Ravenna is not only the capital of Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, but also home to an impressive collection of Christian mosaics and buildings.
The city is located about 60 km northwest of San Marino. After 476 AD, the city became part of the Western Roman Empire and later the Byzantine Empire until the 8th century AD.
What to visit in Ravenna? How to get there? Here are our tips!
How to get to Ravenna?
To get to Ravenna you can fly to one of the airports near Venice. One of them is located about 15 and the other about 25 kilometers away from Venice. There you can easily book a Venice to Ravenna transfer.
What is there to see in Ravenna?
Ravenna is one of the most important cities in Italy, and it’s not hard to see why. The city has well-preserved Byzantine mosaics that make for an inspiring sight. Dante Alighieri was born here, which gives tourists much more reason than just its historical significance to visit this place during their vacation.
If you’re traveling with kids who love entertainment, head ten minutes away from Ravenna, where seaside resorts offer quiet beaches with few people, plus amusement parks are available.
Basilica of St. Vitalis
The Basilica of St. Vitalis will be an excellent candidate for your first exposure to these ancient buildings, often filled with intricate designs and beautiful works of art. The mosaics depict scenes from both the Old Testament and Jesus’ life on earth. Other important figures, such as Emperor Justinian, can also be seen here.
Dante’s Tomb
The small classicist building that houses Dante’s Tomb is a few hundred meters south of Piazza del Popolo. The poet, who lived in this area and wrote one of our most famous books, was also buried here after his death during the Middle Ages. There are free tours for visitors who want to learn more about Italy’s most famous writer, as well as the opportunity to go inside to see what the place where he spent eternity looks like.
Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo
The Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo is an ancient church that was originally called the Chapel of St. Martin; it got its current name in honor of Apollo, the Greek god who brought light and music to the world and was one step closer with his healing abilities after receiving them from Attis. The first basilica built on the site dates back to before 500 AD, when two churches stood side by side.
