off them. The basilica was completed in the 6th century, in 547, when Ravenna was the capital of the Byzantine province of Italy. It is one of the few places in Europe where you can see original mosaics from the time of Emperor Justinian. They are about 1500 years old! Interestingly, when she was young, before Theodora became the wife of Justinian I and empress of Byzantium, she was a dancer and actress, and Procopius of Caesarea even called her promiscuous, accusing her of fornication. Her mosaic in San Vitale is a symbol of the triumph of a woman who managed to rise above her origin.
Address: Via San Vitale 17

Mausoleo di Galla Placidia - Mausoleum of Galla Placidia

The mausoleum of Galli Placidia is a 5th-century UNESCO-listed chapel, built on the plan of a Latin cross, decorated with blue Roman mosaics. Inconspicuous from the outside, but absolutely delightful on the inside, stunningly beautiful and valuable. The dome, decorated with a mosaic depicting thousands of navy blue and gold stars, is one of the most magical places in Ravenna and throughout Italy. It symbolizes the eternal sky, and next to it, the young Christ surrounds his sheep, something beautiful! The mosaic comes from the first half of the 5th century and is one of the oldest decorations of this type in the world!

Gaul Placidia was the daughter of Emperor Theodosius the Great, sister of Emperor Honorius, and mother of Emperor Valentinian III. Although she lived during the fall ofRome, her passion was art and faith, and the mausoleum is her personal manifesto of beauty and spirituality. Although the chapel is called a mausoleum, Galla Placidia was not buried here. According to legend, her body rested here for some time in a glass sarcophagus, but historians believe that she died in Rome.
Address: Via San Vitale 17

Battistero Neoniano (Ortodossi) - Baptistery Neoniano (Orthodox) - the oldest Christian monument of Ravenna

The UNESCO-listed Neoniano Baptistery is the oldest Christian monument of Ravenna, one of the oldest preserved buildings in the city and one of the oldest Christian buildings in Europe. Built on an octagonal plan, it was transformed from a Roman bathhouse around the middle of the 5th century, even before Ravenna became the capital of the Byzantine Empire. Inside, there is a dome with a mosaic of the Baptism of Christ in Jordan, considered one of the most beautiful representations of baptism in all early Christian art. Jesus is standing in the water, and the Holy Spirit is hovering over him in the form of a dove. Next to it is the figure of an old man, a personification of the Jordan River. It owes its name to Bishop Neon, who rebuilt it and decorated it with mosaics, giving it a glow preserved to this day.
Address: Piazza Arcivescovado 1

Basilica di Sant'Apollinare Nuovo - New Basilica of St. Apollinaris

The new Basilica of St. Apollinaris, also from the UNESCO List, was built around 500 by the Ostrogothic king Theodoric the Great for the Arians. This is a branch of Christianity considered heretical by Rome. After the conquest of the city by the Byzantines, the church was "cleansed" of Arianism and dedicated to St. Apollinaris. The church is characterized by a long nave and powerful mosaics on the side walls depicting a procession of Saints - women on one side and men on the other. They go to Christ and Mary. Each character has individual facial features, and their outfits sparkle with gold and purple. Mary in a purple cloak and with a crown is presented as a Byzantine empress. This is one of the first performances of Our Lady as the queen of heaven. Interestingly, the mosaics originally featured Theodoric himself and the court. However, after the Byzantines took over the temple, its figure was removed and only the hands on the columns that the keen eye can see remain to this day. This is an unusual trace of the story of the "erased king".
Address: Via di Roma 53

Battistero degli Ariani - Arian Baptistery

The UNESCO-listedArian Baptistery is smaller and less known than Neoniano, but also very beautiful. Built on an octagonal plan at the end of the 5th century under the Ostrogothic king Theodoric the Great, the baptistery served the Arian community — a branch of Christianity that did not recognize the divinity of Christ in the same sense as the Catholic Church. Today, the baptistery lies 2 m below ground level, it is available for a fee (2 euro, 8 PLN). In the dome there is a mosaic depicting the baptism of Christ in the Jordan, similar to that in the Orthodox baptistery, except that here Jesus is presented without a beard, as a young man.

Theodoric was an Arian Goth who ruled the Roman Catholic population in Italy. He allowed the coexistence of two denominations — Arian and Catholic, which was rare at that time. After the conquest of Ravenna by the Byzantines in 540, the baptistery was "re-baptized". They were transformed into a Catholic chapel, but the mosaics were left untouched, thanks to which we can admire Arian art in its original form here. This tiny monument has great historical significance, it is a testimony to religious pluralism at a time when heresy could even mean death.
Address: Piazzetta degli Ariani

Tomba di Dante - Tomb of Dante and Dante Museum

Ravenna is the resting place of the poet Dante, the author of the "Divine Comedy". Dante's grave is housed in a small, classicist building with a distinctive dome. Above the entrance is the Latin inscription Dantis Poetae Sepulcrum (Tomb of the Poet Dante). Inside the tomb, an olive lamp burns. Interestingly, every year, on the second Sunday of September, that is, on the anniversary of the poet's death, Florence supplies her with olive oil. In this way, Dante's hometown symbolically apologizes that it exiled a famous inhabitant in 1302. He was to be threatened with death at the stake for returning to the city. Both houses the Dante Museum.
Address: Via Dante Alighieri

Piazza del Popolo - People's Square

Piazza del Popolo appears in almost every Italian city, including Ravenna. It is the main square of the city, surrounded by antique buildings and arcades. It is the perfect place to relax and try local specialties.
Address: Piazza del Popolo

Mirabilandia -the largest amusement park in Italy

Mirabilandia, located in Savio, about 10 km from Ravenna, is the largest amusement park in Italy in terms of area and one of the most popular in the whole country. It is an ideal place for both adrenaline enthusiasts and families traveling with children. The park offers dozens of attractions – from extreme rollercoasters to quiet zones for the youngest. In this warm climate, we also thought about the extensive water part of Mirabeach.

Marina di Ravenna

Marina di Ravenna is a popular seaside resort located about 10 km from the historic centre of Ravenna. It is famous for its wide sandy beaches, modern yacht marina and lush pine forests. It offers pleasant conditions for both sunbathing and nightlife. The marina itself is fenced, but the beaches in June were almost empty. There are free car parks on site, one of which is located almost next to the marina.

Other things to do in and around Ravenna

In Ravenna, beautiful monuments await practically at every step, while walking, it is worth paying attention to them. In addition, the area is also very interesting. What else do we recommend?

Basilica di Sant'Apollinare in Classe - St. Apollinaris Basilica in the Port of Ravenna

St. Apollinaris Basilica in the port is also on the UNESCO list and is located 5 km from the city center. It is monumental, full of light, with a beautiful apse. The name in Classe comes from the former war port of Classis, which in Roman times was one of the most important ports of the Adriatic. Today, the sea is a few kilometers away, but at the time of construction, i.e. around 549, the waves could reach the walls of the basilica. The basilica was dedicated to St. Apollinaris, a disciple of St. Peter and the first bishop of Ravenna. According to legend, he was martyred for his faith, and his relics rest here. The basilica has a simple, classic form with three naves, marble columns and brick walls. Its proportions are so perfect that many architects consider it "the purest example of a Byzantine basilica". It is one of the most important temples in the region, famous for its monumental mosaic depicting St. Apollinaris surrounded by symbolic elements of nature.
Address: Via Romea Sud 224

Cappella Arcivescovile, Piazza Arcivescovado 1 - The Archbishop's Chapel of St. Andrew from the UNESCO List (available for a fee) is a small but richly decorated chapel from the turn of the 5th and 6th centuries. There are some of the best-preserved mosaics of Ravenna, with a clearly symbolic and theological meaning. The most famous is the mosaic depicting Christ in armor, with a cross like a spear. An interesting fact is that the inscriptions are in Greek, a testimony to the city's strong ties with Byzantium and the East. For centuries, only archbishops and their guests had access to the chapel, only in the 19th century it was made available to visitors
Basilica di San Francesco, Piazza S. Francesco 3 - St. Francis Basilica is a magnificent church where sunken mosaics are waiting at the altar
Mausoleo di Teodorico, Via delle Industrie 14 - Mausoleum of Theodoric from the UNESCO List - a round stone building from 520, with a huge monolithic roof. The mausoleum is crude, devoid of mosaics and gold, because Theodoric wanted his tomb to be a manifesto of strength, not wealth. It is built by Istrian stone from Istria. Today, there is an empty marble sarcophagus. According to legend, Theodoric's body was moved or destroyed after the church declared him a heretic
Museo Nazionale di Ravenna, Via San Vitale 17 - National Museum of Ravenna - you will learn about the history of the city and art from archaeological monuments through works from all eras
Comacchio - so-called Little Venice with canals and bridges - an intimate and atmospheric alternative to Venice
Cesenatico Port Canal - a charming place to walk along the historic Leonardo Canal
Library in Cesena - stunning, probably the first public library in Europe

Practical information

We visited the 4 most important monuments as part of a joint ticket for 12.5 euros per person (8-year-old Amelia for 2 euros). The ticket included:

St. Vitus Basilica
Mausoleum of Galli Placidia
Neoniano Baptistery
New Basilica of St. Apollinaris

In the case of the Mausoleum of Galli and the Baptistery of Neoniano, it was necessary to book in advance for a specific time of entry. During the reservation, there was information that these 2 monuments can be visited at this specific time and for 5 minutes, in fact it was not strictly observed, we could enter a little earlier and no one guarded these 5 minutes, although in fact they are small monuments and it does not take much time to admire them. Ravenna is a place that may not impress with its unusual atmosphere at first glance, but with each subsequent temple it discovers its extraordinary beauty. It is an ideal destination for people interested in history, art and less obvious gems of Italy.

Accommodation in Ravenna - discount code Anna5%

We visited Ravenna and the Romania region at the beginning of June. We slept in Cesenatico Camping Village located in a charming village by the sea. Every day we enjoyed the charms of the place — we cooled in the pool, walked on sandy beaches full of shells and discovered other corners of this unique part of Italy. In the campsite in Cesenatico, there is a swimming pool with slides and a bar, a gym, a playground, a restaurant and a shop, as well as cottages of various standards. Our cottage had 3 bedrooms, including 1 with a double bed, a small living room with a sofa, a table and a TV, a fully equipped kitchen, a large terrace with a table and a private parking space. As part of our stay, we had the so-called half board, i.e. breakfast and dinner. The beach is only a few hundred meters away. It is an ideal place for both families and people looking for a comfortable holiday close to nature.
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Here you will find a wide selection of accommodations. By booking your stay on Booking.com through our link, you support the development of our blog — and we thank you in advance! It helps us reach many interesting places that we later love to show you and share our experiences and information with you.

What and where to eat?

During your visit, you can't miss the local cuisine, because there are a lot of restaurants here. It is definitely worth trying piadina romagnola – a traditional cake filled with various ingredients, such as mozzarella, arugula, tomatoes, ham or salami. This is a quick, simple and very tasty regional dish. These peculiar sandwiches are served in all the surrounding towns. In Ravenna, we tasted them in La Tonda on the main Piazza del Popolo. They cost about 6-7 euros.

History of the city

Ravenna was one of the most important cities of the late Roman Empire. In 402, it became its capital, and later also became the center of the Ostrogothic kingdom and the Byzantine exarchate (a Byzantine province in Italy). It is thanks to this unique history that the city combines Roman, barbarian and Byzantine influences, which is best seen in the architecture and decorations of temples.

Rent a car

Exploring becomes much easier when you have your own means of transport. You don’t have to worry about buses or taxis, and you can plan each day your way. The search box below will help you find the right car – right where your journey begins.

What's worth seeing in the area?

You don't have to travel far to find more interesting places. Within a radius of 100 kilometers, there are many attractions waiting for you that will certainly enrich your stay Your trip with additional memories.

Cesenatico in Italy, distance: 28.9 km
Comacchio in Italy, distance: 30.8 km
Cesena in Italy, distance: 31.4 km