What to see in Ravenna

Ravenna is a city rich in art and its Basilicas hide unique artistic heritages in the world. The true soul of Ravenna is enclosed in a priceless concentration of artistic and cultural contaminations that have made this city the capital of three empires: the Western Roman Empire, the Theodoric Empire, and finally the Byzantine Empire. Here in Ravenna, you will have the opportunity to see splendid golden mosaics, 8 of which have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ravenna is art, culture, and history, of course, but also much more: a dynamic, lively city that attracts many people for its timeless charm and the beauty of its modernity.

The mosaics of Ravenna

Proclaimed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, these places house the works of artists who have contributed to the wealth not only of the city but also of humanity itself. Not to be missed in Ravenna are the works such as the Basilica of San Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, the Baptistery of the Arians and the Orthodox, the Basilicas of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, and in Classe, the Archbishop's Chapel and the Mausoleum of Theodoric. Each of these places is intrinsic to stories and legends and must be discovered one at a time on a journey that goes beyond the limits of time and beauty.

The Basilica of San Vitale. It is an octagonal church built in 548 during the reign of Justinian to testify to the greatness of his empire. The decorations inside the Basilica will leave you breathless for the attention to detail and the richness of the details. From the ceiling to the walls, these designs are also repeated on the floor, creating a feeling that is unique in the world.

The Mausoleum of Galla Placidia. This place is profoundly different and entering this mausoleum means having an extraordinary experience. A casket that contains the oldest mosaics in Ravenna dates back to the period in which the emperor Honorius moved the capital of the Roman Empire from Milan to Ravenna in 402. The building is dedicated to the emperor's sister, Galla Placidia.

The Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo and in Classe. The first Basilica is located in the historic center of Ravenna and houses the largest mosaic cycle in the city. The interior decorations leave you breathless with their beauty. As happens in the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe, one of the most impressive examples of an early Christian basilica that was built by the first bishop of Ravenna. Both basilicas have a very humble and simple appearance from the outside, while the internal walls are covered with real treasures.

Attractions not to be missed in Ravenna

Once the tour inside the Basilicas is finished, it is time to take a trip to the Tomb of Dante, the great poet who lived in his hometown. Do not miss a visit to another Basilica, that of San Francesco. Going down into the crypt you find yourself in front of a unique spectacle given by the completely flooded floor, its peculiarity, in addition to the presence of water, is given by the decorations that stand out throughout the area where among other things small settlements of minnows. Dante's funeral was celebrated in the Basilica of San Francesco.

For families staying in Ravenna to discover its wonders and culinary specialties, there is also the opportunity to enjoy a day at the Mirabilandia amusement park, the second-largest playground in Italy full of attractions and fun for everyone.