ravenna tourism office

• Destination Romagna

Why visit it

• Don't miss

On the table

Significant appointments, in the surroundings.

• Information Offices

Nestled a few kilometers from the Adriatic Sea, in the heart of Romagna, Ravenna is a treasure chest of art, history and culture with an ancient and glorious past behind it.

Besides the extraordinary richness of its monumental heritage, its few kilometres distance from the Adriatic coast makes it a suggestive destination for relaxation and fun , as well as an ideal place for excursions immersed in nature .

With an efficient organisation of services and a very wide offering, in Ravenna and its territory you can enjoy a holiday tailored to your needs: sun and relaxation, sea, games, sports and fitness activities, excursions and themed parks, all accompanied by a varied and tasty gastronomic offering .

Starting from the beginning of the 5 th century, Ravenna was a capital city three times : in the last moments of the Western Roman Empire (402-403), during the reign of the Goths under Theodoric (493-526), and then, under the Byzantine dominion (553-751).

The magnificence of that period has left in the city a great heritage, including 8 monuments that have been declared Unesco heritage sites.

In addition, Ravenna preserves the remains of the Father of the Italian Language Dante Alighieri , and keeps his memory alive throughout the year with important dedicated events.

The territory around the city, which is the second widest in Italy, presents a remarkable variety of landscapes , some of which are of extreme beauty: a wide cultivated countryside, valleys and canals lined by the characteristic fishing huts and pine forests overlooking the sandy and well-equipped beaches.

The 35 kilometres of coastline feature 9 beach towns , each one with its peculiarities and for every type of holiday.

Nature and excursion lovers can immerse themselves in the natural beauties of the Po Delta Park , by observing the multitude of rare species of birds that find shelter here.

You can choose, for instance, the Oasis of Punte Alberete , the historic pine forests of San Vitale and Classe , the NatuRa Museum of Sant’Alberto, the Southern Lagoons of Comacchio , or a canoe excursion to the oasis of Ortazzo and Ortazzino and to the mouth of the Bevano river .

Besides a visit to the eight Unesco World Heritage monuments ( Basilica of San Vitale, Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, Neonian Baptistery, Chapel of Sant'Andrea or Archiepiscopal Chapel, Arian Baptistery, Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, Mausoleum of Theodoric, Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe ), there are many various cultural events in Ravenna in every season of the year.

There are so many places to see: you can visit the MAR - Ravenna Art Museum , which besides permanent collections (such as the Contemporary Mosaics collections) organises events and temporary high-profile exhibitions or the National Museum of Ravenna with its rich collections, including Roman and Byzantine finds coming from local excavations.

Apart from the many already noted, you can also pay a visit to the Archiepiscopal Museum , Museo Dante with relics linked to the cult and the fame of Dante Alighieri, and the Byron Museum , connected to the memory of the English poet, which collects engravings, documents, objects of the Risorgimento and memories of Garibaldi.

The suggestive “ Zone of Silence ” hidden in the city centre is absolutely worth seeing. The area includes Dante’s tomb , the Quadrarco of Braccioforte and the Basilica of San Francesco . Every year, in September, this area hosts a series of celebrations and spectacular events paying homage to the Supreme Poet.

In the silent rooms of the Classense Library important objects linked to Lord Byron and other important historical figures who stayed in the city are displayed. Moreover, the library hosts a huge collection of books and manuscripts that make it one of Italy's most prestigious library institutions.

The Planetarium of Ravenna is located inside the public gardens of the city ( Giardini Pubblici ), which, almost as a frame, overlook the 16 th century-old Loggetta Lombardesca , house of the MAR Museum. The Rocca Brancaleone fortress , of Venetian age, hosts a flourishing garden and an arena for outdoor performances.

The importance of Ravenna between the 5 th and the 6 th century is testified to by the precious mosaics preserved in its ancient late Christian and Byzantine buildings . Eight of these monuments have been inserted in the Unesco World Heritage list for their universal value, uniquenss and mastery of mosaic art.

Besides all of this, there are many other places of artistic and archaeological interest that have marked the city's past, such as the Domus of the Stone Carpets , the Ancient Port of Classe , and the recent Classis Ravenna - Museum of the City and of the Territory .

The art of eating well in Ravenna has strong roots that sink into the typical peasant knowledge of Romagna: simple and genuine products draw on local and traditional flavours and smells, conquering even the most difficult palates.

Piadina , cappelletti al ragù , passatelli in broth and caramelized figs with Squacquerone cheese are some of the typical dishes of the city. And don't forget a good glass of Sangiovese Superiore .

The city centre teems with entertainment places. From the historical Ca' de Vèn to the modern food hall Mercato Coperto : the city centre is full of places where you can taste a mouthwatering dish or just enjoy an aperitivo in good company.

The area of the City Dock ( Darsena ), just behind the train station, has become a popular meeting place for friends, families , but also for youngsters and sportspeople. The several pubs and open spaces embellished by street art murals make the whole area very suggestive and fascinating, recalling many other European cities.

In summer, the nightlife of the city moves to the beach establishments scattered along the coast, entertaining the public with a series of concerts and events until late at night, tailored to every taste and need.

Every year, at the beginning of summer, Ravenna Festival  offers a packed calendar of events with the best artists and conductors on an international level, ranging from classical music to contemporary songs, without forgetting theatre and ballet.

The event schedule continues during autumn, when thanks to the Autumn Trilogy , night after night, three different operas will be on the same stage.

For over twenty years, during the summer nights, some of the most beautiful Unesco World Heritage monuments of Ravenna have been open to all tourists and art enthusiasts thanks to Mosaico di Notte ( Mosaic by Night ).

Again in summer, two unmissable music festivals with one thing in common: the beach. The first, Beaches Brew Fest , takes place in the splendid frame of the beach town of Marina di Ravenna, which becomes a reference point for the international Indie community; the second, Spiagge Soul , is a totally free festival that since 2009 has been livening up the summers on the beaches of Ravenna in the name of soul music.

September is, instead, the month traditionally dedicated to the Supreme Poet Dante Alighieri , with cultural events and international lectures on the Divine Comedy .

In the second weekend of October, Ravenna shines with its Notte d’Oro (Golden Night), with shows in the name of culture and entertainment.

Every two years, from October to November, the city is livened up by the Biennial of Contemporary Mosaics , with works and artists coming from all over the world to meet in the capital city of mosaics.

At the end of the year, the concerts of Christmas Soul liven up Piazza del Popolo, set up with the traditional Christmas markets.

The territory surrounding Ravenna offers many possibilities made of beautiful landscapes, a rich artistic and cultural heritage, history and tradition.

Everywhere you go, it’s hard not to find unique realities. In the hinterland, among the towns nestled on the hills of Romagna, one above the others stands out: it’s Brisighella , acknowledged as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy.

From Brisighella, proceeding south towards the countryside is Faenza with its refined art of ceramics, and then Lugo and Bagnacavallo .

Northwards, crossing some of the most beautiful wetland areas of the Po Delta Park, you can reach instead the extraordinary town of Comacchio .

South of Ravenna, on the other hand, the attention goes to Cervia , famous for its hospitality and its salt pans. But remember to stop in Mirabilandia , one of Italy's largest amusement parks, a meeting point for families and youngsters. Just on the other side of the street, moreover, is the zoological park Safari Ravenna , a zero-impact natural area where you can see and study animals up close.

Information offices

Editorial staff, getting there, you may also like..., ravenna festival 2024, romagna for kids, mosaic and stone, find the best facilities for your holidays in emilia romagna.

• Destination Romagna

Why visit it

Do not miss, on the table, main events.

• Information Offices

Nestled a few kilometers from the Adriatic Sea, in the heart of Romagna, Ravenna is a treasure chest of art, history and culture with an ancient and glorious past behind it.

Besides the extraordinary richness of its monumental heritage, its few kilometres distance from the Adriatic coast makes it a suggestive destination for relaxation and fun , as well as an ideal place for excursions immersed in nature .

With an efficient organisation of services and a very wide offering, in Ravenna and its territory you can enjoy a holiday tailored to your needs: sun and relaxation, sea, games, sports and fitness activities, excursions and themed parks, all accompanied by a varied and tasty gastronomic offering .

Starting from the beginning of the 5 th century, Ravenna was a capital city three times : in the last moments of the Western Roman Empire (402-403), during the reign of the Goths under Theodoric (493-526), and then, under the Byzantine dominion (553-751).

The magnificence of that period has left in the city a great heritage, including 8 monuments that have been declared Unesco heritage sites.

In addition, Ravenna preserves the remains of the Father of the Italian Language Dante Alighieri , and keeps his memory alive throughout the year with important dedicated events.

The territory around the city, which is the second widest in Italy, presents a remarkable variety of landscapes , some of which are of extreme beauty: a wide cultivated countryside, valleys and canals lined by the characteristic fishing huts and pine forests overlooking the sandy and well-equipped beaches.

The 35 kilometres of coastline feature 9 beach towns , each one with its peculiarities and for every type of holiday.

Nature and excursion lovers can immerse themselves in the natural beauties of the Po Delta Park , by observing the multitude of rare species of birds that find shelter here.

You can choose, for instance, the Oasis of Punte Alberete , the historic pine forests of San Vitale and Classe , the NatuRa Museum of Sant’Alberto, the Southern Lagoons of Comacchio , or a canoe excursion to the oasis of Ortazzo and Ortazzino and to the mouth of the Bevano river .

Besides a visit to the eight Unesco World Heritage monuments ( Basilica of San Vitale, Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, Neonian Baptistery, Chapel of Sant'Andrea or Archiepiscopal Chapel, Arian Baptistery, Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, Mausoleum of Theodoric, Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe ), there are many various cultural events in Ravenna in every season of the year.

There are so many places to see: you can visit the MAR - Ravenna Art Museum , which besides permanent collections (such as the Contemporary Mosaics collections) organises events and temporary high-profile exhibitions or the National Museum of Ravenna with its rich collections, including Roman and Byzantine finds coming from local excavations.

Apart from the many already noted, you can also pay a visit to the Archiepiscopal Museum , Museo Dante with relics linked to the cult and the fame of Dante Alighieri, and the Byron Museum , connected to the memory of the English poet, which collects engravings, documents, objects of the Risorgimento and memories of Garibaldi.

The suggestive “ Zone of Silence ” hidden in the city centre is absolutely worth seeing. The area includes Dante’s tomb , the Quadrarco of Braccioforte and the Basilica of San Francesco . Every year, in September, this area hosts a series of celebrations and spectacular events paying homage to the Supreme Poet.

In the silent rooms of the Classense Library important objects linked to Lord Byron and other important historical figures who stayed in the city are displayed. Moreover, the library hosts a huge collection of books and manuscripts that make it one of Italy's most prestigious library institutions.

The Planetarium of Ravenna is located inside the public gardens of the city ( Giardini Pubblici ), which, almost as a frame, overlook the 16 th century-old Loggetta Lombardesca , house of the MAR Museum. The Rocca Brancaleone fortress , of Venetian age, hosts a flourishing garden and an arena for outdoor performances.

The importance of Ravenna between the 5 th and the 6 th century is testified to by the precious mosaics preserved in its ancient late Christian and Byzantine buildings . Eight of these monuments have been inserted in the Unesco World Heritage list for their universal value, uniquenss and mastery of mosaic art.

Besides all of this, there are many other places of artistic and archaeological interest that have marked the city's past, such as the Domus of the Stone Carpets , the Ancient Port of Classe , and the recent Classis Ravenna - Museum of the City and of the Territory .

The art of eating well in Ravenna has strong roots that sink into the typical peasant knowledge of Romagna: simple and genuine products draw on local and traditional flavours and smells, conquering even the most difficult palates.

Piadina , cappelletti al ragù , passatelli in broth and caramelized figs with Squacquerone cheese are some of the typical dishes of the city. And don't forget a good glass of Sangiovese Superiore .

The city centre teems with entertainment places. From the historical Ca' de Vèn to the modern food hall Mercato Coperto : the city centre is full of places where you can taste a mouthwatering dish or just enjoy an aperitivo in good company.

The area of the City Dock ( Darsena ), just behind the train station, has become a popular meeting place for friends, families , but also for youngsters and sportspeople. The several pubs and open spaces embellished by street art murals make the whole area very suggestive and fascinating, recalling many other European cities.

In summer, the nightlife of the city moves to the beach establishments scattered along the coast, entertaining the public with a series of concerts and events until late at night, tailored to every taste and need.

Every year, at the beginning of summer, Ravenna Festival  offers a packed calendar of events with the best artists and conductors on an international level, ranging from classical music to contemporary songs, without forgetting theatre and ballet.

The event schedule continues during autumn, when thanks to the Autumn Trilogy , night after night, three different operas will be on the same stage.

For over twenty years, during the summer nights, some of the most beautiful Unesco World Heritage monuments of Ravenna have been open to all tourists and art enthusiasts thanks to Mosaico di Notte ( Mosaic by Night ).

Again in summer, two unmissable music festivals with one thing in common: the beach. The first, Beaches Brew Fest , takes place in the splendid frame of the beach town of Marina di Ravenna, which becomes a reference point for the international Indie community; the second, Spiagge Soul , is a totally free festival that since 2009 has been livening up the summers on the beaches of Ravenna in the name of soul music.

September is, instead, the month traditionally dedicated to the Supreme Poet Dante Alighieri , with cultural events and international lectures on the Divine Comedy .

In the second weekend of October, Ravenna shines with its Notte d’Oro (Golden Night), with shows in the name of culture and entertainment.

Every two years, from October to November, the city is livened up by the Biennial of Contemporary Mosaics , with works and artists coming from all over the world to meet in the capital city of mosaics.

At the end of the year, the concerts of Christmas Soul liven up Piazza del Popolo, set up with the traditional Christmas markets.

The territory surrounding Ravenna offers many possibilities made of beautiful landscapes, a rich artistic and cultural heritage, history and tradition.

Everywhere you go, it’s hard not to find unique realities. In the hinterland, among the towns nestled on the hills of Romagna, one above the others stands out: it’s Brisighella , acknowledged as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy.

From Brisighella, proceeding south towards the countryside is Faenza with its refined art of ceramics, and then Lugo and Bagnacavallo .

Northwards, crossing some of the most beautiful wetland areas of the Po Delta Park, you can reach instead the extraordinary town of Comacchio .

South of Ravenna, on the other hand, the attention goes to Cervia , famous for its hospitality and its salt pans. But remember to stop in Mirabilandia , one of Italy's largest amusement parks, a meeting point for families and youngsters. Just on the other side of the street, moreover, is the zoological park Safari Ravenna , a zero-impact natural area where you can see and study animals up close.

Information offices

Editorial staff.

Your experience on this site will be improved by allowing cookies.

• 1 Understand
• 2.1 By plane
• 2.2 By boat
• 2.3 By train
• 3 Get around
• 4.1 Mosaics of Ravenna
• 4.2 Other attractions

Ravenna is a city in the Romagna zone of Emilia-Romagna .

Understand [ edit ]

Ravenna is the home of the Mosaic Basilica, with a delightful small town atmosphere plus other UNESCO World Heritage listed early Christian monuments.

• 44.415594 12.200269 1 I.A.T. Ravenna ( Tourist office ), Piazza San Francesco, 7 , ☏ +39 0544 35404 . M-Sa 08:30-19:00, Su 09:30-17:30 . ( updated Apr 2016 )

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ].

The nearest airport to Ravenna is in Forli (about 20 km), but as of 2016 there no commercial flight to there. The other relatively close airports are in Bologna (about 80 km) and Rimini .

In season there is a shuttle bus service – CRAB – operates between the Bologna airport and Ravenna (continuing to Cervia ).

By boat [ edit ]

Ravenna is one of top twenty ports of Italy.

There is a ferry line to Catania . It takes 40h to reach destination.

Nearby, at the resort of Marina di Ravenna , there are 2 yacht marinas.

By train [ edit ]

By bus [ edit ].

• 44.417732 12.209533 3 Autostazione , Piazzale Aldo Moro ( behind the railway station, near the Candiano Canal ). Buses to Forli , Cesena , Lidi Ferraresi . Long distance services to Rome (Fiumicino), Milan , Bergamo , Carpi , Modena . ( updated Apr 2016 )

By car [ edit ]

Ravenna is easy to get to from the A14. Follow the signs for A14D from the A14 East. The A14D ends some kilometres before Ravenna, but the roads to the town are clearly signposted. Once in the town, head for the centre (Centro). The town streets vary (as in all Italian towns and cities) with the main routes being large and navigable, the back streets being small and unsuited to large vehicles. As there are a number of ways in, make sure you have a town map before getting to the town, although this is good advice for any Italian town.

Parking is easily attained, some free away from the old town centre, and typically 3 euro for 2.5 hours on the main street near the entry to the old town within 200 metres of the Basilica.

Get around [ edit ]

Walk . The old town is a mainly pedestrian area with cafes and bars on every corner and some hidden away through small access alleys. Note that everything is a little more expensive near the Basilica.

Mi Muovo [dead link] is an integrated public transport pass for the region. Short-stay visitors might use "Mi Muovo Multibus", a 12-trip bus ticket, see Emilia Romagna#Get around .

See [ edit ]

Mosaics of ravenna [ edit ].

The early Christian monuments of Ravenna are included into UNESCO World Heritage list.

• 44.42049 12.196439 1 Basilica di San Vitale , via Argentario, 22 , ☏ +39 0544 541688 . Apr-Sep 09:00-19:00; Mar, Oct 09:00-17:30; Nov-Feb 09:30-17:00 . The huge church of San Vitale has mosaics everywhere. It was built in 547, it is considered a major monument in Western art history. €9.50 (includes Archiepiscopal Museum (Chapel of Sant’Andrea and the Ivory Throne), Neonian Baptistery, Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, Basilica of San Vitale, Mausoleum of Galla Placidia) . ( updated Apr 2016 )
• 44.420952 12.197096 2 Mausoleo di Galla Placidia ( Mausoleum of Galla Placidia ), via Argentario, 22 . Apr-Sep 09:00-19:00; Mar, Oct 09:00-17:30; Nov-Feb 09:30-17:00 . Cross-shaped structure housing contains three sarcophagi. The largest one used to contain remains of Galla Placidia , sister of Honorius and Empress of Rome. Galla, who died in 450 AD, is one of history's most powerful women. €9.50 (see Basilica di San Vitale ) plus extra supplement €2 . ( updated Apr 2016 )
• 44.416785 12.204968 3 Basilica di Sant' Apollinare Nuovo , via Di Roma, 52 , ☏ +39 0544 541688 , [email protected] . Apr-Sep 09:00-19:00; Mar, Oct 09:30-17:30; Nov-Feb 10:00-17:00 . 6th-century basilica with amazing mosaics. €9.50 (see Basilica di San Vitale ) . ( updated Apr 2016 )
• 44.41559 12.197362 4 Battistero Neoniano ( Orthodox Baptistry ), Piazza Duomo, 1 . Apr-Sep 09:00-19:00; Mar, Oct 09:30-17:30; Nov-Feb 10:00-17:00 . Built c-ca 430 is the oldest building in Ravenna. €9.50 (see Basilica di San Vitale ) . ( updated Apr 2016 )
• 44.415115 12.197726 5 Cappella di Sant'Andrea ( Cappella Arcivescovile ), Piazza Arcivescovado, 1 . Apr-Sep 09:00-19:00; Mar, Oct 09:30-17:30; Nov-Feb 10:00-17:00 . Built in the beginning of the 6th century, this is the only archiepiscopal chapel which retained its original look. The chapel is located in the building which hosts the Museo arcivescovile di Ravenna (Archiepiscopal Museum). €9.50 (see Basilica di San Vitale ) . ( updated Apr 2016 )
• 44.418697 12.202423 6 Battistero degli Ariani ( Arian Baptistery ), Piazzetta degli Ariani Ravenna , ☏ +39 0544 543724 , [email protected] . Winter 08:30-16:30; Summer 08:30-19:30 . Built by the Ostrogothic King Theodoric the Great between the end of the 5th century and the beginning of the 6th century. Free . ( updated Apr 2016 )
• 44.380297 12.232976 7 Basilica di Sant'Apollinare in Classe , Via Romea Sud ( approx. 5 km S of the city centre ), ☏ +39 0544 543724 . 08:30-19:30 . Like many Ravenna churches, it is known for its exceptional mosaics. €5, for special exhibitions €6.50 . ( updated Apr 2016 )

Other attractions [ edit ]

• 44.425 12.2092 8 Mausoleo di Teodorico ( Mausoleum of Theoderic the Great ), Via delle Industrie, 14 ( approx. 1 km north east from the city center, on the other side of the railway ), ☏ +39 0544 684020 , [email protected] . Winter 08:30-16:30; Summer 08:30-19:00 . Built in the 6th century for the powerful king of Ostrogoths. The monument is also included in UNESCO World Heritage list. €4 . ( updated Apr 2016 )
• 44.418829 12.194476 9 Domus dei Tappeti di Pietra ( Domus of the Stone Carpets ), Via Gian Battista Barbiani, 16 , ☏ +39 0544 32512 . Mar-Sep: 10:00-18:30; Oct-Apr: M-F 10:00-17:00, Sa Su 10:00-18:00 . Some remains of Roman and Byzantine buildings were excavated at the beginning of 1990s. The major one — Domus — is a 14-rooms building with 3 courtyards. The floors in these underground rooms are covered with splendid polychrome mosaics, hence the name was given to this place Tappeti di Pietra (Stone Carpets). The entrance to the archaeological site is from the 18th century chiesa di Sant'Eufemia . Adjacent 15th century Oratorio dei Cento Preti is also a part of the museum. €4 . ( updated Apr 2016 )
• 44.418375 12.205682 10 Chiesa di San Giovanni Evangelista . Built 5th century by the Roman imperial princess Galla Placidia . Initially it was also decorated by mosaics, but virtually none of them has been survived since then. ( updated Apr 2016 )
• 44.415935 12.201181 11 Basilica di San Francesco . Built in between 10th–11th centuries. Inside the church is a crypt permanently flooded with water, while adjacent to it is the tomb of Dante Alighieri (on the left from the facade). ( updated Mar 2024 )
• 44.418836 12.202859 12 Chiesa dello Spirito Santo . Built in the 6th century as an Arian cathedral, it has been quite drastically altered since then, featuring now a Baroque façade. ( updated Apr 2016 )
• 44.420414 12.19723 13 Chiesa di Santa Maria Maggiore ( across the Basilica di San Vitale ). A Baroque church, originating from the 6th century. ( updated Apr 2016 )
• 44.414387 12.206411 15 Basilika Santa Maria in Porto . A baroque church with 18th-century rich facade. ( updated Apr 2016 )
• 44.416126 12.204609 16 Palazzo di Teodorico . These ruins were an entrance to Chiesa di San Salvatore ad Calchi . A mosaic floors from the excavations of the palace proper were installed there in 1923. ( updated Apr 2016 )
• 44.423004 12.204952 17 Rocca Brancaleone ( Brancaleone Fortress ), Via Rocca Brancaleone . It was built by Venetians in 1457. A public garden is laid out inside the walls of the fortress. ( updated Apr 2016 )
• 44.420965 12.196047 18 Museo Nazionale ( National Museum ), via San Vitale, 17 . Tu-Su 08:30-19:30 . It is located at the former Benedictine Monastery of San Vitale complex. The collection of the museum contains various archaeological and religious artefacts including 14th-century frescoes from the former chiesa delle Clarisse di Ravenna and mosaics from an archaeological site at Via d'Azeglio. €5 (in summer plus €7 for a seasonal exhibition) . ( updated Apr 2016 )

Do [ edit ]

Take the time to walk around. The town is full of the most charming surprises, be it a cafe or the outstanding fashion shops.

Buy [ edit ]

As a city of mosaics in Ravenna you can buy ceramic souvenirs in mosaic style, stylish fashions from all over Italy are available in the small boutique style shops. You won't find big stores here as you would in Milan or Rome, but there is a small town charm to them.

If you want to do any shopping, be aware that the shops in Ravenna observe a siesta from about 12:30 to around 16:00 when the only things open are small bookshops and cafes.

Eat [ edit ]

You are in Italy; eat Italian food. There are many small pizzerias and trattorias in the town that serve excellent and inexpensive fare. A typical meal of pizza and a beer will cost €10-15. In the main square, the cafe serves excellent Cappuccino for about €2. The self-service cafe in the 44.419046 12.199148 1 central market (just north of the main square and the Hotel Byron) is excellent for lunches (€7.50-10).

• 44.415988 12.204354 1 Ristorante Al Passatore , Via Guaccimanni 76 ( opposite the Palazzo di Teodorico ). An excellent example of a typical Romagnolo menu at local prices.  
• 44.420245 12.197796 2 Osteria Del Tempo Perso , Via Gamba 12 ( just around the corner from Hotel Bisanzio. ).  
• Radici , Viale Salvador Allende 56 , ☏ +39 0544 201863 , [email protected] . ( updated Aug 2018 )

Drink [ edit ]

Sleep [ edit ]

• Dante Youth Hostel , [email protected] .  
• Hotel Byron , ☏ +39 544 33479 , fax : +39 544 34114 . In the centre of Ravenna, within walking distance of the most important monuments;  
• Hotel Bisanzio , [email protected] . In the centre of Ravenna, within walking distance of the most important monuments  
• Hotel Diana Ravenna , Via Girolamo Rossi, 47 , ☏ +39 05 4439164 , fax : +39 05 4430001 . Three-star hotel set in an 18th-century building of the city centre of Ravenna, with 48 rooms and suites, and affordable rates to visit the Byzantine mosaic of the former capital of the roman empire. All the bedrooms of the Diana Hotel Ravenna come with private bath, satellite TV and breakfast included.  
• [dead link] Hotel Villa Roncuzzi , [email protected] .  
• NH Jolly Ravenna , ☏ +39 0544 35762 . Piazza Mameli, 1.  
• [dead link] Residence Resort Il poggio dei pini , Via delle Altee, 34 ( Marina Romea ), ☏ +39 544 44 85 83 , [email protected] . Residence 3 stars. Fax +39 544 441014.  
• Casa Masoli , Via Rossi 22 , ☏ +39 335 6099471 , [email protected] . Check-in: 12:00 , check-out: 10:00 . Casa Masoli is a wonderful Bed and Breakfast in the center of Ravenna. Rooms are large and ceilings are decorated. It is an old house with history. The owner is a gentle and friendly lady that speaks fluent English. Reservations can be made via email but you have to send a deposit or give your credit card number. All major cards accepted. Breakfast is huge and served until 10:00. There is courtyard to sit outside and relax. Smoking is allowed in the courtyard. Dogs may be or may not be allowed as the landlady has a dog herself. Just ask in advance. €70 for a double room .  

Go next [ edit ]

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• UNESCO tag to be fixed
• Has custom banner
• Has map markers
• Articles with dead external links
• Eat listing with no coordinates
• Sleep listing with no coordinates
• Has Geo parameter
• Ravenna (province)
• All destination articles
• Usable cities
• Usable articles
• City articles
• Pages with maps

Navigation menu

Ravenna Tourist & Travel Information

Famed and beautiful mosaics from the fifth and sixth centuries; lots to see for history and art-lovers in a pleasant historic town

About Ravenna

Ravenna is an elegant town in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy; not far from the Adriatic coast. It is most famous for its fabulous early Christian and Byzantine mosaics, which date back to the time when Ravenna was the capital of the Western Empire, then under Ostrogoth and Byzantine rule. The town’s greatest mosaics have been given UNESCO World Heritage status.

Nowadays the town is a pleasant place to wander and to spend a night or two. It is not one of Italy’s most obvious tourist destinations, and appeals mostly to those who have specialised interests or want to know the country in greater depth. This means that the streets are not over-crowded with tourists or souvenir stalls, and there is a real ‘local’ feel as residents bump around the town’s lanes on their bicycles, greeting friends and collecting the shopping. However, the main attractions do seem to be on quite a few tour groups’ itineraries. When I was there, the groups – mostly Italians and schoolparties – seemed to arrive and leave by coach so they didn’t flood the town. But it meant that within the main churches and in their immediate vicinity there were sometimes uncomfortable crowds. The best thing to do is to try to avoid them, perhaps picking times to visit first thing in the morning, in the later afternoon, or while they are all at lunch. I found that the groups were only visiting one or two of the biggest sites, so the smaller attractions were much quieter and sometimes I was the only visitor.

• Find and book a hotel in Ravenna . With location maps and guest reviews.

Ravenna tourist attractions

The heart of Ravenna, and the best place to get your bearings, is Piazza del Popolo , which can be reached in ten minutes from the railway station by walking straight ahead along Viale Farini and then Via Diaz. This charming piazza is lined with attractive historic buildings including the Palazzo Comunale (Town Hall), originally built in the fifteenth century. As they did elsewhere, the Venetians erected two columns in the square during their rule; instead of Venetian emblems these are topped with statues of Ravenna’s patron saints San Vitale (St. Vitalis) and Sant’Apollinare (St. Apollonaris). There are cafes with outdoor tables, and it’s a lovely place to sit and relax.

The most important tourist attractions in Ravenna are the mosaics, and the churches housing them, which are on UNESCO’s World Heritage listing. These first five can be visited on a combined ticket:

Basilica di San Vitale – this church is the glory of Ravenna. Built between 526 and 547 the building has a simple brick exterior but the interior is rich with marbles and mosaics. Byzantine mosaics illustrate scenes from the Old Testament and also lovely representations of the Emperor Justinian, the Empress Theodora and their elegant retinues. Note that the building is closed to tourists during Mass on a Sunday morning.

Mausoleo di Galla Placidia (Mausoleum of Galla Placidia) – alongside San Vitale and visited at the same time, the mausoleum is a surprisingly tiny building: try to get inside when there is no tour group. Galla Placidia was an important woman: born in around 390 AD, she was the daughter, sister, wife and mother of Roman emperors and had a full and colourful life. This building is said to have been built as her tomb; however she died in Rome and her body may never have been brought here. The ceiling is a blue field of little gold stars, with a cross in the centre and symbols of the Evangelists at each corner. Pictorial mosaics on the walls include a lovely one of the Good Shepherd.

Battistero Neoniano – this baptistery was built at the beginning of the fifth century and was renovated by a bishop called Neone fifty years later (hence the name). The building is octagonal and its interior is highly decorated with marbles, carvings and mosaics. The mosaic in the domed ceiling portrays the story of the baptism of Christ by John the Baptist.

Basilica di Sant’Apollinare Nuovo – this basilica houses some of the most reproduced of Ravenna’s mosaics. A mosaic frieze shows processions of martyrs and virgins leaving Ravenna – represented by the palace of Theodoric – and the port of Classe to pay tribute to Christ and the Madonna.

Cappella Arcivescovile , also called the Cappella di Sant’Andrea – closed for restoration at the time of writing, this chapel contains sixth-century mosaics.

Mausoleo di Teodorico (Mausoleum of Theodoric) is also listed by UNESCO; it can be visited on a combined ticket with the Museo Nazionale and the Basilica di Sant’Apollinare in Classe, which is outside Ravenna and which is described below. The mausoleum, a striking white cylindrical building, was built outside the city walls so is some way from the other tourist sights of Ravenna. Theodoric, known as ‘the Great’, was the King of the Ostrogoths and became ruler of Italy, with his capital here in Ravenna. His tomb, constructed around 520, is topped with a single, massive block of stone. Visitors can enter the building and climb to the upper floor.

Battistero degli Ariani (Arian Baptistery). This small sixth-century baptistery is crowned by another lovely mosaic illustrating the baptism of Christ, this time with the inclusion of a personification of the River Jordan. The Apostles are portrayed circling the scene. The building is free to enter.

Ravenna’s museums are not terribly well-laid out; when I visited I found they lacked marked routes and it was hard to locate important exhibits or work out whether I had seen all the rooms. They do contain some interesting exhibits though, and if you have the time it is worth visiting at least these two:

Museo Nazionale (National Museum) – this is part of the same complex as San Vitale and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, although it is entered on a different combined ticket as described above. The contents of the museum range from the interior of a historic pharmacy to a section on the prehistoric era. There is some attractive inlaid furniture including a fantastic sixteenth-century cherry-wood cabinet decorated with imaginary towns, hunting scenes and fair ladies. One of the most interesting exhibits is a small section of mosaic from San Vitale, showing the head of an angel. Being able to examine this at close quarters provides a real insight into the techniques and skills employed to create the mosaics of Ravenna.

MAR – Ravenna’s art gallery hosts temporary exhibitions as well as containing a large permanent collection. One of the museum’s highlights is the marble effigy of a knight, Guidarello Guidarelli, sculpted by Tullio Lombardo.

This list of tourist sights may seem long, but Ravenna does have still more museums, churches and parks to visit. The old town fortress, the Rocca Brancaleone , now has a little park inside its walls, with a cafe and children’s play area. In a conveniently central location is the much-rebuilt church of San Francesco , which has a charming crypt visible through an internal window: it is is flooded, with goldfish swimming over a mosaic below. Alongside is the Tomba di Dante , the tomb of Italy’s great writer Dante Alighieri who died in Ravenna in 1321. In this little eighteenth-century chapel is a bas-relief of Dante by Pietro Lombardo and a light kept burning with oil donated by his birthplace, the city of Florence. Remains of the Roman town can be seen in the Domus dei Tappeti di Pietra (House of the Stone Carpets); where in recent years some Roman mosaic floors have been uncovered. Other museums in and around Ravenna include museums devoted to the Risorgimento, Dante, dolls and nature.

Sant’Apollinare in Classe

Sant’Apollinare in Classe is a basilica at Classe, some way out of town; if you are using public transport you should allow at least an hour for the return trip. Buses number 4 and 44 pass the basilica, running every half-hour. In Ravenna the buses stop in Piazza dei Caduti and opposite the railway station. Bus tickets cost €1 each way; you should purchase them in advance (the bar alongside the bus stop in Piazza dei Caduti sells tickets). Services are every half-hour, and the journey takes around 15 minutes. You can see the basilica across flat green fields on the left as the bus approaches; the stop is just afterwards. The two bus routes vary slightly after the basilica. For the return trip, you can catch both services at a bus stop on the main road in the direction of Ravenna.

The basilica dates to the early sixth century, and its round campanile (belltower) to the tenth century. The mosaics inside are important and included in the UNESCO listing for Ravenna. They show the transfiguration of Christ, St. Apollonaris with a flock of sheep and a charming landscape of flowers, trees and birds. I was particularly keen to see the scene pictured in old guide books of the basilica standing picturesquely among green and trees. Sadly the effect is marred by busy road systems, recent housing and fences. It is worth seeing the basilica, but if your time in Ravenna is limited, I would concentrate on the central sights. If you are driving towards the coast or seaside resorts towards Rimini, Classe makes an easy stop on your intinerary. Classe (Classis) was the main port of Ravenna, and there is an archaeological area where some of the Roman port has been uncovered between Classe and Ravenna.

Practicalities, food and drink

I stayed for two nights in Ravenna. Although most of the sights have obligingly long and standardised opening hours, it is still quite a trek fitting them all in. If you want to see all the important buildings and mosaics, I would recommend spending at least a day and a night in Ravenna and doing some planning. I actually ended up writing a list and ticking off sights as I visited them. Two days would allow for a more leisurely experience, with pauses over a glass of wine or coffee to reflect on the mosaics you’ve just seen, rather than have them all blurring into one another in your memory. The tourist information office stocks maps and useful information including lists of the sights with their opening times, as well as offering free bike hire, so it’s a good place to start.

There aren’t actually that many obvious places to eat around the centre of Ravenna, so it’s worth noting any promising restaurants you spot during the day, or asking your hotel for recommendations. I dined twice at Ristorante La Gardela in the heart of town, at Via Ponte Marino 3. This was a simple, bustling restaurant with courteous staff, prompt service and seating outdoors, indoors and up on a mezzanine level. There was a large choice of courses as well as dishes of the day. I spent €19 for pasta (maccheroncini with gorgonzola and walnuts), a grilled vegetable secondo , wine and water. It’s a popular place with tourists, foreign travellers and Italians. When I left at 9pm there were queues to get in. The location is very handy for both the hotels I stayed in (more below).

For a lighter and cheaper meal at lunchtime, you could buy a salad or panino in a bar such as those on Piazza del Popolo, or head up Via IV Novembre where there are a few takeaway places selling pizza slices, rolls and local piadine (flat heated bread sandwiches). There is also an excellent ice cream shop on this street, the Sorbetteria degli Esarchi (Via IV Novembre 11). One of the smarter central places to eat, still on Via IV Novembre, is the restaurant attached to the special little hotel I stayed in: the Albergo Cappello. This also has a bar which attracts elegant Ravennati.

Ravenna used to be a lagoon city which contained canals and waterways, now filled in. Long ago malaria was rife, and in the Middle Ages the writer Dante died after a marshy journey from Venice. In more recent years there have been brief outbreaks of mosquito-carried illness; it’s worth packing your insect repellent in summer and autumn.

Events and things to do

The tourist information office publishes and distributes a magazine with information about Ravenna, and includes special events. Occasional concerts are also advertised on posters around town. The summer is the best time to visit for outdoor entertainments and special concerts: the town hosts the Ravenna Festival with musical, theatrical and dance events, and also there are also special tours organised to see the mosaics by night.

If you are on holiday with children, you may be interested in Mirabilandia, a few miles from Ravenna. This is a theme park which boasts over 30 attractions and rides, and claims to have the highest ferris wheel in mainland Europe. There is a bus service from Ravenna.

For the active, there are cycle tracks leading to the Mausoleum of Theodoric and to Sant’Apollinare in Classe, as well as to the seaside and the Pineta di Classe, the area’s historic pine wood.

Ravenna travel

The nearest airport to Ravenna is at Forlì. Ryanair operate flights to the airport, which they call Bologna Forlì, from the UK and Ireland. In the summer there may be direct bus links to Ravenna from the airport; otherwise take the shuttle bus to Forlì station and change there to another bus operated by the same company, ATR, which will take you to Ravenna (see our links panel for their website with timetables). Alternatively you could take the train but it is likely to take longer as you will need to change at Faenza or Castel Bolognese. Other nearby airports include Bologna and Rimini.

Ravenna is on a rather slow railway line from Bologna (an hour and twenty minutes away by regional train), which has good connections with the Italian rail network. Trains coming from the direction of Bologna continue south to Rimini and other coastal resorts. As your train approaches Ravenna from the Bologna direction you can see the Mausoleum of Theodoric on the left: a white cylindrical tomb. If you are arriving in Ravenna by train, you can walk into the historic centre on foot in about ten minutes. Simply cross the road outside the railway station and head straight ahead along Viale Farini and then Via Diaz until you reach Piazza del Popolo. The tourist information office is a few minutes further away, to the right; it is well-signposted.

Buses in Ravenna are run by ATM (see our links panel for timetables). An urban bus ticket costs €1 at the time of writing, and is valid for an hour. Buy tickets in advance at news-kiosks or bars, and validate them in the machine by the driver when you board.

Local people travel around by bicycle, bumping through the cobbled pedestrianised streets and using cycle lanes heading further afield. The tourist information office has some bicycles which can be borrowed free of charge. There is also a bike hire office just outside the railway station on the left – this kiosk also acts as a left luggage office.

Around Ravenna

Bologna is a big city with lots to see, and it is in easy reach of Ravenna, though the trains are slow. There are also services to the Renaissance city of Ferrara which combines very well with Ravenna as part of a cultural holiday or tour. There are also several smaller towns in the vicinity which could allow for a quieter day trip with one or two sights of interest and time for a long lunch, such as Forlì and Faenza. The Adriatic coast of Emilia-Romagna is lined with seaside resorts: the most famous is Rimini but there are plenty more including Ravenna’s own seaside at Marina di Ravenna. If you are cycling or have a car you can explore more of the local area including the Pineta di Classe. Car drivers can also head northwards to the nature reserves around the Po delta.

Cruises and the port

There is still a large industrial port with a wide canal coming right into Ravenna (just the far side of the railway). It seemed quiet when I walked past its fences, but it was a Sunday. There is a cruise passenger terminal further out of town which can be reached by taxi or ATM bus 72. Ravenna is increasingly featured on cruises around Italy and the Adriatic. > Cruises around Italy

Accommodation

I’ve stayed, some years ago in two hotels in the heart of town, both on central Via IV Novembre, and I would recommend both of them (but do check the latest guest reviews): > Hotel Centrale Byron – a very good-value three-star hotel with comfortable rooms; efficient and friendly > Albergo Cappello – a historic palazzo with seven elegant rooms and suites, and frescoes on the walls; a pricier but more special experience > More Ravenna hotels and B&Bs

Emilia-Romagna destinations

• Emilia-Romagna region – an introduction
• Castello di Torrechiara
• Find and book hotels in Emilia-Romagna. With location maps and guest reviews.

On this site

UNESCO sites in Italy

Useful external links

Ravenna hotels

Ravenna buses (ATM)

Forlì buses (ATR)

MAR (Art Museum)

Otium exhibition (in Italian)

Mirabilandia fun park (in Italian)

Galla Placidia (in Italian)

Archaeological area of Classe (in Italian)

Italy car hire

Ravenna Italy – complete tourist guide

Table of Contents

Share this:

Why you should see ravenna.

You know what they say; “ you never know how beautiful Europe is until you visit Italy”. To cap that, you never know how hospitable or how good Italians are at cooking until you visit Ravenna. No matter what you might’ve heard about other cities in Italy, Ravenna is where you can experience how truly amazing Italy is.

Whether you are looking for the magnificence of Italian culture or tasty Italian delicacy, you will find it in Ravenna. According to most tourists who have visited this amazing Italian city, Ravenna is like a home away from home. No other place in Italy or even Europe is like Ravenna; you will be totally blown away by the magnificence of its mosaics and the hospitality of the residents will leave you breathless.

Ravenna is one of the best places in Italy to explore its history. The city is over 1500 years old. It was a cultural and economic hub in the 5th and 6th century. You would be able to still notice the brilliant architecture of those times. If you want to move away from the tried and tested tourist cities, Ravenna is one of the perfect options for you which would help you in exploring the corner of Italy.

Ravenna recently became one of the most touristic cities in Italy thanks to an amazing and attractive integration of history, culture, music and gastronomy life. In addition, Ravenna is the not only perfect destination for couples that love history and culture, in Ravenna, you can find great attractions for your kids.

Ravenna is located in the Emilia-Romagna region. The Mosaics in the town have been awarded the UNESCO World Heritage site status . Normally, you would not find this city on the usual tourist circuit and it is only frequented by tourists who want to actually explore the history of Italy. This, however, means that it is a hidden treasure if you want to move away from the crowds and if you want to get the local feel as you would be able to easily interact with the locals. The locals are very friendly which would ensure that you are able to easily explore the culture and way of life in Italy. The town is best to explore early in the morning when there are absolutely no tourists around. Most of the tourists to arrive in this town, stick to a couple of main attractions and do not really explore the town.

We would discuss the entire details of the town right from the weather to the tourist attractions which you should visit in order to help you out in exploring this beautiful town.

Ravenna is an extraordinary little city. Though this city may not be big or famous as Naples, Rome, Venice, or even Florence but it is still one of the tourist most preferred destination in Europe. Apart from its beauty and hospitality, it boasts of 8 UNESCO World Heritage sites as well as other important cultural monuments which you must see.

Moreover, there are ancient cultures and histories which have been traced to Ravenna; after all, this amazing little city was the capital for three times of three different empires: the kingdom of Theodoric, the Western Roman Empire, the king of the Goth, and of the Byzantine Empire in Europe.

Additionally, Ravenna is a city of canals and has seaports that are connected to the sea by a canal. You will be left breathless by the old architectures along the old canals as well as in the old city center. There are hundreds of places you can explore in Ravenna such as the winding narrow streets and alleys that are dotted with cafes, and shops and great old architectures.

During summertime, you can get the richest cuisine in Europe in Ravenna; there are also beaches, amazing hotels, tour guides, excellent transportation network, and everything to make your dream vacation in Europe an amazing experience. This city is so amazing that most tourists who have visited Ravenna believed that Italy won’t be the same without Ravenna. The experience you will get by being in this city can’t be topped anywhere else in Europe.

In this article, we will try to cover up any question that you can think about and point you best points to see, eating guide, how to get to Ravenna and of course top hotels in Ravenna guide.

Top Places You Must See In Ravenna

Ravenna does not only boast of great foods and good heart, they also have the most amazing history. This city was the seat of one of the most powerful sixth-century kings, Theodoric the Great. Again, Ravenna was also the seat of another influential leader; Byzantine governor. You can still see how the city was influenced heavily by the Byzantine art when you visit Ravenna.

What brought Ravenna to the limelight was their intricate mosaic work. You can see some of these mosaic works in Ravenna, especially in some building in Ravenna that forms a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Where to See in Ravenna

Perhaps, this is the most attractive factor in Ravenna, when it comes to places you can see while you are in Italy, Ravenna boast of hundreds of places you can see and be amazed. There are architectures, cultures, arts, and even monuments dating from the 5th and 6th century you can see in Ravenna. Like we mentioned above, this city has 8 UNESCO World Heritage sites and you will have an opportunity to see them all.

To be able to see the best Ravenna has to offer, you will need to plan your visit. Plan to see Ravenna over two to five separate days.

We have compiled the list of best places and the most beautiful attractions sites in Ravenna. The list below will help you see the best Ravenna has to offer.

Here are the best 11 places you have to see while you are visiting Ravenna, look at the table below for specific opening hours.

Neonian Baptistery

Even if you have been to the most exotic place on earth, I bet you will still be left breathless by the beauty and the magnificent art you will behold in Neonian Baptistery. This location is the perfect place to start your Ravenna tour; it is indeed one of the most awesome places you can see in Ravenna.

Neonian Baptistery is a fifth-century brick baptistery in the heart of Ravenna. It is octagonal in shape and one of the oldest buildings in the city. This place has its splendor under the reign of Theodoric.

Neonian Baptistery is considered as the Catholic answer to the Arian heresy and it is one of the surviving early Christian baptisteries today. You will be amazed by the intricate mosaics that line the dome of this building.

Neonian Baptistery is located in Piazza Duomo 1, Ravenna. You can trek to this baptistery from the city center. Neonian Baptistery is open every day from 9 am to 7 pm and tickets are sold for 9,50€. There are some changes in the opening time and dates so please be update here for any change 

If you want to do a virtual tour of the neonian Baptistery you can find it here

If you want to learn more about Neonia Baptistery before visiting you should check what Wikipedia has to say about it

Basilica di San Vitale

It is said that Italians have a thing for octagonal-shaped building and this is true, just like Neonian Baptistery has an octagonal-shaped building, this building also was designed in such an impressive way. The beauty on the outside was nothing to be compared to what lie inside; you will be completely blown away by how beautiful the interior of this basilica is.

Basilica di San Vitale was built in Ravenna in the first half of the 6th century and up till today, this building still acts as one of the most important examples of early Christian Byzantine art and architecture in Western Europe. The basilica has a lot of Christian symbols among which is a labyrinth that symbolizes the path of salvation from the sin to the purification.

The decoration of San Vitale is based on mosaic apart from a few Baroque frescoes that were added to the dome. You can see tons of arts and paintings inside the building. Most of these arts and paintings have the deep meaning which can be explained to you by your tour guide.

If you were to pick a single best attraction of Ravenna which can represent the entire city this one would be it. Over the years, the state has almost become synonymous with Ravenna. The exterior itself is pretty brilliantly done with the help of marble work as wells mosaics.

The construction of the church is clear depictions of Empress Theodora as well as Emperor Justinian along with other Royals.

B asilica di San Vitale is located in Via Argentario 22, Ravenna. If you are staying in any hotel in the center of Ravenna, you can get to this location by feet. It opens every day from 9 am to 7 pm and the tickets are sold for just 9,50€  please be  updated here for any changes in opening times. 

You need to, however, keep in mind that when you’re visiting the site, you have to visit it on any other day than Sunday. It is closed for tourists on Sunday.

If you want to do a virtual tour of the San Vitale   you can find it here

You can watch the amazing video Here about San Vitale:

Mausoleum of Galla Placidia

Your next stop after basking in the glory of San Vitale should be Mausoleum of Galla Placidia. This place has a simple exterior which somehow hides the wonderful mosaics and the beauty that can be seen inside. It was built by Emperor Honorius who transferred the capital of his empire from Milan to Ravenna in the honor of his sister Galla Placidia.

On the low arches and the domes of the building, you will see an amazing and careful lining of fifth-century mosaics that still looks untouched. These mosaics were made of tesserae. On the door of the building is a painting of Christ as the Good Shepherd and this painting was surrounded by the sheep designed with mosaics. Additionally, you will also see arts of the ox, eagle, lion, an angel that represented the four evangelists.

This building is one of UNESCO heritage site located in Ravenna, there are still more seven of such sites you can see in Ravenna. Mausoleum of Galla Placidia is located in Via Giuliano Argentario, Ravenna. You can visit this place on feet from the city center. The building is open every day for tourists from 9 am to 7 pm and the tickets are sold for just 9,50 € please be updated for changes.

It is actually a tomb of a lady known by the name of Galla Placidia. It is, in fact, pretty tiny.

The only reason this building was constructed is that it  was close to the European Royals.

The carving inside as well as the architecture is pretty beautiful.

When you try to get inside, make sure that there is no other tourist group inside otherwise it can get pretty cramped.

If you want to do a virtual tour of the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia   you can find it here

Basilica di Sant’Apollinare Nuovo

When you are in Italy, especially in Ravenna, there are many things you might miss, but one of them shouldn’t be Basilica di Sant’Apollinare Nuovo. Here, you will see how men utilized their talent to do justice to this magnificent edifice. It is on the record that this chapel has the greatest cycle of mosaics in the world.

Guess who built this Basilica? It was almighty Theodoric himself during the first quarter of the 6th century. He built it as his personal cathedral.  The cathedral was dedicated in 504 AD to “Christ the Redeemer”.

The walls of this building were designed and divided into three distinct strips of mosaics: the highest one represents the life of Christ, the one in the center represents the Saints and the Prophets, while the last one, which is the lowest strip represents the famous people of Theodoric.

Some of the arts on the building showing the Emperor and other characters covered with white drapes were removed when the basilica was passed down from Arian cult to Catholic Church. You can also see the portrait of the port of Classe on the opposite wall; this port serves as one of the most important Mediterranean seas during the Roman Empire.

Basilica di Sant’Apollinare Nuovo is indeed a great sight to behold, the design here will leave you speechless. It is uniquely located on Via di Roman 52, Ravenna. It is opened every day from 9 am to 7 pm and the ticket goes for just 9.50.

If you want to do a virtual tour of the Mausoleum of Basilica di Sant’Apollinare Nuovo   you can find it here

If you want to learn more about Basilica di Sant’Apollinare Nuovo before visiting you should check what Wikipedia has to say about it

The Mausoleum of Theodoric

No history of Ravenna can be completed without the mention of one of the greatest emperor of all time, the Great Theodoric himself. The legend had it that the red porphyry tub on the top floor of this mausoleum is the same place the great emperor took his last breath on earth.

According to the legend of this king who ruled Italy for 33 years and brought peace, wealth, and tolerance to the country, he was afraid of thunderstorm so he sought shelter in his mausoleum, but as he was taking his bath, he was struck by a lightning and a black horse arrived and threw him in the Etna Volcano!

The mausoleum is a monumental two-story rotunda the barbarian emperor planned for himself before his death. Today, it serves as one of the many UNESCO heritage sites in Ravenna. The architecture is truly amazing; it was built of marble and capped by a single stone that is over ten meters in diameter. This single stone weighs about 3,000 tons.

This tomb is at the end of the UNESCO World Heritage site. It is the tomb of Theodoric and was constructed around 520 AD. The unique thing about this building is that the entire top of the building is constructed from a single stone. The upper floors are also easily accessible.

The Mausoleum of Theodoric is located on Via delle Industrie 14. It is open for tourists every day from 8:30 am to 7:30 pm. The ticket cost just €4.

If you want to do a virtual tour of the Mausoleum of The Mausoleum of Theodoric   you can find it here

If you want to learn more about The Mausoleum of Theodoric before visiting you should check what Wikipedia has to say about it

Arian Baptistery

During the time Theodoric was ruling Italy, Arian was the official religion of Italians. Thus, the great emperor built the Arian baptistery next to his cathedral. However, this place would later become an oratory dedicated to the Virgin Mary known as the Santa Maria in Cosmedin.

The Arian religion was considered by the Catholic Church to be a heresy because of their conviction that Jesus Christ was human until baptism. Today, you can still see the mosaics design on the walls of this baptistery celebrating the baptism. This image of Christ during his baptism is surrounded by the mosaic images of Christ’s 12 apostles and a throne with a cross.

Arian Baptistery is located in Piazzetta degli Ariani. You can even reach this location by foot if you are coming from the center of Ravenna. It is open for tourists from 9 am to 7:30 pm every day. No need to buy a ticket, you can come and visit for free.

If you want to do a virtual tour of the Mausoleum of The Arian Baptistery   you can find it here

If you want to learn more about Arian Baptistery before visiting you should check what Wikipedia has to say about it

Museo Nazionale (National Museum)

The National Museum is located close to the Basilica of San Vitale. This means you can actually visit these two locations the same day while you are enjoying your time in Ravenna. This museum houses some of the most ancient of Ravenna’s art and culture. If you truly want to learn the history of this city, you must ensure that you visit this museum before concluding your tour of Ravenna.

Once inside, you can the cloisters of the former Benedictine Monastery. Additionally, you will excellent collections of textiles, icons, carved ivories, and ancient weapons from the Coptic to Renaissance periods. Another interesting thing to see in this museum is the cycle of 14th-century frescoes of Santa Chiara; this was taken from the convent church of the Poor Clares in Ravenna.

Museo Nazionale is located in Via San Vitale 17. 

Dante’s Tomb – Mausoleum

The interior of this baptistery is decorated with mosaics and carving of the 5th century. It has been renovated over the years.

The shape of the building is octagonal. The marble work of that time is clearly visible in the building.

If you want to learn more about Dante’s Tomb – Mausoleum before visiting you should check what Wikipedia has to say about it

Cappella Arcivescovile:

It is a 6th-century chapel which has been recently renovated.

MAR – RAVENNA ART MUSEUM

If you want to explore the art in Italy, this is one of the best art galleries which you can visit in town.

Instead of just having a temporary collection, it also has a pretty vast permanent collection.

These are some of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. In addition to that, if you’re looking at other museums as well as churches, there are plenty of them.

Weather in Ravenna and best season to travel

The weather in Ravenna would be peaking in temperatures around July and August. These are the months when there is also maximum humidity and the maximum chances of rain.

During the months of January to May, the temperature would hover anywhere between 40°F to 70°F. Similarly, after the month of August, the temperatures or you can start falling from 75°F to 40°F.

Thus, leaving the 2 months of July and August, for most of the months the temperatures here are pretty comfortable and you would not have to worry about rain as well.

Best time to visit:

When you’re visiting Ravenna, it is important to avoid the monsoon months of July and August.

If you need temperatures to be a bit on the warmer side, September is the perfect option for you.

If you’re looking for slightly colder temperatures, April and May are good enough option is for you.

You need to keep in mind that Ravenna is not on the tourist’s track and therefore, the crowds are always less.

We recommend you to read out complete Ravenna’s weather guide for tourist 

If you want to enjoy the local Ravenna Festival, you can visit at the end of June. The festival is conducted from mid-June to mid-July. A lot of local events are also held during this festival.

Where to Stay in Ravenna

You probably need to book a hotel before visiting Ravenna. Fortunately, Ravenna has a cluster of 5-star and affordable hotels. You can also find guest hours to sleep if you are on a budget.

We will recommend that you choose any of the hotels in the city center. Most of these hotels come at affordable prices and they will allow you to visit any of these places mentioned above on foot. Check out our article on top hotels in Ravenna to get a good idea of the best place to stay while you are visiting Ravenna.

We made a super informative guide that helps you choose the best hotel in Ravenna, you can click here to find it.

Getting to Ravenna:

Ravenna is well connected from different cities around the country.

We would highlight the different options which you have in order to reach the city.

Traveling by car:

You can pick the road on A14. Once you’re on A14, you have to take the A14D. The road would end a few kilometers before Ravenna and thereafter you have to follow the sign boards in order to reach the town.

It is also a good idea to have a map, even when you’re going by road.

Traveling by train:

Ravenna is well connected by trains with Bologna and Rimini. However, the time which trains take is often more.

Traveling by Bus:

If you’re looking for a more affordable means of transport, you can easily catch a bus from any of the bigger towns in Italy. At the most, it would be costing you around € 10. However, the bus services are not punctual.

Traveling by plane:

If you’re looking at the nearest airport, it is in the town of Forli which is served by Ryanair. If you’re looking for some of the full-service airlines through which you can get to Ravenna, then you would have to take a flight to Bologna which is at a distance of 80 km from Ravenna. However, these full-service carriers are actually pretty expensive.

Traveling by cruise ship:

Not each and every Mediterranean cruise would be stopping by Ravenna. However, there are few which would drop you at Porto Corsini for a day which is 15 km apart from the city. Most of the cruise liners would be offering you some kind of transportation to the city. This would ensure that you would be able to easily explore the city.

If you’re looking for local guides also, it can be a good idea to book one in advance.

Oftentimes, the tours are included along with:

-San Marino

This town has a lot of tourist attractions which you can visit.

We would go into some of the tourist attractions which you should definitely not miss.

Visiting the tourist attractions:

The tourist attractions in the city are open long hours during the day. Most of them have the same opening and closing times.

If you want to explore the city to the maximum, it is a good idea to devote 2 days at least to the city.

Special events that you should not miss:

Wine tasting around Ravenna:

The region around Ravenna, consist of a lot of vineyards. If you look at the two most famous wines of the region, you would be able to come across, Centesimino and Uva Longanesi. They are normally used by the local citizens. They are not widely known all over the world. In order to taste the wine, you can head to the winery in Bertinoro with the name of Paradiso. You would be able to explore the locally made wine when you’re at this place.

So, even though Ravenna might not be one of the biggest cities in Italy but if you want to explore the culture as well as the history of Italy, it is one of the best cities to visit. Moreover, it is not as expensive as the other cities in Italy and you can easily cover it in a couple of days.

Ravenna festival

The Ravenna Festival is a late spring celebration of musical drama and traditional music (and move, jazz, ethnic, melodic theater, expressive dance, consecrated music, electronic music, dramatization, film, in addition to traditions and presentations) held in the city of Ravenna, Italy and the encompassing zone every June and July.

It was established in 1990 by Maria Cristina Mazzavilani, the spouse of conductor Riccardo Muti, who shows up there.

Other surely understood conductors who have shown up at the Festival incorporate Pierre Boulez, Claudio Abbado, Chung, Gavazzeni, Lorin Maazel, Valery Gergiev, Zubin Mehta, Georg Solti, Giuseppe Sinopoli, Carlos Kleiber, and Georges Prêtre. The Festival additionally offers operatic creations in the Teatro Comunale Alighieri, and in addition to exhibitions of jazz and prevalent music.

You can read more about this amazing festival and be updated about the shows in the official Ravenna festival website

And you can always check what wikipedia has to say about this festiva l

Ravenna For kids and families

You can find attractions for kids also in the area of Ravenna. The most recommended places for kids are the park and the beach, best places to visit with your kids!

Eating  in Ravenna:

if you’re looking at a restaurant and cafes in the city, there are not a lot of options.

Some of the prominent options which you can visit are:

-Ristorante La Gardela

-Bars in Piazza del Popolo

-Sorbetteria Degli Esarchi Ice Cream Store

-Restaurant in Albergo Cappello

We made a great list of the best Ravenna’s restaurants   here

These are some of the prominent options which you have in the city in order to have delicious meals.

Getting around in Ravenna:

One of the best things about the city is that you can easily walk around the city. It is basically a walker’s paradise. Each and everything is nearby.

If you’re going to some of the tourist destinations which are outside the city, you can easily rent cars.

Cars are a solution for tourists who want to taste the area of Ravenna even more and not concentrate in the city. Rent a car in Ravenna is a great solution for families.

However, you have to keep in mind that in some of the areas, cars are not allowed. You have to find out about this in advance.

Another problem which you would have in renting the cars is that finding the parking would be very difficult. Even if you’re finding the parking, it can be expensive at € 2.5 per hour. That is why, unless and until you’re not having an extreme necessity of renting a car, you should just explore the destinations nearby as they are at a walkable distance.

Cities around Ravenna:

If you’re looking to explore a couple of cities around Ravenna, then you can explore the following two cities which we would be highlighting.

The city is at a distance of 80 km and is a pretty famous city in the tourist circuit. There are plenty of places which allow you to explore the city. The only problem is that when you’re taking a train to the city, it can often take a pretty long period of time as the trains are pretty slow.

If you further want to explore the culture of Italy, this is another option which you have got. Around the city, you would be able to find even smaller towns in the vicinity. A single day trip would help you in covering the entire city. Moreover, it is closer to the Adriatic coast. That is why you would be able to find plenty of seaside resorts to relax. If you’re looking for the seaside resort, Rimini is a quite good option. If you’re looking for a seaside resort in Ravenna itself, you can visit the Marina di Ravenna. You can easily explore the town with the help of a bicycle. The town is pretty quiet and therefore, exploring it becomes much easier for you.

Beaches around Ravenna:

We hope that you learn more about your this amazing city, if you have any question don’t hesitate to contact us.

You can find here super useful resources that help you plan your next trip to this beautiful city.

We are here to help you learn and read about the beautiful city of Ravenna and prepare for your visit. 

This blog is edited by Rachel Tate , A fashion and big traveler. 

Reach Out to [email protected]

Recent Posts

Secret unknown sites to see while you are in ravenna, about ravenna italy, what should you do in ravenna’s area.

2 DAYS IN RAVENNA – An Easy to Follow Guide

For 48 hours of stunning mosaics, picturesque streets and piazzas, sea breezes, and great food, head to Ravenna. This lovely Northern Italian city is home to sparkling, intricate Byzantine mosaics from the 5th and 6th centuries, and is easy and safe to manage on foot. Not only that, Ravenna is great for kids !

While the ideal visit to Ravenna is at least two days so you can really soak in the feeling of the city and see things without rushing, in a pinch you can make it a day trip .

This guide is based on my visits to Ravenna, including my latest one (June 2023). I’ve included:

• what to see in Ravenna
• how to plan your trip to Ravenna
• what and where to eat
• how to get around so you can make the most out of your visit to Ravenna

Table of Contents

DON’T MISS: RAVENNA’S MOSAICS

Ravenna is brimming with layer upon layer of history and breathtaking mosaics, in fact it is home to a whopping 8 UNESCO World Heritage sites. How do you choose which ones to see, and in which order? 

Ravenna has made it easy: you can buy a combined ticket to 5 of the sites which are right in the center of town and feature magnificent mosaics. I’ve grouped them below based on location: each group is about a 10 minute walk from each other in a triangle.

• Mausoleo di Galla Placida (Mausoleum of Galla Placida): a very small mausoleum. Requires a reservation time. 
• Basilica di San Vitale (Basilica of San Vitale): a large church
• Battistero Neoniano (Neonian Baptistry): a small baptistry. Requires a reservation time.
• Museo Arcivescovile e Cappella di Sant’Andrea (Archiepiscopal Museum and the Chapel of St. Andrew): a fairly large multi-level museum with a mosaic-adorned chapel tucked inside
• Basilica di Sant’Apollinare Nuovo (Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo): large church

From the beginning of March to the end of October, all 5 sites are open every day from 9.00-19.00. Last admission is at 18.30 for the Basilica of San Vitale, Archiepiscopal Museum, and Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo; and at 18:45 for the Mausoleum of Galla Placida and the Neonian Baptistry. Check here for the most up-to-date hours.

Important: Two sites require a reservation time: the Mausoleum of Galla Placida and the Neonian Baptistry. Since each one is located right next to a bigger mosaic site, I would plan at least an hour and a half between each reserved visit, so you can see everything without rushing.

A note about taking your time in Ravenna: one of my favorite things about the mosaics is that the longer you sit and gaze at them, the more figures, patterns and little details come out at you. Yes, this can give you a sore neck. Thankfully, the larger mosaic sites have benches so you don’t have to stare straight up, and you can get off your feet for a bit.

During the day there are a lot of people and big groups from schools and cruise ships. In fact, Ravenna’’s smaller sites like the Mausoleum of Galla Placida and the Neonian Baptistry, as well as certain rooms in the Archiepiscopal Museum like the ivory throne, have a 5 minute visit time limit so they won’t get too crowded.

In Ravenna I recommend visiting the Mausoleum of Galla Placida and Basilica of San Vitale right before closing. There are less crowds at the end of the day, and if you get lucky you can have the Mausoleum and Basilica almost to yourself, and visit calmly at your own pace: an unforgettable experience. 

WHERE TO BUY TICKETS FOR THE MOSAICS

You can buy combined tickets for the mosaic sites above on the Ravenna Mosaics official website . If you prefer to buy tickets in person, look for a ticket office , or biglietteria , open every day 9.00-18.45 from the beginning of March to the end of October: 

• near the Basilica of San Vitale (Via Giuliano Argentario, 22)
• by the Basilica of St. Apollinare Nuovo (Via di Roma, 53) 
• at the Archiepiscopal Museum (Piazza Arcivescovado, 1)

DON’T MISS: DANTE’S TOMB AND THE BASILICA OF SAN FRANCESCO

The Basilica of San Francesco sits halfway between the Neonian Baptistry/Archiepiscopal Museum and the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo. The piazza in front feels like an inviting,  calm oasis. In fact the garden to the left of the Basilica hosts the Tomb of Dante Alighieri, author of the Divine Comedy ( La Divina Commedia ), and considered the “father of the Italian language”. 

At first glance, the inside of the Basilica may seem unadorned and plain. Keep walking up to the front of the church, where you will see stairs leading down to a small doorway. Pop in a 1 euro coin into the machine there and you’ll be treated to a sheer delight: the lights will come on in the crypt, revealing a floor of 6th century mosaics, covered with water and home to real fish! 

DON’T MISS: RAVENNA’S FRIENDLY CITY CENTER

Ravenna’s center is host to a variety of shops, cafes, sandwich shops, restaurants and small piazzas . Much of the center is closed to cars, so wandering around the center on foot is a delight. One of my favorite things to do is take in the colorful building facades at a relaxed pace, and discover charming little passageways and hidden corners. It is very well kept, orderly and clean. 

You’ll see people of all ages on bicycles. The terrain is very flat, and bikes are the transportation of choice for many locals.

IF YOU HAVE MORE TIME IN RAVENNA

More unesco world heritage sites in ravenna.

Battistero degli Ariani, another UNESCO World Heritage site with incredible mosaics, is right in Ravenna’s city center, just a few minutes walk from Sant’Apollinare Nuovo (Vicolo Degli Ariani, 1).  

In a public park about 1 km northeast of the old city center is the impressive and imposing UNESCO site Mausoleo Teodorico (Via delle Industrie, 14).

The final UNESCO World Heritage site is on the way to the beach in Classe, a district of Ravenna, about 8 km outside the main part of town. Basilica di Sant’Apollinare in Classe (Via Romea Sud, 224) boasts a majestic structure and its dome features magnificent 6th century mosaics.

HIT THE BEACH NEAR RAVENNA

Not only is Ravenna home to incredibly rich cultural treasures, it’s right on the coast! Ravenna’s city center is just 15 minutes from the beach by car! Lido di Classe, Lido di Dante, Lido Adriano, Punta Marina, Marina di Ravenna, Porto Corsini and Marina Romea are the main beach areas. 

Like most of the Italian coast, there are beach clubs where you pay a fee to rent a beach umbrella and sun lounger by the day. These clubs have a bathroom, coffee bar, and often a restaurant as well. If you don’t wish to pay and don’t need a beach with facilities, go to a spiaggia libera , or free beach . There are sporadic free beaches scattered among the built up areas. The water is shallow quite a ways out, which makes it family friendly. (Unfortunately the beaches face an oil rig far out at sea). 

If you really like to let it all go, Ravenna has a nudist beach between Lido di Dante and Lido di Classe called the Spiaggia della Bassona. To get there, you can park in Lido di Dante and walk about 10 minutes south through the pine grove along the beach. Remember that there are no bathrooms or beach facilities. Nudism isn’t required: suits are optional.

EXTRA OPTIONS IN RAVENNA

Right on the piazza in front of the Basilica of San Francesco is the Ravenna tourist office (Piazza San Francesco, 7). The office has plenty of ideas for guided tours and day trips. 

RAVENNA: GETTING AROUND

Walk! The center of Ravenna is a pleasure to stroll around. Seven of the city’s eight UNESCO World Heritage sites are within walking distance of each other right in the city center. Not only that, a large area is pedestrian only, so you can walk without worrying a lot about cars. It is also flat, and the streets are well maintained.

Biking is also a great way to get around Ravenna, just like the locals do. Check with your hotel to see if they have bikes you can rent or use free of charge. Otherwise, there is bike rental at the Ve.Ra. Ravenna Bike Station . It’s just down the street from the train station at Piazza Farini, 19.  

WHAT TO EAT IN RAVENNA

Ravenna is in Emilia-Romagna, a region renowned for its incredible food (in a country famous for its cuisine!). This is the land of ham, butter and fresh pasta. Some local specialties include:

A piadina is a delicious flatbread. Piadinerie ( piadina sandwich shops ) serve piadina s filled with cured meats, cheese and/or vegetables to be eaten as a sandwich (it looks like what Americans call a panini). Piadina s are also served as the accompaniment for local cured meats and cheeses. Try it along with squacquerone , a local soft cheese, and fichi caramellati , caramelized figs .

Try cappelletti , fresh pasta filled with Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, ricotta and meat. Local Passatelli , long thick cylindrical noodles with rough edges, are usually served in broth. And don’t forget lasagne , made with ragù ( meat sauce ) and bechamel.  

Ravenna is on the sea, and there is delicious local seafood to be had, like local clams ( vongole ), anchovies ( alici ), shrimp ( gamberi ) and various fish ( pesce ) from the Adriatic sea. 

WHERE TO EAT IN RAVENNA

Ravenna’s covered market ( mercato coperto ), in the center of town has recently been renovated and restyled into a beautiful food hall. There is a butcher stall, cheesemonger, fresh pasta stall, small supermarket, restaurants and more. It’s open all day, every day. 

Try a piadineria in the heart of town like La Piadina del Melarancio (Via IV Novembre, 31), or Profumo di Piadina “Laboratorio del Palato” (Via Cairoli, 24).

For high quality seafood in the city center, head to Il Portolano (Via Andrea Agnello, 10/a). This charming neighborhood restaurant has excellent, refined dishes featuring local seafood and fish. In the summer there is plenty of outdoor seating on a quiet side street.  A highlight of our recent dinner at Il Portolano was a special of local red tuna tartare with asparagus and strawberries from the restaurant garden.

For local Ravenna specialties like squacquerone with caramelized figs, and cappelletti al ragù ( stuffed pasta with meat sauce ), I recommend Osteria dei Battibecchi (Via della Tesoreria Vecchia, 16). The food is delicious and the restaurant is cozy and charming. In the summertime there is covered outdoor seating on a delightful, peaceful piazza tucked away behind Piazza del Popolo.

If you’d like to experience an old time Italian coffee bar, stop at Caffè Pasticceria Palumbo . It’s located under the portico on the peaceful, picturesque Piazza di San Francesco, across from Dante’s tomb. Last time we had an Italian breakfast of cappuccino and a pastry on our way to see the Basilica of San Francesco next door, there were local regulars only, even though it’s right next to the tourist office. Don’t expect table service: instead, order and pay for your food at the bar.

HOW TO GET TO RAVENNA

Unless you’re coming in on a cruise ship, the best options for getting to Ravenna are by train or by car.

TAKING THE TRAIN TO RAVENNA

The train is extremely convenient because like in most northern Italian towns, the train station is a straight shot into the center on foot. If you come out of the train station and walk straight for 10 minutes, even without being glued to the map app on your phone, you’ll end up in the main part of town. 

DRIVING TO RAVENNA

Driving to Ravenna is also a great option, as long as you ditch your car during your stay. Don’t try driving into the old center, as there are many ZTL areas where you are not allowed to drive and will get a ticket. Use one of the many free parking lots at the edges of town. You can also pay at parking meters to park in blue-lined parking spaces.

Privacy Overview

Ravenna Travel Guide: Best Things to Do in Ravenna, Italy

Ravenna is a beautiful city in the eastern half of Emilia Romagna. It is a lesser-known destination that offers an authentic getaway, with far fewer crowds than other places in Italy!

Ravenna is a destination packed with history and culture. From basilicas, mausoleums, tombs to the ancient and contemporary mosaics for which the city is famous. From visiting the many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, to sampling delicious fresh seafood, cycling in the nearby pine forests and swimming in the nearby Adriatic Sea, there are plenty of things to do in Ravenna.

So if you’re looking for somewhere in Italy that is full of charm and traditional, I recommend considering Ravenna. Here’s my travel guide to the beautiful city, including all of the best things to do in Ravenna!

Ravenna Travel Guide: Essential Information

Ravenna is located in the region of Emilia Romagna, in the north of Italy. The region itself stretches from Milan, along the Via Emilia, all the way to Rimini on the Adriatic Coastline. Ravenna is located in the eastern half of the region, known as ‘Romagna’.

The region of Emilia Romagna is world-renowned for several things, but the most famous exports are from the western half of the region, known as Emilia. For example, Emilia Romagna is famed for its fast cars, with Ferrari, Lamborghini, Pagani and Maserati all originating in Modena. Emilia Romagna is also home to some iconic Italian foods. Emilia is the home of ragu sauce (better known as bolognese), lasagne, Traditional Balsamic Vinegar, Parma ham, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.

But despite Ravenna’s richness in historical and cultural gems, there are far less visitors going here over Florence or Venice.

Ravenna, together with Rimini are the two largest towns in Romagna and both date back to Roman times. In fact, Ravenna was once the capital of the Western Roman Empire for over 250 years between the the 5th-8th century. Later, Ravenna became the heart of the Byzantine Empire. As a result, the city is a blend of Byzantine mosaics and Roman architecture.

How to get to Ravenna?

The nearest major airport is in Bologna, which is the principal gateway to Emilia Romagna. Flights arrive in Bologna from all over the world.

There is a smaller airport in nearby Rimini which is served by Ryanair fly from London Luton airport.

Ravenna is around a 1 hour train from Bologna or 1 hour on the road. So the city is easy to visit as a day trip from Bologna . But there’s plenty to of things to do in Ravenna for two or three days.

When is the best time to go?

To see Ravenna and the wider Emilia Romagna region at its very best, I recommend the late spring and early autumn months. So ideally May, June and September. The crowds are fewer during these months, but you’re likely to be blessed with glorious sunny, warm days and little rain.

July and August can be a little too hot, unless directly by the coastline.

April and October are also pleasant months to visit, but there is an increased chance of rain.

Where to stay in Ravenna?

Ravenna is small, so most hotels have central and convenient locations. I love the Exclusive Hotel Residence La Reunion (£76 per night) and highly recommend staying here. I’ve also stayed in Casa Aurora (£64 per night), where I enjoyed a two-storey, two bedroom apartment. You can check for all hotels in Ravenna here .

You could also stay nearer the beach at Marina di Ravenna. It’s very straight -forward to use the efficient bus system to travel back to the city centre.

Check for hotels in Marina di Ravenna here.

Best Things to do in Ravenna & surrounds

Take in the beautiful basilicas.

As mentioned above, Ravenna was once the capital city of the Western Roman Empire, and the Byzantine Empire. As such, the city is packed with historical and religious sites. Impressively, many of these are in superb condition despite later conflicts in Europe.

Whether or not visiting religious sites is something you tend to do, you must take in the Basilica San Vitale even if just for a short visit.

This magnificent Basilica is a stunning example of Christian Byzantine art, with spectacular intricate mosaics adorning the ceiling. The art has to be to be seen in person!

The Basilica San Vitale, which dates back to 525AD, looks like any other church from the outside, but inside is truly magical.

The acoustics are also exceptional with concerts regularly taking place inside the Basilica. If you visit in June, you may also be able to enjoy some of the concerts that are put on by the Ravenna Festival.

Other churches and basilicas in Ravenna that are worth visiting include the Basilica di Sant’Apollinare and Basilica di San Francesco. Both of these are of huge cultural and historical importance. Basilica di Sant’Apollinare is home to magnificent mosaics and Basilica di San Francesco has a hidden sunken crypt under the alter which is full of giant goldfish.

The best way to visit the six key UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Ravenna is to purchase a combination ticket, costing €9.50 per adult. Alternatively, you join a guided group sightseeing tour of Ravenna or a private tour, with skip-the-line admission .

Join a tour of Ravenna’s mosaics

Ravenna is famed for its mosaics. These range from from 5th and 6th century masterpieces, to modern versions by local artists.

The most spectacular Byzantine mosaics are in the Basilica di San Vitale, the Basilica di Sant’Apollinare Nuovo and the Galla Placidia Mausoleum. I would recommend a locally guided tour for these, to fully appreciate their historical and religious significance.

This 2-hour private tour of the mosaic masterpieces is with a local english-speaking guide and costs £105 for a group of up to 8 people.

One of my favourites is the Galla Placidia Mausoleum, which is adjacent to the Basilica di San Vitale. From the outside, it’s quite unassuming, but inside, the intricate mosaic work is spectacular and depicts a night sky.

Modern mosaics are dotted all across Ravenna, particularly as road signs or quirky street art. Make sure to also visit the Mar City Art Museum for colourful and unusual collection of contemporary mosaics, covering the quirky (such as unicorns), to the Italian lifestyle, in particular food!

Another fun thing to do is to make your own mosaics in a local workshop such as at KOKO Mosaico. This is also a great place to buy your own mosaics pieces to take home.

Stop by Dante’s tomb

One of the most famous attractions in Ravenna is the tomb of the poet and author, Dante Alighieri. Famed for two pieces in particular, The Divine Comedy and Paradise, Dante chose to live in Ravenna, despite being born in Florence in 1318.

After Dante died in 1321, Pope Leo X demanded that his remains were taken back to Florence, however locals chose to remove and hide his bones. In 1865, there were later discovered during renovation work and today, his remains rest in his tomb in Ravenna.

You can find his tomb on Via Dante Alighieri, near the Basilica di San Francesco.

Sample Ravenna Cuisine

So of course, Emilia Romagna is famous for its excellent Italian dishes and ingredients, but what about the cuisine from Ravenna?

The popular Italian street food called piadina is from Ravenna and is a essential to try. Piadina are stuffed flatbreads and you’ll see piadina all across Italy in small stands, but Ravenna its true home. There are all kinds of stuffings to choose, but one of the best combinations is Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese or mozzarella, with salami and green leaves.

Ravenna is also known for excellent seafood, due to the close proximity of the city to the coastline. Menus in local restaurants often include seafood risotto, fresh mussels and octopus.

In the nearby port town of Comacchio, pickled eels have been part and parcel of daily life for centuries. In fact, Comacchio is pretty famous for its marinated eels!

To learn more, visit the  Manifattura dei Marinati , a museum and former eel pickling factory. And one of the best restaurants in Comacchio to sample eel is at Locanda del Delta.

And in the nearby town of Cervia, salt production dates back to ancient times. Today, you can see the traditional method of salt production in action and visit the Salt Museum to learn more. Make sure to buy some delicious salt to take home and stop by Officine del Sale for a delicious lunch.

Local pasta dishes here are also some of my favourite, with several dishes I’ve never found elsewhere in Italy. Make sure to try the hat-shaped pasta called cappelletti and gramigna, a type of pasta made of breadcrumbs. One of the best restaurants in Ravenna is Ca’ de Ven and I recommend having at least one lunch or dinner here.

Explore the canals of Comacchio

Venice isn’t the only Italian city built around canals. Comacchio, which is just a short drive from Ravenna is a mini Venice, but without the crowds.

This peaceful and colourful town is dotted across a series of islands in the Po Delta. They are all connected by a web of bridges, offering plenty of scenic viewpoints around the town. The best things to do in Comacchio are to explore the waterways by foot or by boat, as well as some of the delightful local producers and small cafes. The main canal is Canale Maggiore, which is linked by the beautiful Ponte dei Trepponti.

Visit the Po Delta

As an area of outstanding natural beauty and the largest wetland reserve in Italy, the Po Delta is definitely worth visiting on a trip to Ravenna. Spanning 11 acres, the peaceful lagoons of Comacchio are one of the biggest attractions in the Po Delta. Most interestingly, the Po Delta is home to a huge colony of wild red flamingos. Rent bikes at the tourist centre to explore the bumpy waterside trails. If you’re lucky, you’ll see the beautiful flamingos take flight.

Alternatively, you can join a local boat tour which is a relaxing way to spot the flamingos, as well as other local wildlife.

Bike through the local pine tree forests

Near to Ravenna is the charming port of Cervia. An extensive pine forest called La Pineta surrounds the area, stretching along the coastline to Milano Marittima. The trails are shaded and well-maintained, which is perfect for hot days. All the route, you’ll see traditional fisherman’s huts and scenic lakes. Milano Marittima itself is an upscale, beach resort for wealthy Italians, and it’s well worth stopping here for a gelato.

Enjoy an aperitif

Of course, when in Italy, do as the Italians do!

A pre-dinner drink is an essential part of the Italian lifestyle, and often comes with a platters of delicious bite-size snacks.

Piazza del Popolo is the main square in Ravenna and is located in the heart of the city. Pretty cafes border the piazza and there is plenty of outdoor seating and shaded umbrellas. It’s the perfect spot for people watching. On some of the side streets stretching from the piazza are some other charming places for an aperitif. This is also a great place for a morning coffee, and you can watch the locals go by on their way to work.

Back in Cervia, you could also finish off a day cycling with aperitifs at one of the hip waterside bars. Some of these are so quirky and unusual. The Tiki-style bar called Henua is my favourite spot.

Another area in Ravenna for aperitifs is the up-and-coming docks on the northern side of town called the Darsenale Popup. The area was once disused wasteland, but it has recently been transformed with brightly coloured shipping containers and plenty of outside seating. Each container houses a quirky collection of bars, eateries and breweries.

Hit the Beach at Marina di Ravenna

The golden sands of Ravenna’s beaches stretch for miles and miles, with sun loungers dotted in endless lines. It’s somewhat reminiscent of the golden age of Italian beach holidays. There are dozens of cool beach bars and clubs and upscale restaurants where you can spend the day.

One of my favourite restaurants is the atmospheric Saretina 152. Here you you can dine on excellent seafood with your feet in the sand. They often have a live DJ so you can eat, drink and dance into the evening.

The best beach club around in Singita , a beautiful boho-chic bar surrounding by white linen daybeds. Make sure to try the delicious mussels here!

Ravenna Travel Guide

So there’s my guide covering all the best things to do in Ravenna, including where to stay, where to eat and what to see.

I hope this is useful but feel free to drop me a line if you would like any further information. Whether you’re visiting for a couple of nights, or going to Ravenna as a day trip from Bologna, the city has plenty to offer. If you are short on time, I recommend a local city tour taking the main attractions and the local cuisine .

Don’t forget to also check out my Italy guides too, from spending a weekend in Venice to visiting  Murano and Burano as a day trip from Venice  too!

Wanna see more? Check my Instagram  here , my Facebook  here  or my Twitter  here !

Disclaimer: This guide is based on multiple visits to R avenna . T he tourism board has supported some of these visits.

Enjoyed my guide to the best things to do in Ravenna? Pin it!

You may also enjoy:

Pamukkale travel guide – planning your visit …, marbella travel guide – how to spend …, 2 day edinburgh itinerary: how to spend …, obonjan croatia, adults-only luxury glamping in ….

Love your info on Ravenna.! Thanks for all the great info. Getting off cruise ship ( in Ravenna) June 18th @ 9 am. Looking for car to take 3 adults to center of town to tour the Mosaics ( 2 hours) then a transfer to train station. Can you help? Thanks Sheila Whatsapp # 1 440 8213070

Sorry Sheila for my reply. I can’t help with this kind of thing bu hope you had a great time in Ravenna!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Let’s connect

• City Sightseeing Tours
• Special Offer Combo Tours
• Walking Tours
• Day Tours and Excursions
• Private Tours
• Shore Excursions
• Transfers and Ground Services
• Wine and Food Tours
• Boat Tours and Cruises
• Vatican Tours
• Cinque Terre
• Veneto & Lake Garda
• Naples & Amalfi coast
• Sicily & Puglia
• Piedmont & Langhe Wine Region
• Milan & Lake Como
• Bologna & Emilia - Romagna
• Semi-Private Italy Vacation Packages
• Italy Tours & Transfers Packages
• Private Vacation Packages
• Classic Italy
• Italian Nature
• Food & Wine
• Romantic Italy
• Travel Guides
• Health & Safety
• Terms Of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Terms and Conditions

Latest Journal

Cinque terre & beyond: 5 day trips to take from florence.

Custom Vacations

Looking for a custom vacation in italy, tours straight to your inbox, ravenna tourist office guide - avventure bellissime.

0 Minutes Read

Information on visiting the city of Ravenna; including addresses and telephone numbers of tourist offices located in and around the city centre of Ravenna.

The main tourist office of Ravenna is located at Piazza San Francesco 7, and in peak season is open daily from 8.30 am until 10 pm; in lower season Mon to Sat 8.30 am to 7 pm, Sun & public holidays 9.30 am to 5.30 pm. A second tourist office is located near the Mausoleum di Teodorico at via delle Industrie 14, but is only open Mon to Fri 9.30 am to 3.30 pm, closed on weekends and public holidays.

It's worth visiting the tourist offices for information on events being staged in the city. During the summer months the important sites of the Mosaics remain open at night, and quite often there are classical musical concerts held at those venues to further enhance the experience of these splendid creations.

Related Tour - Book Now

Private Day Trip from Venice to Ravenna

Experience a captivating Private Venice to Ravenna day trip.Immerse yourself in the rich history & stunning artistry of this

Related Journals

Top 5 Reasons to Rendezvous in Ravenna

Forget Pizza! Here are 10 Amazing Food and Drink Experiences in Italy

Tours you may also like.

Private Transfer from Florence to Venice via Bologna

Private Bologna Walk

Private Transfer from Venice to Florence via Bologna

Private Walking Tours in Ravenna (Italy)

16 Best Things to Do in Ravenna, Italy (+Map & Tips for Your Visit)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: April 23, 2024

Thinking of visiting Ravenna in Italy and wondering what there’s to see and do in Ravenna and whether it’s worth a trip? This guide should give you a good idea of what to expect and help you plan your visit.

The beautiful city of Ravenna is located on Italy’s eastern coast. One of the larger cities in the Emilia-Romagna region , it was once the capital city of the Western Roman Empire and later became the capital of the Ostrogothic Kingdom.

Its impressive past has certainly left its mark; Ravenna is packed with sites of cultural and historical importance. Its architecture – and the incredible mosaics for which the city is famous – are beautifully preserved and Ravenna boasts 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Ravenna is also known as the city of Dante Alighieri.

Furthermore, Ravenna is in easy reach of scenic coastal areas and the area also has several fun attractions, also for families with kids…

Despite being located close to Bologna , Siena , and Florence , Ravenna is the lesser-known of Italy’s most beautiful cities , which makes it far quieter to visit and with a more authentic atmosphere.

In this guide, you can read about the VERY BEST things to see and do in Ravenna . We cover all the musts for first-time visitors, but also a few of the most popular attractions for those of you who have a bit more time in the area.

We also created a map of the main landmarks of Ravenna and included some helpful tips for visiting each attraction. You can find all this information at the bottom of this article. Take a look!

These are the best places to see and things to do in Ravenna:

1. Basilica di San Vitale

Basilica di San Vitale is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Ravenna’s most popular attractions. This 6th-century domed octagonal church might look rather simple from the outside, but once you step inside, you’ll see that this place alone makes a visit to Ravenna more than worth it. The mosaics here are among the most beautiful in the world!

Even if religious sites are not typically your thing, you cannot fail to be impressed by the Christian Byzantine art, frescos, and the incredibly detailed mosaics of Basilica di San Vitale! It’s one of the most beautiful churches in Italy (and that really says it all)!

Indeed, every surface of the church is adorned with intricate decoration and you’ll see images of religious figures and scenes on every wall and arch. Pictures really cannot do it justice and the Basilica is absolutely a must-see for anyone visiting Ravenna.

The building also has incredible acoustics, making it the perfect venue for regular concerts. If you are lucky enough to be visiting in June, you may be able to catch one as part of the Ravenna Festival.

Practical information: Basilica di San Vitale is open daily except on Christmas and New Year. The same ticket also gives you access to the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo and the Archiepiscopal Museum. At an additional charge, you can also visit the Neonian Baptistery and Mausoleum of Galla Placidia. For more information, opening times, and online tickets see the official website .

Good to know: Be sure that your knees and shoulders are covered when visiting any religious sites in Ravenna (or anywhere in Italy for that matter).

2. Mausoleo di Galla Placidia

Located on the grounds of the Basilica di San Vitale, this 5th-century mausoleum is dedicated to Galla Placidia , the daughter of the Roman Emperor Theodosius I. At one point, she was the regent of the Western Roman Empire.

A simple red-brick structure, Mausoleo di Galla Placidia is artistically perfect. And considering that it was constructed some 1500 years ago, it is in almost immaculate condition. The mosaics inside this tiny mausoleum will take your breath away! And because the Mausoleum is so small, the mosaics are very close to you allowing you to admire their incredible details!

The Mausoleum of Galla Placidia achieved UNESCO World Heritage status because of the exceptional beauty of its 5th-century mosaics. The citation at the time described them as ‘the earliest and best-preserved of all mosaic monuments’. Indeed, their colors remain incredibly vivid and the ceilings and walls seem almost to glow with their vibrancy.

One of the highlights is the image of Christ as the Good Shepherd surrounded by a herd of mosaic sheep. You can also see the animals representing the four Evangelists – the lion, eagle, ox, and angel.

The mausoleum contains three marble sarcophagi, which are believed to be those of Galla Placidia, her husband, and her son.

Good to know: Because of its small size, the number of visitors to the mausoleum is limited. Nowadays, if you want to be sure to visit inside, it’s best to book a time slot in advance , especially if traveling to Ravenna in the high season.

TIP: If you are short on time and want to see the best mosaics of Ravenna and learn the history behind them, join this highly-rated tour with a local guide and let them take care of all the tickets to some of the main landmarks in Ravenna. This tour is amazing and offers great value.

3. Basilica di Sant’Apollinare Nuovo

Basilica of St Apollinare Nuovo is an ancient palace-church located in the eastern part of Ravenna’s historic old town. It was built by King Theodoric the Great at the beginning of the 6th century and dedicated to Christ the Redeemer.

The first thing you will notice is its rather unusual bell tower (which cannot be visited). Added in the 10th century, it is tall and thin, with many rows of windows.

As you walk inside the Basilica through the front entrance decorated with stone arches, you’ll find more of Ravenna’s precious mosaics , many depicting Biblical miracles. The walls on both sides of the long nave are beautifully decorated too, with mosaics of ships in the Roman port of Classis on one side, and scenes from Ravenna on the other.

TIP: Be sure to visit the cloisters where there are exhibits showing how mosaics are created. Along with seeing the different materials and techniques used, there are also samples of the many of the gradations of color with which artists work.

Practical information: Just like the other main ‘mosaic-landmarks’ in Ravenna, the Basilica of St Apollinare Nuovo is open daily except for Christmas and New Year’s Day.

4. Basilica di Sant’Apollinare in Classe

Not to be confused with the above-mentioned Basilica di Sant’Apollinare Nuovo in the city center, Basilica di Sant’Apollinare in Classe is located around 6 km south of the city center. And yes, it’s worth the extra effort of getting there!

Basilica di Sant’Apollinare in Classe was constructed in the 6th century, so also at around the same time as most of Ravenna’s most famous landmarks. Its interior is decorated with the last examples of Ravenna’s mosaics.

If you are sharp-eyed you might notice that the panel in the apse showing the bishop Reparatus with Emperor Constantine IV seems familiar. That’s because it is an imitation of the one of Emperor Justinian found in Basilica San Vitale.

Here, you can also see marble sarcophagi of various bishops spanning several centuries. It is interesting to note the changes in styles over the years.

Good to know: Because of its location outside the center of Ravenna, this Basilica tends to be less crowded than the others. This makes it one of the best places to really admire the mosaics at your leisure.

Practical information: Basilica di Sant’Apolinnare in Classe is open daily from early morning until evening, except on Sundays and some religious holidays when it’s only open in the afternoon. For more info, see this website (in Italian).

Getting there: You can get to Classe by car, by taxi, or by bus (line #4) from the train station in the city center.

TIP: If you have some time after visiting the Basilica, it’s worth seeing the nearby Classis Ravenna – Museo della Città e del Territorio as well. Set within the former sugar refinery, the Classis museum focuses on the history of Ravenna and the nearby port of Classe. See their website for more info.

However, if you have just a day in Ravenna and want to focus on the must-see places, you can also skip this one.

5. Piazza del Popolo

Piazza del Popolo is Ravenna’s main square. It’s located in the very heart of the city, surrounded by shopping streets, and within a short walking distance of all the main landmarks in Ravenna old town.

Although ‘Piazza del Popolo’ translates to ‘People’s Square’, the name actually came from the poplars surrounding it. It was formed in the latter half of the 15th century when the city was reconstructed by Venetian architects.

There are also some interesting buildings to admire around the piazza, including the Comune di Ravenna and the Ravenna territorial government building. Towering above everything are two columns, one bearing a statue of Apollinaris and the other a statue of Saint Vitalis.

Bordered with restaurants and cafes offering outdoor seating, Piazza del Popolo is the perfect place to take a break from sightseeing and watch the world go by.

Good to know: The very best cafes/restaurants are to be found in the side streets leading off the square rather than on the piazza itself. They tend to be more authentic and a little cheaper, too!

6. Old Town

In addition to the Piazza del Popolo, there are many other nice streets and squares to see in Ravenna’s old town .

Check out the shopping area around Via Camillo Benso Cavour, Ravenna’s ‘umbrella street’ Via Mentana, Piazza J.F. Kennedy, Piazza XX Settembre, or the leaning Civic Tower, etc.

Since the city center is quite compact, you’ll pass most of the nicest areas while walking from one landmark to another anyway. But be sure to also take the time to explore just a bit deeper, and you might find some amazing hidden gems.

Cobbled streets, colorful buildings, and picturesque town squares make Ravenna’s old town really cozy. There are lots of nice stores, gelaterias, and plenty of cafes and restaurants as well.

The Emilia Romagna region is known as the foodie destination in Italy , so be sure to try some local specialties, even if you are only in Ravenna for a day.

And while you’re at it, why not indulge in an aperitif as well – a very Italian tradition! This involves enjoying a pre-dinner drink, accompanied by trays of bite-sized snacks like bruschetta, raw fish, or local cured meats. Indeed, it is a more sophisticated version of the ‘happy hour’ found elsewhere in the world.

READ ALSO: Traditional Italian Food

7. Basilica di San Pietro Maggiore in San Francesco

Basilica di San Pietro Maggiore in San Francesco (or simply Basilica San Francis) is another popular place to visit in Ravenna. While it’s not an absolute must, it’s an interesting experience.

Located beside Dante’s tomb, the Basilica di San Francesco was built by Archbishop Neon in the 5th century, then extended between the 9th and 10th centuries when it was renamed San Pietro Maggiore. In the mid 13th century the Franciscans reclaimed it and named it after their founder.

The Basilica is famous for the fact that Dante’s funeral was held here. It also has a few interesting features, particularly its tall 10th-century Romanesque tower, 16th-century stone columns carved by Tullio Lombardo, and frescoes by the early 14th-century painter Pietro da Rimini.

Despite being another of Ravenna’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the church itself is not nearly as impressive as the others in Ravenna. The main reason to visit here is its sunken crypt with a mosaic floor and… fish.

The Basilica stands below sea level and its basement is often flooded. The water also brings some fish that swim around in this submerged burial crypt. Together with the vaulted ceiling, the mosaics, coins thrown in by tourists, and giant goldfish swimming around, it creates a fascinating effect.

TIP: For a small fee, you can illuminate the crypt – it’s well worth it!

For years, efforts have been made to keep the water out, but it seems that everyone has now made peace with it. And so the Basilica of San Francesco is now best known for its submerged crypt with fish…

Good to know: The Basilica is open daily and there’s no entrance fee. The crypt can get quite busy when there are lots of groups of day-visitors.

8. Dante’s Tomb

Located on Via Dante Alighieri, Dante’s Tomb is just near the Basilica di San Francesco, where his funeral was held.

Despite being born in Florence, the poet and author Dante Alighieri chose Ravenna as his home, where he also spent the final years of his life. The story behind his tomb is very interesting!

Pope Leo X requested that Dante’s remains be returned to Florence after his death in 1321. The locals, however, were not happy with this and decided to remove Dante’s bones and hide them in the city. They were finally discovered during renovation work in 1865 and moved to this understated tomb, where they rest to this day.

Above the tomb, you can see a lamp where olive oil from the Tuscan hills is burned, an annual offering from the local government.

9. Dante Museum

Near Dante’s Tomb and San Francis Basilica, you’ll find Museo Dantesco . It’s located on the first floor of a former Franciscan convent.

This museum is a great place to learn more about Dante’s personal life and artistic experiences, and you can actually see the box in which his remains were hidden! There are several rooms to explore, each explaining a different aspect of Dante’s life or work via drawings, artifacts, sculptures, and multi-media presentations.

TIP: There is an introductory film about Dante when you arrive at the museum. It’s usually shown in Italian but you can ask for it to be changed to English.

Be sure to also visit the gated garden – Chiostro Dante , where you will see a big vine-covered mound. This was used to keep Dante’s bones safe during World War Two.

Good to know: The ground-floor cloisters can be visited free of charge, and the museum located on the top floor requires a ticket. It’s just a few euros and well worth it if you have an hour to spare when sightseeing in Ravenna.

Practical information: Dante Museum is open from 10 AM to 5.30 PM daily, except Mondays. Keep in mind that the ticket office closes 1 hour before the official closing time and the cloisters can also only be visited during the opening hours of the museum.

10. Battistero Neoniano

The Neonian Baptistery of Degli Ortodossi – located next to the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ – is Ravenna’s most ancient building.

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was constructed around the 5th century AD by the order of Bishop Urso on the site of a Roman Bath complex. The dome and interior, however, were not added until later, commissioned by Bishop Neon (from whom its name was derived).

Octagonal in shape, it is nevertheless quite plain from the outside and you may wonder whether it’s even worth visiting. The answer becomes clear, however, as soon as you see the interior!

The mosaics of the Baptistery of Neon are simply stunning, lining every inch of its dome. They depict important religious scenes, the most impressive being the medallion mosaic of the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist.

TIP: Due to its small size it is important to book a time slot to visit the Neonian Baptistery online (tickets are usually bookable up to 30 days in advance). This is one of the main Ravenna sights that can be visited with the same ticket as many of the ‘mosaic landmarks’ listed earlier. It’s open every day.

11. Battistero degli Ariani

The Arian Baptistery was built by Theodoric the Great in the 6th century. It’s located next to the Basilica of Holy Ghost, just a short walk from the Piazza del Popolo and other main places of interest in Ravenna.

The Battistero degli Ariani features an octagonal design common to many of Ravenna’s historic buildings. It is very small and less famous than other religious sites in the city, but it has a well-preserved domed mosaic depicting Christ being baptized by John the Baptist. Around it, you can also see mosaic images of the Twelve Apostles, along with a throne with a cross.

The mosaics here are not as spectacular as at San Vitale, Mausoleo di Galla Placidia or other places mentioned earlier, but if you are on a quest of seeing all the best mosaics of Ravenna, definitely check it out!

Good to know: The Baptistery isn’t included in the combination ticket, but the cost of admission is just about 2 Euro so it is worth a visit if it’s not too busy. You can buy your ticket from a vending machine next to the entrance.

Practical information: The Battistero degli Ariani is open daily in the mornings from 9 to 12. On Saturday and Sunday, it’s also open in the afternoon (2 to 5 PM). More info here .

12. National Museum of Ravenna

Museo Nazionale Di Ravenna is located within the cloisters of the old Benedictine Monastery adjoining San Vitale Basilica. But while the Basilica is a place that everyone visits in Ravenna, this museum is much less known.

While it’s not a must if you are short on time, it’s definitely a nice place to see in Ravenna if you are here on a longer visit.

The National Museum has an enormous collection of ancient exhibits collected from the 18th century onwards, including carved ivories, historic weaponry, textiles, and decorated tombs.

It also contains a variety of artifacts from Ravenna’s UNESCO World Heritage sites. These include the original drawing for the mosaic of Sant’Apollinare in Classe and a collection of 14th-century frescoes of Santa Chiara preserved from the convent church of the Poor Clares in Ravenna.

Practical information: National Museum of Ravenna is open daily except for Mondays, with opening hours varying per day. They also have a combination ticket that includes a visit to Basilica di Sant’Apollinare in Classe as well as Mausoleo di Teodorico. For more practical info, please see here .

13. Mausoleo di Teodorico

The grand mausoleum to Theodoric – King of the Ostrogoths during the 6th century – is located at the Parco di Teodorico. It’s another nice place to see in Ravenna, also because it brings you to a different part of town that you wouldn’t visit otherwise.

The Mausoleum dates from around 520 AD and has stood here for 1500 years!

Made from Istrian stone, this two-story rotunda is topped with an immense monolithic dome with twelve square arches. It is quite simply and plainly decorated inside but remains a poignant place to visit nonetheless.

TIP: The park surrounding the mausoleum is quite lovely and it’s nice to enjoy some natural beauty after viewing the city’s many mosaics. However, it is located at quite a distance from Ravenna’s other main sites and also has a separate fee. So if your schedule is tight, you may want to give it a miss.

Now that we covered some of the best places to see in Ravenna for tourists who are mostly interested in sightseeing, let’s take a look at the other nice things to do near Ravenna for those of you who are spending a longer vacation in the region and have more time .

14. Beaches near Ravenna

As already mentioned, Ravenna is located very close to the sea, the so-called Adriatic coast. The entire coastline nearby is lined with beautiful beaches and nature reserves . This makes the Ravenna area a popular summer vacation destination as well.

If you have a few days in Ravenna, take some time to explore the seaside as well. Some of the closest beaches are located in the area between Marina di Ravenna and Lido di Classe , just a 15-30 minutes drive from the city center. If you don’t have a car, you can take a taxi, public transport, or even rent a bike.

The most popular stretches of coastline are lined with beach bars and restaurants, so you’ll find plenty to do here day or night. I attended an event at one of the beach restaurants here once and the food and the atmosphere were great. Even in a lower season and also if you aren’t interested in beach activities, it’s a really nice area to come for a walk on the beach or a nice dinner.

15. Mirabilandia & Mirabeach

Located to the southeast of Ravenna next to Lago Standiana, Mirabilandia is one of Italy’s most popular amusement parks. It is also the largest, covering more than 850,000 square meters.

Ideal for the whole family, Mirabilandia has everything from small rides to white-knuckle rollercoasters. Among its highlights are the 90-meter-high ‘Eurowheel’ – Europe’s second tallest Ferris wheel – and the inverted rollercoaster ‘Katun’.

Adjacent to the theme park is the Mirabeach Water Park . Featuring swimming pools, water slides, a lazy river, and artificial beaches, it is ideal for visitors of all ages.

If you are visiting Ravenna with kids in the summer you may want to plan a day or two extra here.

Good to know: You can buy tickets for Mirabilandia and Mirabeach Water Park separately, or buy a combination ticket that gives you access to both. Both parks also have a ‘2nd-day’ offer where you can get substantial discounts if you choose to visit on a second consecutive day.

Practical information: Mirabilandia and Mirabeach water park are open daily in summer. The amusement park is also open during some holidays/ weekends in the shoulder season. For up-to-date info, see their website .

16. Safari Ravenna

Located near Mirablandia Safari Ravenna is a family-friendly safari park and zoo. Covering more than 340.000 square meters, it has a traditional zoo area with reptiles, primates, and domestic animals. In the second section – which can only be accessed by car or train – you can see larger mammals and birds roaming freely.

Good to know: There is a large play area outside the zoo with even more to do (for a fee), including trampolining, go-karts, and water zorbing.

Practical information: Safari Ravenna is open daily in the summer and during the school holidays. In the lower season, it has rather limited opening hours. See their website for more info.

Map of Ravenna attractions

To help you plan your time in Ravenna, we created this map indicating all the best places to see in and near Ravenna .

Be sure to also read our practical tips and info for your visit below!

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

Practical info & tips for visiting Ravenna

How much time do you need.

We recommend planning at least one full day for Ravenna . This will give you the chance to see the main landmarks and get the feel of this beautiful town. With two days, you should be able to visit all the top places of interest mentioned in this guide. If you also want to spend some time at the beach and or visit one of the amusement/ water/ animal parks, plan at least 3-4 days in Ravenna.

Getting there

If you don’t have a car , Ravenna can be best reached by train from Bologna or from Rimini . The train journey takes about 1 hour – 1 hour and 10 minutes. You can also visit Ravenna from Florence, but keep in mind that it will take over 2 hours each way by train.

Getting around

Ravenna’s old town is best explored on foot . Most of the main sights are located really close to each other, only Basilica di Sant’Apollinare in Classe, beaches, or amusement parks are somewhat further away. As already mentioned, the Basilica in Classe and some of the beaches can be easily reached by taxi or by bus as well.

TIP: There are various city tours available in Ravenna and it’s well worth considering visiting some of the main sights with a local guide . Especially if you have limited time in the city!

We visited all the best mosaics of Ravenna with a local guide and it was absolutely worth it. The mosaics are very pretty and yes, you can just walk around admiring all these amazing places by yourself… But the stories and the explanation behind it make you appreciate it all so much more.

Where to stay

Depending on where you are traveling to/from and on your overall itinerary, you may want to stay in Ravenna for at least one or two nights. There are some really lovely boutique hotels in the heart of the old town , which is the nicest area to stay in Ravenna.

It’s also great to be able to explore the city when there are hardly any tourists in the morning or in the evening.

We stayed at Chez Papa , which was really nice and with spacious rooms and a beautiful inner garden. Some of my friends stayed at Palazzo Galletti Abbiosi , which is very popular and a wonderful choice as well (some rooms even have frescoes!). Staying at these smaller, charming local hotels will likely make your visit to Ravenna even more special.

TIP: If you’re visiting Ravenna by car , you may want to opt for hotels that are located a bit outside of the old town and have parking (nearby). For example, Hotel Astoria or Palazzo Bezzi Hotel are really nice choices.

If you are visiting Ravenna in summer and want to spend a few days at the beach too, check out the seaside resorts in Lido Adriano or other coastal areas near Ravenna.

So, this is our guide to some of the very best things to do in Ravenna and its immediate surroundings. I hope that it gives you a better idea of what to expect and how to plan your time. Traditional, stylish, and relaxed, Ravenna is an enchanting town, well worth a trip.

TIP: If you have more time in the area, I highly recommend that you visit Rimini , just an hour by train from Ravenna. The nearby Republic of San Marino is a real bucket-list place as well. It’s just a short drive from either Ravenna or Rimini and your chance to visit one of the smallest countries in the world. Don’t miss it!

LEARN MORE: San Marino Travel Guide & Best Things to Do in Rimini

More travel inspiration for Italy:

• Best Places to Visit in Italy
• Best Towns in Tuscany
• Venice: Best Things to Do
• Rome: Best Things to Do
• Florence: Best Things to Do
• Milan: Best Things to Do
• Bologna: Best Things to Do
• Siena: Best Things to Do
• Montepulciano: Best Things to Do
• Naples: Best Things to Do
• Verona: Best Things to Do
• Amalfi Coast Itinerary
• Bellagio, Lake Como
• Best Towns in Lake Como
• Best Places to See in Lake Garda
• Best Places to See in the Dolomites
• … For more inspiration and destination guides, please check our  Italy travel blog .

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

sheila santoro

Sunday 4th of June 2023

Hi, I am back with another request. BTW.. Our family had loved your post and information on Bologna and Ravenna. Asking for advise and a possible contact. Need transportation from Cruise port on June 19th, @ 9 am to enter Ravenna and have a 2 hour tour of mosaics for 3 people. Then to transport to train station to get back to Bologna. Any advise would be grand. Thanks Sheila Santoro

Wednesday 7th of June 2023

Hi Sheila, normally, you can just take a taxi to the city from the port where cruise ships dock, book a guided tour in the city, and then take a train to Bologna afterward. I think you could leave your bags at the station in Ravenna while exploring. But if you are looking for a transport+guide option where you can also leave your luggage in the car, I am afraid I can't help you with that since I don't have any local contacts. Take a look at the tour/transfer options on GetYourGuide and on Viator - maybe you'll find something that suits you. Most transfers seem to go to Venice or Bologna directly, not including any time in Ravenna. But it really shouldn't be difficult to arrange this by yourself. Have a great trip!

Sheila Santoro

Thursday 1st of September 2022

This is an amazing collection of great information. We are a family of 10 visiting Ravenna the day before our cruise. Any suggestions for a hotel which is in the city? We will need 5 or 6 rooms. Thanks so much

Friday 2nd of September 2022

Hi Sheila, we have some recommendations in the article, such as Palazzo Galletti, for example. It has rooms in all sizes, also some for bigger families. But I think the best thing to do is just check on Booking.com or Expedia what's available for your travel dates. Be sure to choose the right number of people and rooms and you'll see what's available. If you are traveling in the high season, I'd book asap because most of the nicest hotels in Ravenna are quite small. Have a great trip!

• EXPERIENCES

How to reach Ravenna

• from Bologna with Regional Trains in about 1.15 hours
• from Rimini with Regional Trains in about 1h

The Train Station of Ravenna is located only 200 metres from the restricted traffic area of the historic centre of Ravenna.

Leaving the main entrance of the station in Piazzale Farini 1, you can reach on foot some monuments such as: the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo and the Baptistery of the Arians. 

Following the signs for the city centre, you will arrive at our Tourist Information Office, which is in Piazza San Francesco 7, passing by Dante's Tomb and the Basilica of San Francesco.

If you want to explore the other side of the city you can exit from the Darsena side entrance in Via Antico Squero and in less than 15 minutes you will reach the Mausoleum of Theodoric.

• from Bologna by the A14 motorway
• from Venice by the state road SS309 Romea
• from the South, in addition to the A1 and A14 motorways, also through the Strada statale 3 bis Tiberina, better known as E45, and the strada statale 16 Adriatica (SS 16)

Once you arrive in the city there are plenty of parking options.  Download a map of the city here to see them all. However, we recommend:

• Largo Giustiniano (318 places) - located near the monumental complex composed by the Basilica of San Vitale and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, adjacent to the limited traffic zone (ZTL) of the historic centre of Ravenna. Daily cost 3€.
• Piazzale Aldo Moro (109 seats), behind the train station, about 15 minutes' walk from Piazza del Popolo. Free
• De Gasperi Parking in Via De Gasperi (76 places), the closest to our office in Piazza San Francesco 7. Hourly cost 1.3€, daily 6€.
• Info Privacy
• Cookie Policy
• Cookie Preferences
• Terms and Conditions

• MAUSOLEUM OF GALLA PLACIDIA
• BASILICA OF SAN VITALE
• BASILICA OF SAINT’APOLLINARE NUOVO
• NEONIAN BAPTISTERY
• St. ANDREW CHAPEL AND ARCHIEPISCOPAL MUSEUM
• ENTRANCE TIME AND PRICES
• PLAN YOUR VISIT
• EVENING OPENINGS
• RAVENNA IS THE ONLY ONE
• SPECIAL AGREEMENTS
• SCHOOL TRIPS
• TERMS OF PURCHASE

Entrance Time and Prices

Opening hours.

Closing notice

Evening openings

Download map

Access rules for the Covid-2019 emergency period

Prices 2022, inclusive ticket.

Full price:  € 10,50 Reduced price:  € 9,50

Valid for 7 days from the day of issue – one admission per monument.

Admission to the Diocesan sights will be allowed only by previous booking of your entrance time in each monument included in the ticket.

You can visit : Basilica of St.Vitale Basilica of St. Apollinare Nuovo Archiepiscopal Museum (St. Andrew’s Chapel and Ivory Throne) Neonian Baptistery * Mausoleum of Galla Placidia *

* € 2.00 additional charge for the entrance to the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia and Neonian Baptistery to be added to the price of the inclusive ticket. Mandatory booking in advance.

Reduced price : groups (at least 20 people).

Free : children up to 10 y.o.; disabled people showing certification; religious; the clergy; members of armed forces; certified touristic guides of Regione Emilia-Romagna; teachers in school trip groups (1 free on 10 students) – see also   SCHOOL TRIPS SPECIAL . For groups other than schools 1 free on 20 people who pay.

*   € 2.00  additional charge for the entrance to the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia and Neonian Baptistery to be added to the price of the inclusive ticket (Mandatory booking in advance). Additional charge must always be paid by children over 5 y.o., members of armed forces, religious, the clergy, disabled people showing certification, journalists/press only upon previous written request to the Opera di Religione (to be asked in advance).

Only children up to 5 y.o. and certified touristic guides of Regione Emilia-Romagna are free of additional charge.

FREE TICKETS AND CONCESSIONS MUST ALWAYS BE PROVED SHOWING A CERTIFICATION

Plan your visit at our monuments

For an easy and quick purchase of the ticket, choose on-line ticketing in order to personalise the visit according to your preferences.

After the purchase, you will get your e-ticket by e-mail , please print or save it on your device because you need to show it when entering to each monuments .

You can also buy tickets on site the day of the visit at the ticket office of each monumental area :

• Basilica of St Apollinare Nuovo , via di Roma 53 ( link mappa )
• Archiepiscopal Museum , piazza Arcivescovado 1 ( link mappa )

ONLY FOR GROUPS  If you need help to plan your route and to buy tickets, our Booking Office is at your disposal.

BOOK-SHOP In all the monuments you can find gift stores with a wide selection of books, mosaics, gifts and souvenirs of your visit in Ravenna!

More details on SHOP page.

Only 1 person at a time can enter into the ticket office and the bookshop; only e-payment is permitted. In order to go inside the shops and to look at the items for sale, people are required to wear gloves and face mask.

Useful Advice

Basilica and monuments in Ravenna are first of all places of worship, please keep a respectful behaviour during your visit. Groups are asked to keep a considerate and respectful behaviour inside the monuments sites. Only guided tours using whisper-system audioguides will be authorised. Audioguides are necessary for the admission of guided tours with more than 15 people. We appreciate your keeping silence as a proof of respect towards holiness of the place and towards other people both worshippers and tourists.

Entrance to the monuments is allowed only to visitors properly dressed.

MOBILE PHONES

In order to ensure the best possible experience for visitors, we discourage the use of mobile phones inside the monuments. Please put your mobile phone on silent and use your electronic devices for video and explanations through headphones.

TOILET FACILITIES

Baby changing tables are inside restroom in Basilica Saint Apollinare Nuovo and in Archiepiscopal Museum.

ACCESSIBILITY

In the Basilica of Saint Vitale and Mausoleo of Galla Placidia there is an easy route for people with limited mobility. A Braille description is located at the entrance of the Basilica of St. Vitale.

St. Apollinare Nuovo: access for mobility impaired people.

Archiepiscopal Museum: access and rooms for mobility impaired people (including St. Andrew’s Chapel). Some rooms have braille descriptions and tactile boards.

Neonian Baptistery: access for mobility impaired people.

Battistero Neoniano: access for mobility impaired people.

PHOTOGRAPHY AND FILMING

Photograpy without flash and video recording is permitted in all the monuments for private purposes only using hand-held equipment.

The use of tripods, monopods, telescopic “selfie sticks”, flash and professional items is forbidden.

Video or photos for professional use require a special permission to be asked at [email protected]

PETS AND GUIDE DOGS

Access to the Diocesan Monuments is not permitted to dogs, even inside bags or kennels.

Access to guide and assistance dogs, on the leash, for visually impaired people and pet therapy certified animals is allowed

SUPERVISION AND PROTECTION OF THE ARTISTIC HERITAGE

In all the monuments touching artworks is strictly forbidden, except tactile items for visually impaired people.

LOUDSPEAKERS

Amplified microphones and loudspeakers are forbidden inside the monuments and in adjacent area.

LASER POINTERS

Laser pointers are forbidden inside Diocesan Monuments.

“No smoking area” in all the monuments and adjacent area – including electronic cigarettes.

FOOD AND DRINKS

It is forbidden to consume food and drink inside diocesan monuments.

LOST & FOUND

In case of loss of personal belongings, visitor is advised to report it the nearest guard staff point to enable the object to be found.

In case the visitor has already left the monuments, it is possible to make a request for assistance by email at   [email protected] .

Please note that items found and not reclaimed by the end of the day will be placed in storage at the offices of Opera di Religione

In no event can the Opera di Religione be held responsible for the loss of personal belongings.

Opera di Religione is pleased to welcome families with children and strollers in tow. The guard staff will show visitors the easiest route. In the Archiepiscopal Museum and Basilica of St. Apollinare Nuovo there are restrooms for baby changing table.

MICROCLIMATE

Due to microclimate reasons, in case of heavy visitor traffic especially groups, a longer stay than 5 minutes inside Mausoleo of Galla Placidia and Neonian Baptistery is not permitted.

In order to ensure the best possible experience for visitors in the Medieval Room (Archiepiscopal Museum 2nd floor) only 6 people at a time are allowed.

CARDIO-PROTECTED MONUMENTS (AED)

The diocesan monuments are provided of Automated External Defibrillator equipped both for adults and children.

In particular AED are located at the ticket office of Basilica St. Vitale in via Argentario 22, Archiepiscopal Museum and Basilica of St. Apollinare Nuovo