Ravenna is a small, historic town in the Italian region of Emilia-Romagna. Located close to the Adriatic Sea, the town can trace its history back more than 2,000 years. Ravenna enjoyed a prosperous period during Roman rule in the 1st century A.D. before being occupied by a succession of other powers including the Ostrogoths and the Byzantines. Each ruler left his mark in the town, much of which can still be seen till this day – that explains the fact that despite its small size, Ravenna boasts no less than eight(!) UNESCO World Heritage properties. Despite these significant attractions, Ravenna is far from over-run by tourists, allowing visitors to enjoy its historic wonders at a leisurely pace. In addition, a large part of Ravenna’s centre is a pedestrian zone – the only thing you’ll have to look out for when you’re strolling around are bicycles! Here are things to see in Ravenna, especially the famous Ravenna mosaics, along with some culinary delights!

Things to see in Ravenna

I was attracted to Ravenna after reading up about its UNESCO sites and stunning mosaics but during my stay there, I discovered other great reasons that warrant a stay of at least a few days. The Ravenna mosaics can be covered in a day or two as most of them are within walking distance of one another. The ticket office near the Basilica di San Vitale sells single tickets that cover entrance to five of the eight sites, or you can purchase this ticket online. Follow the walking route in the map below to see many of Ravenna’s top attractions:

Basilica di San Vitale

A great place to start is the 1st century Basilica di San Vitale, one of the most treasured examples of early Christian and Byzantine art in Western Europe, and a must-see in Ravenna. The basilica, with its towering columns and rich, vividly-coloured mosaics, is absolutely awe-inspiring.

Mausoleo di Galla Placidia

Right next to the basilica is another UNESCO site, the Mausoleo di Galla Placidia. UNESCO describes this mausoleum as one of the best-preserved mosaic monuments, and rightfully so.

The intricate mosaics, stunning depictions and striking colours are jaw-dropping beautiful. Cole Porter reputedly composed his famous song, ‘Night & Day’ after a visit here in the 1920’s. I can imagine why. As you enter, you’re greeted by a rich blue ceiling with glittering gold stars. It’s incredible, once you think about it, how much effort was made to create these masterpieces using tiny, coloured tiles!

If you have time, visit the National Museum of Ravenna that’s adjacent to Basilica di San Vitale. The museum houses a varied collection of art and archeological finds in a beautiful monastery.

Other UNESCO World Heritage monuments in Ravenna

The other UNESCO sites in Ravenna I visited included the impressive Battistero Neoniano (Baptistry of Neon), the little but no less impressive Capella di San Andrea (St. Andrew’s Chapel), both of which are adjacent to Ravenna’s Duomo, the cavernous Basilica di Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, and the Arian Baptistry just off Via di Roma.

Just outside the city centre stands the 6th century Mausoleum of Theodoric, another of the 8 UNESCO World Heritage properties. Theodoric the Great was the Ostrogoth king who conquered Ravenna in 493 AD and made it the capital of the Ostrogothic Kingdom.

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Domus of the Stone Carpets

In the early-1990’s, an important archelogical discovery was made not far from Basilica di San Vitale. During construction work of an underground parking garage, remains of a 6th century Byzantine palace were found. This Domus of the Stone Carpets is now open to the public and features elaborate mosaic floors.

Exploring Ravenna

Ravenna itself is a lovely town with a web of charming streets filled with boutiques, cafés, shops selling regional produce, restaurants and gelaterias! The town’s central point and another Ravenna highlight is the picturesque Piazza del Popolo. From here, pedestrian-only streets fan out in different directions.

Around Via Cavour

Via Cavour is the main shopping street and extends from the historic Porta Adriana gate to the heart of the city at Via IV Novembre and Piazza del Popolo, where you’ll find a plethora of restaurants and cafés. In the maze of streets and lanes in this area, you’ll probably stumble upon Fresca, a lively wine bar that’s popular with the locals.

In Via IV Novembre, you’ll also find Mercato Coperto, a modern market with cafés and food counters. This is a great place for a lunch stop.

One thing to look out for in this area is Dante’s face (in Via Giuseppe Pasolini), a street art piece by Brazilian artist, Kobra.

I also discovered two fabulous restaurants in Via IV Novembre called Bella Venezia (reservations recommended) and Capello. After dinner at Bella Venezia one evening, I made another awesome discovery: Papilla, one of the best gelaterias in Ravenna (very close to Bella Venezia). There’s a chocolate tap near the entrance which made my mouth water the second I saw it! I chose two flavours (chocolate and mango) and had the cone filled up with more chocolate. The result: an experience I won’t easily forget!

Around Via Corrado Ricci

Dante’s Tomb

Starting from Piazza del Popolo, a walk along the atmospheric Via Corrado Ricci will bring you past another famous Ravenna monument: Dante Alighieri‘s Tomb. Prior to visiting Ravenna, I had no idea that Dante, one of the most influential literary figures from the Middle Ages, was buried here.

In the park adjacent to the tomb, look for a white stone slab. This marks the spot where Dante’s remains were hidden from the Florentines by locals who were adamant about keeping Dante in Ravenna.

Basilica di San Francesco

Then step inside the 5th century Basilica di San Francesco just behind the tomb. This church was rebuilt and restored several times, particularly in the 13th and 19th centuries to address the fact that it was sinking into the marshy ground on which it was built. Standing at the main altar, you can easily see the different floor levels and column heights. Under the altar, look for a sunken chapel dating from the 10th century. The flooded chapel has a beautiful mosaic floor.

Read more about the Art Cities of Emilia Romagna

In the evenings, you’ll find people crowding around Ca de Ven (Via Corrado Ricci, 24), a bar/restaurant which truly is an institution in Ravenna. I highly recommend dining in Ca de Ven, which is famous for its top-notch Romagna cuisine.

Around Via di Roma

Another wonderful road to explore is Via di Roma. Starting at the Arian Baptistry (one of the 8 UNESCO properties), walk to Via di Roma and continue towards Porta Nuova (gate). Look out for Koko Mosaico (Via di Roma, 136), a gallery and workshop where beautiful modern mosaics are created. You can also sign up for a mosaic workshop there.

Basilica di Sant’Apollinare Nuovo

Further along Via di Roma, you’ll find other top attraction in Ravenna: the majestic Basilica S. Apollinare Nuovo with its astonishing mosaics (see UNESCO sites above).

Museo Arte della Citta

A bit further, you’ll arrive at the beautiful Parocchia S. Maria in Porto. Adjacent to it is the Museo Arte della Citta (City Art Gallery) or MAR. I recommend visiting this museum, with its beautiful contemporary mosaics, a collection of ancient artworks, paintings and sculptures from 14th to 19th century, including the outstanding statue of Guidarello Guidarelli by Tullio Lombardi (1525).

Down the road from Porta Nuova, you’ll find Ristorante Alexander (Via Bassa del Pignataro, 8), a cosy restaurant housed in an old cinema. The chef serves superb Italian cuisine blended with contemporary influences.

Other restaurants in Ravenna I can recommend include Osteria dei Battibecchi (local food in a cosy, homely ambiance; Via della Tesoreria Vecchia, 16), Osteria Passatelli (Romagna cuisine in an old cinema with a large outdoor terrace; Via Ponte Marino, 19) and Antica Trattoria Al Gallo 1909 (terrific food in stylish, classical surroundings; Via Maggiore, 89).

Classe

Just outside Ravenna, in the village of Classe (about a 15-minute drive), you’ll find another UNESCO World Heritage property: Basilica di Sant’Apollinare. This 6th century church, with its 24 marble columns, is another important example of Byzantine art. A short stroll away (400 meters) lies the Classis Ravenna – Museo della Città e del Territorio, which tells the history of Ravenna through a stunning collection of archeological objects and mosaics. A single ticket provides entrance to both attractions.

Ravenna beaches

Ravenna is situated about a 15-minute drive from the Adriatic coast. The coast boasts long, sandy beaches backed by pine trees. There are many beach clubs to go to but my favourites are located just south of Marina di Ravenna, such as Singita Miracle Beach and the adjacent Finisterre Beach. I spent one lovely afternoon enjoying the sea and sand. In the evening, I had a lovely seafood dinner with my feet in the sand. Bliss!

Where to stay in Ravenna

There are numerous hotels and B&Bs in the city centre within walking distance of Ravenna’s top attractions. Small hotels and B&B’s I can recommend include Chez Papa, Le Case Cavour, Villa Santa Maria Foris and Villa Noctis.

I’ve absolutely enjoyed my visits and marvelled at the many things to see in Ravenna. I love the laid-back vibe of the town whilst the UNESCO sites are truly awe-inspiring. Ravenna is easily accessible by train from Bologna and Rimini, about an hour from both. If you’re travelling through Italy and visiting Emilia-Romagna, don’t miss Ravenna! The city also makes for a great base from which to explore the Adriatic coast.

Read about other cities in Emilia-Romagna like Bologna or Modena. One of my favourite towns in Emilia-Romagna, Comacchio, is situated just north of Ravenna. Read about things to do in Comacchio.

Ravenna is also a recommended destination in the Ultimate Euro Food Trip.

Note: my visit to Ravenna was part of the Blogville project, a collaboration between the Emilia-Romagna Tourism Board and iambassador.

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