Ravenna Emilia Romagna And San Marino, Italy Travel Guide
The mosaics of Ravenna offer a vivid glimpse into the power and religious fervor of the Byzantine Empire. They are prime examples of early Christian art, with stunning detail and historical depth.
The combined ticket provides single entry to the five main UNESCO mosaic sites: Basilica di San Vitale, Mausoleo di Galla Placidia, Basilica di Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, Battistero Neoniano, and Museo Arcivescovile. The ticket has validity over several days for flexible exploration. Find tickets and tours on GetYourGuide.
Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak crowds. Patience helps at smaller sites like Mausoleo di Galla Placidia.
No truly "secret" viewpoints exist for the main sites. The beauty is in their direct observation.
Look for details high up, not just at eye level.
Look for different angles to capture their beauty. The way light hits the mosaics creates different effects, enhancing their shimmer.
Take time to sit on benches provided within the basilicas. This truly lets you absorb the details and spiritual atmosphere.
The Mausoleo di Galla Placidia is designed for a dim, mystical ambiance. Allow your eyes to adjust to fully appreciate it.
Beyond the main mosaic sites, Ravenna has several museums and cultural venues that deepen your understanding of the city's art and history.
Housed in the former monastery cloister of San Vitale, this museum displays a vast collection of Roman and Byzantine artifacts. Highlights include detached mosaics, sculptures, sarcophagi, and archaeological finds from the region.
This museum mainly focuses on modern and contemporary art, but it also has a collection of ancient and medieval art. MAR regularly hosts important temporary exhibitions.
Dedicated specifically to the art of mosaic, from ancient times to contemporary interpretations. It features interactive exhibits and demonstrations, looking into techniques and evolution of mosaic art.
Dante Alighieri’s last residence in Ravenna. While only a small portion of the original structure is preserved as a museum, it holds relics and exhibits related to the poet's life and work. It sits adjacent to Dante's Tomb.
Ravenna's main opera house and theater. It hosts a diverse program of opera, ballet, classical concerts, and plays throughout the year. Checking their schedule can reveal opportunities for a cultural evening.
A large, multi-purpose venue used for major concerts, conventions, and large-scale events, often featuring popular Italian and international artists.
Ravenna Festival, held annually in summer (May-July), is an international event featuring world-class classical music, opera, dance, and theater performances. Check the program well in advance.
Museums often host temporary exhibitions. Check their websites or local listings for current programming during your visit to discover unique displays.
Performances often take place in Ravenna's historic venues, creating an unique cultural experience in ancient settings.
Ravenna's history extends beyond its famous mosaics, with numerous sites that reveal its layers of Roman, Gothic, and Byzantine past.
From archaeological ruins to medieval churches, the city is a living museum, offering deep historical insights.
Discover the foundations of Ravenna's ancient power and daily life.
Explore sites of spiritual devotion and remembrance.
While famous for art, the surrounding area has natural beauty, especially along the coast and in the Po Delta.
Beyond the prominent attractions, Ravenna holds several lesser-known spots that offer unique charm and insights.
Ravenna has many captivating scenes for photography, from its ancient mosaic interiors to the natural beauty of the Po Delta.
If accessible, the water in San Francesco's crypt creates stunning reflections of mosaic fragments, offering unique photo opportunities.
Focus on close-ups of animals, figures, and patterns in Galla Placidia and San Vitale. The way light hits them creates different effects.
Sunrise or sunset over the Po Delta wetlands provides dramatic skies and unique landscapes for photography, notably for bird photography.
Photograph the ancient buildings and charming pedestrian streets of the Historic Center. Capture the essence of old Ravenna.
Explore Historic ToursCapture sunrises and sunsets over the Adriatic Sea near the lidos. The relaxed beach atmosphere makes for serene shots.
Find Coastal ActivitiesScenic landscapes in the Po Delta Park and surrounding countryside. Farm stays with traditional architecture offer rustic charm.
Discover Nature TripsCapture the lively main square, surrounded by historic palaces. It shows the heart of Ravenna's daily life and interactions.
See City ExperiencesA somber yet significant photo opportunity. Capture the neoclassical monument honoring the great poet Dante Alighieri.
Learn About DanteRavenna's past as a significant port city has left its mark on the modern landscape.
The Po Delta Regional Park is an excellent destination for birdwatching.
The Ravenna area sits on a flat, alluvial plain formed by the Po River and other rivers.
This geological feature shaped its history as a port and its rich agricultural land, impacting local cuisine and development.
Beyond the main mosaic sites, Ravenna has museums and cultural venues that deepen your understanding of the city's art and history.
Discover in-depth insights into specific aspects of Ravenna's rich heritage.
Explore contemporary and traditional art in Ravenna's exhibition spaces.
These venues host a variety of performances and events throughout the year.
Check festival programs for specific dates and ticket information well in advance.
The very fabric of Ravenna tells a story through its architecture.
These areas are ideal for leisurely strolls and absorbing the city's ambiance.
Ravenna's religious heritage extends beyond its famous mosaics.
Visit for a quiet atmosphere and historical reflection.
Held annually in the summer (typically May-July), this is an international event featuring world-class classical music, opera, dance, and theater performances.
During summer evenings, some mosaic sites open for special evening visits, often with special lighting, creating a different and magical atmosphere. Check local listings for dates.
Various events occur throughout the year related to Dante Alighieri, especially in September (anniversary of his death) and during the "Settimana Dantesca" (Dante Week).
