Things to Do in Ravenna

A classic example of byzantine art and architecture, the Basilica San Vitale is a beautiful church that is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage List. Its construction began in 526 AD and was sponsored by a Greek banker. The Basilica holds a place of pride in the city’s most famous mosaics. They depict fascinating stories of sacrifice and compassion. Immaculately preserved and a sheer delight to the eyes, this church is a must visit when in Ravenna. Mystically dark and gothic , the church has caught the fancies of many enchanted travellers across centuries. The most noteworthy features of the church are its mosaics, marble columns and the presbytery.

A part of the world heritage list, located in the backyard of San Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia in Ravenna is known for its ancient and breathtaking mosaics. The small brick structure dates from around 430 AD, making it one of the oldest monuments in Ravenna. Unlike popular belief, Galla Placidia, a powerful Roman empress, was never buried here but likely commissioned the building.

Hidden in a quiet area, Dante’s tomb is a peaceful place that holds the remains of the celebrated poet Dante. A gorgeous monument that is highlighted in its simplicity, the tomb was built in the neoclassical style in 1780 by architect Camillo Morigia . Dante was expelled from Florence in 1302 and he spent the last 19 years of his life in Ravenna writing much of his Divine Comedy.

To the right of the Tomb, a gate leads into the garden of the so-called Quadrarco di Braccioforte, an ancient oratory hosting two sarcophagi. 

The Neonian Baptistery is one of the most ancient monuments of the city of Ravenna. It was commissioned by Bishop Urso and probably built at the beginning of the 5th century like the nearby cathedral. After many restoration works during the 5th and 6th century, the baptistery finally realized its current grace and décor. Decorated in tiers of marble, stucco and mosaics, this building is a magnificent piece of early architecture.

Mirabilandia is the largest amusement park of the Romagna region. It is located at Lido di Savio, not far from Ravenna. The park offers dozens of attractions for children and families, as well as for those who love adrenaline rushes. Mirabilandia boasts of two of the most thrilling roller coasters in Europe: the inverted coaster Katun and the newly launched coaster iSpeed, and Divertical, the highest water coaster in the World. There is something here for every kind of person; whether its carousels or slots machines or exciting rides; Mirabilandia is a popular destination across ages.

The highlight of the small harbor town of Classe, this 6th century basilica is an important example of the early Christian church. The stark contrast of the simplicity of its design and the sumptuousness of its decoration makes for an interesting visit. The Basilica is dedicated to Saint Apollinaris, first bishop of Ravenna and Classe. Endless ceilings, intricate mosaics and the lavishly adorned apse are the noteworthy features of the church. The fine collection of early Christian sarcophagi is fabulous too.

Originally built as a Palantine church, the building was converted to a basilica dedicated to St.Martin in the mid-6th century. The relics of St.Apollinaris were removed from the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe and transported here.  The gorgeous mosaics inside the church document the evolution of the Byzantine revolution and their influence on the styles and ideologies of that time. The Basilica is home to the oldest surviving original mosaic work on the New Testament.

When the UNESCO inscribed the church on the World Heritage List, its experts pointed out that "both the exterior and interior of the basilica graphically illustrate the fusion between the western and eastern styles characteristic of the late 5th to early 6th century. This is one of the most important buildings from the period of crucial cultural significance in European religious art".

Located in front of the Mirabilandia park, this zero impact animal park makes for an interesting visit with friends and family. The park has close to 450 animals of 40 species. A marriage of man, nature and animal , this park is one of its kind. Stretching over 45 hectares , this park is divided into 3 areas, namely the The Safari, The Animal Docet, Island of Prosimians. Apart from this, the park has a number of other games and entertainment. 

The Domus of the Stone Carpets (Domus dei Tappeti di Pietra) is one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the last decades in Italy. Discovered as recently as 1994, this site dates back to the Byzantine times and the Roman Republic too. A small palace was unearthed that had about fourteen rooms that were decorated with marble and mosaics and three marvelous courtyards. The marbles looked like carpets of stone and therefore the site was named after that. This site can be accessed from the Church of Sant'Eufemia’ that has museum exhibiting the various findings of the archeological site.

Located in the Archiepiscopal Palace, this museum exhibits a number of artworks and pieces from the ancient city that is now demolished. The museum was founded in the 17th Century and is deeply connected to the basilica of Ursus.

The most notable object is the ivory throne of Maximian that is by far one of the most beautifully carved pieces of ivory. The museum is also home to some fascinating mosaics. 

Built in 520 AD by Theodoric the Great, this Mausoleum stands out because it’s roof is made of one single 300 ton stone. Theodoric was eventually buried here but hs remains were removed during the Byzantine rule. This structure made entirely of Istrian stone weighs close to 230 tonnes. Its structure is divided into two decagonal orders placed one on top of the other. The upper level is topped by a big monolithic dome with twelve square arches bearing the names of eight apostles and four evangelists.

The Arian Baptistry in Ravenna, Italy was erected by the Ostrogothic King Theodoric the Great between the end of the 5th century and the beginning of the sixth century. Although the building has sunk approximately 2 to 3 meters into the ground, it still holds some brilliant examples of early mosaics. The stuccos and decorations that covered the interior walls are not visible anymore.

Discover a much more interesting use of your euro at this beautiful Basilica as you see the underwater altar light up to all its glory with the drop of a coin. Originally dedicated to the Apostles and then to the patron St Martin, this basilica is as old as the mid 5 th century. This was the favorite church of the Polentani family that ruled the city once upon a time. The church contains a 5th century sarcophagus and is illuminated only by a tiny window. It is still possible to catch glimpse of the mosaic fragments that used to decorate the floor of the original church.

MAR – Museo d'Arte della Citta di Ravenna (Ravenna Art Museum) is located in a 16th century monastery belonging to the Santa Maria in Porto Abbey.

From Napoleon's suppressions until the restoration of the early 1970s, the complex underwent frequent re assembly and changes. Parts of its original structure are still visible in the Renaissance cloister, in the ethereal distribution of space and in the elegant five-arch loggia, symbol and strength of the whole complex.

Its various sections host both important temporary art exhibitions and three permanent collections, namely:

A collection of ancient artworks, paintings and sculptures from 14th to 19th century, including the outstanding statue of Guidarello Guidarelli by Tullio Lombardi (1525);

A collection of modern artworks from 19th to 21st century, among which a wonderful drawing by Gustav Klimt;

A collection of contemporary mosaics, including works carried out between mid-19th century and the present day.

The National Museum of Ravenna contains some brilliant art collections , such as some funeral steles and epigraphs, various archaeological fragments, a fascinating collection of textiles along with a collection of ivory pieces, icons, coins, medals and of ancient weapons too.

Located in the grand complex of Basilica San Vitale, the museum offers anintersting insight in the history of Ravenna. The stone and marble collection is especially noteworthy.