Ravenna

Ravenna is a true jewel of Italy, a city that holds an unparalleled artistic treasure from the late Roman and Byzantine eras. While it may be less famous than Rome or Florence, for those interested in early Christian art and history, it is simply unmatched.

Here is a comprehensive overview of Ravenna.

The Supreme Attraction: Early Christian Monuments

Ravenna’s claim to global fame is its collection of 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites dating from the 5th and 6th centuries AD. During this period, Ravenna served as the capital of the Western Roman Empire, then of the Ostrogothic Kingdom, and later as the seat of the Byzantine Exarchate in Italy.

The city’s UNESCO sites are celebrated for their spectacular Byzantine mosaics. These are not mere decorations; they are masterpieces of art that cover entire walls and ceilings with brilliant, shimmering glass and gold tiles, depicting biblical stories and imperial power with breathtaking skill.

The Must-See UNESCO Sites include:

• Basilica of San Vitale: The crown jewel of Ravenna. Its mosaics are the largest and best preserved outside Constantinople (Istanbul). The panels depicting the Emperor Justinian and his wife Theodora with their courtiers are iconic art history images.

• Mausoleum of Galla Placidia: A small, unassuming building from the outside that contains a breathtaking, star-filled vault of deep blue mosaics. The atmosphere inside is intimate and magical.

• Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo: Built by the Ostrogoth King Theodoric, its long nave walls are lined with magnificent processional mosaics of martyrs and virgins.

• Baptistry of the Orthodox (Neonian Baptistery): One of the oldest monuments, with a magnificent mosaic ceiling depicting the Baptism of Christ.

• Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe: Located a short drive from the city center, this basilica features a stunning apse mosaic of the patron saint, Sant’Apollinare, in a beautiful green, paradisiacal landscape.

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Other Highlights of the City

• Dante Alighieri’s Tomb (Tomba di Dante):

  • The father of the Italian language, author of the Divine Comedy, died in exile in Ravenna in 1321. His ornate tomb is a place of pilgrimage for literature lovers, and the city is fiercely proud of housing his remains (much to the chagrin of Florence, which wanted them back).

• The Quiet, Bike-Friendly Atmosphere:

  • Unlike many bustling Italian tourist cities, Ravenna has a calm, elegant, and flat urban layout, making it perfect for exploring by bicycle. The historic center is pleasant to walk through, with pink brick buildings and quiet piazzas.

• Proximity to the Adriatic Sea:

  • Ravenna is connected to the sea by a long, pine-lined road. The nearby Marina di Ravenna offers beaches and is a gateway to the Po Delta Regional Park, a unique wetland area rich in biodiversity.

• Local Cuisine:

  • Being so close to the sea, Ravenna’s cuisine is a mix of land and sea (cucina di terra e di mare).

  • Piadina: The flatbread of the Romagna region is a staple here, served warm and stuffed with cheese, cold cuts, or vegetables.

  • Seafood: Excellent grilled fish, shellfish, and brodetto (fish stew).

  • Passatelli: A unique pasta made from breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, and nutmeg, typically served in broth.

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Ravenna vs. Other Italian Art Cities: A Comparison

Suggested Activities for a Visit

• The Essential Mosaic Tour: Purchase a combined ticket that gives you access to the major UNESCO sites (San Vitale, Galla Placidia, Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, etc.). Allow a full day to appreciate them properly.

• A Literary Pilgrimage: Visit Dante’s Tomb and the adjacent Dante Museum to learn about his life and work.

• A Day by the Sea: Rent a bike and cycle to the Marina di Ravenna or explore the peaceful trails of the Po Delta Park.

• A Taste of Romagna: Enjoy a casual lunch of piadina from a street kiosk and have a dinner focused on fresh Adriatic seafood.

In a Nutshell

Ravenna is an open-air museum of late antiquity. It offers a unique and profound artistic experience focused on one of the most important transitional periods in Western history. It’s not a city of grand Renaissance squares or imperial ruins, but of intimate, glittering spaces that transport you directly to the world of early Christians, Roman emperors, and Byzantine empresses.

For anyone with a passion for art, history, or religion, a visit to Ravenna is an absolute must. It’s a quieter, more specialized, and deeply moving alternative to Italy’s more famous art cities.