Ravenna between Mosaic Art, Antiquity and Nature

UNESCO Heritage and the History of Ravenna

The UNESCO World Heritage site Early Christian Monuments of Ravenna comprises eight monuments built between the 5th and 6th centuries AD. They combine Greco-Roman tradition, Christian iconography, and Eastern and Western styles.

The Mausoleum of Galla Placidia is one of Ravenna’s oldest buildings and has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage since 1996. The Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe is also one of Ravenna’s eight early Christian monuments that belong to the UNESCO World Heritage. The basilica was built in the first half of the 6th century over an older cemetery area, preserves its original structure and features magnificent mosaics in the apse.

Another prominent site is the Mausoleo di Teodorico. Theoderic had it built around 520 as his own burial place. For more than 1,500 years, the building has been regarded as one of Ravenna’s undisputed landmarks; at the same time, it is the only late antique royal tomb.

Classe: Harbor Archaeology and Museum

The Antico Porto di Classe is an archaeological park of approximately 10,000 m² that is open to the public. It showcases the ancient harbor and commercial area of the city of Classe from the 5th. You can explore the site independently along the signposted path with information panels or choose a pre-booked guided tour with a specialist guide.

At CLASSIS Ravenna – Museo della Città e del Territorio, the history of Ravenna is presented from its Etruscan-Umbrian origins through the Roman, Gothic and Byzantine periods to the early Middle Ages. To do so, the museum combines archaeological materials with modern technical aids. The Museo Classis Ravenna is one of Italy’s most important archaeological museums. The Museo Classis Ravenna can be reached by bicycle, on foot, by bus and by car.

Ravenna also offers the opportunity to take part in a workshop on Byzantine mosaics. In an arts and crafts workshop, you can learn traditional techniques, create mosaics yourself and take home a handmade souvenir.

Places in the Surrounding Area

Several cultural destinations are located in the vicinity of Ravenna: Palazzo Rasponi dalle Teste, the Museo e Cappella Arcivescovile museum, the Museo “La Casa delle Marionette” museum and the Museo TAMO museum. The Porta Serrata, Porta Sisi and Porta Nuova, which are classified as natural arches, are also located in the vicinity of Ravenna.

Nature and Exercise

Access to the Pine Forest of San Vitale is coordinated and regulated by management rules. Permitted activities include hiking, cycling and horseback riding.

A Regional Specialty

In the Ravenna area, Piadina Romagnola PGI is approximately 4 to 8 mm thick and around 20 cm in diameter, making it thicker and smaller than the version produced in the southern Romagna area, particularly in Rimini.

Other Places in the Ravenna Area

Casalborsetti, Lido Adriano, Lido Di Dante, Marina Di Ravenna, Marina Romea, Brisighella, Alfonsine, Cannuzzo, Savio, Riolo Terme, Castiglione, Malcantone, Lido Di Classe, Classe, Conselice, Castel Bolognese, Castel Raniero, Fosso Ghiaia, Il Palazzone, Massa Lombarda, Villa Inferno, San Zaccaria, Area Industriale, San Pietro In Trento, San Bernardino, San Pietro In Vincoli, Porto Corsini, Voltana, Santerno, Bagnacavallo, Casola Valsenio, Ghibullo, Fognano, San Pietro In Campiano, Cotignola, Sant'agata Sul Santerno, Pinarella, Lugo, Faenza, Punta Marina, Ravenna, Lido Del Savio, Milano Marittima, Cervia, Russi, Fossolo and Bagnara Di Romagna.

To the higher-level travel overview: Emilia-Romagna.