Ravenna is a fairly small city in the province, located approximately 10 kilometers from the Adriatic coast. Until the first time I visited there, I knew that Ravenna is famous among tourists all over the world for its mosaics. This fact, as well as the advice of many friends, convinced me that I needed to go to Ravenna! I hope the story below will help me convince you too :)
I would advise going to Ravenna for at least 2-3 days, so that you have time to leisurely see all the sights (and there are plenty of them), walk around the city and visit the coast.
How to get there
The most convenient way to get to Ravenna from Russia is by plane. If you want to visit it as part of a trip to Italy, road and rail connections are also well developed, and getting to the city will not be difficult at all. That is, in general, it is most convenient to get there by land or air transport. This is exactly what I advise. Because despite the fact that Ravenna is only a few kilometers from the Adriatic Sea, there is no large port there and cannot be reached by ferry.
By plane
If you search the Internet for information about Ravenna airport, you will immediately see that it is there, but you cannot fly there from Russia (even with a transfer it will not work), since it serves a very small number of flights.
Therefore, it is most convenient to fly from Russia to one of the nearest cities that have international airports: namely from Bologna. There is also an airport in Rimini, but currently there are no tickets from Moscow and St. Petersburg to get there. Therefore, let's consider Bologna as the most convenient option.
Bologna
Bologna, the provincial capital, is approximately 80 km from Ravenna and can be easily reached by train. A ticket to Bologna can be quite inexpensive - with Alitalia it costs about 150 EUR (9,500 RUB), although with a transfer in Rome. Travel time is 6–7 hours. But Alitalia also has direct flights, just like Aeroflot. Their travel time is the same - 3 hours 30 minutes, but they will cost more: 305 EUR (19,400 RUB) and 261 EUR (16,600 RUB), respectively. There are no direct flights from St. Petersburg, but with a transfer in Amsterdam you can fly with KLM. The minimum travel time is 6.5 hours and the flight will cost 230 EUR (14,500 RUB). You can also fly Alitalia with a transfer in Moscow. The travel time will be the same, but may cost a little more - 250 EUR (15,700 RUB). You can find flight options for your dates.
I will tell you more about how to get from Bologna to Ravenna by train in the corresponding section below.
By train
In general, railway transport between large and small cities is well developed. The station is a 7-10 minute walk from the city center, where all trains arrive (including the train from Bologna). From Bologna Airport you can take a train with a change in the center of Bologna. Trains to Ravenna run frequently, approximately every hour, a ticket costs 7.35 EUR and travel time is 1 hour 20 minutes. This is a train a la “electric train”, and the price is always the same, so you don’t need to buy a ticket in advance. But if you are coming from Milan, Rome or another city that is quite far from Ravenna, I advise you to buy a ticket online in advance on the Tren Italia website, it will cost less. For example, the price of a ticket from Milan starts from 20 EUR, from Rome - from 32, from Naples - from 43.
The train station is very close to the center, literally 7-10 minutes on foot. As a guide, on the map below I have highlighted the path from the station to one of the central squares of Ravenna - Piazza del Popolo.
By bus
I doubt that you will decide to go to Ravenna from Russia by bus :) But, if Ravenna is part of your tour of Europe, the bus is the most economical way to get there.
In Europe, the bus company Flixbus is now very popular; travel on their buses will cost only a few euros. Moreover, the buses are very comfortable, with air conditioning, toilets and even free Wi-Fi.
You can get to Ravenna from Verona (the journey will cost only 5 EUR), Rome (9 EUR), Milan (also 9 EUR) and other cities in Italy and Switzerland. There is no need to buy a ticket in advance to save money. Usually they are always available, and their price does not change. But just in case, the availability of tickets and the exact schedule can be checked with the company.
Buses do not arrive in the city center; from there it is no longer possible to walk to the same Piazza del Popolo. But you can take bus number 1 directly to the center or take bus number 80 to the train station. The ticket can be purchased directly from the driver, or at any tobacco store (look for the Tabacchina sign), the cost is the same everywhere - 1.30 EUR.
By car
Getting from Russia to Ravenna by car is not an easy task. This is a minimum of 2600–2900 kilometers (depending on the chosen route), toll roads and crossing borders between countries. And the time of the latter is unpredictable; in my experience, the queues between Belarus and Poland were simply gigantic.
Before you go on such a long journey, keep in mind that this is 1-2 nights on the road. Again, depending on how much time you spent in line at the border, if you stood for a couple of hours, you can get by with one night in a hotel, but if you stood somewhere for 15, that’s a completely different matter.
Below, as an example, I attach a map of the route – Ravenna.
In my opinion, the game is worth the candle only if you are planning a large and long European tour, which will also include a thorough trip to Italy.
It’s another matter if you rented a car in Italy (read about the features of car rental in the article below). In this case, getting to Ravenna will not be difficult for you.
From the north of Italy you can take the E35 highway (autostrada in Italian), which then turns into E45. As you can see on the map below, it is convenient to get there from Bologna, Milan, Turin, Verona and Florence, if we talk about the northern part of the country.
You can also drive along the Adriatic coast from Venice on the SS309 highway. This is not a highway like the E35, but you can see plenty of beauty.
By ferry
The port in Ravenna is very small; ferries do not arrive there. But you can rent a boat for further travel along the Adriatic.
Clue:
Ravenna - the time is now
Hour difference:
Moscow 1
Kazan 1
Samara 2
Ekaterinburg 3
Novosibirsk 5
Vladivostok 8
When is the season? When is the best time to go
Ravenna is located in a province in northern Italy. In general, this region has fairly warm winters, with temperatures hovering around zero degrees. While in summer it is hot, especially in July-August.
If you are going to go to Ravenna to see the sights, and not for a beach holiday on the Adriatic coast (which is located 10 km from the city), then I would recommend the months from October to June. At this time, the weather remains more or less comfortable for long walks. I was in Ravenna even in December, and even though it was cool outside, I wasn’t frozen at all.
But for a beach holiday, of course, July, August and the first half of September are most suitable, but at this time there are the most tourists (Italians themselves traditionally have vacations in August). Prices may become slightly higher, but most often this applies to coastal cities; Ravenna is still located a little further away.
Ravenna in summer
As I wrote above, July and August are ideal months for a beach holiday, but for sightseeing I would not recommend going in the summer. In my opinion, it is too hot there, the temperature reaches 30 degrees, and there are more tourists. Therefore, June, in my opinion, is not suitable at all: the weather is hot, while the sea water is still cold :)
Ravenna in autumn
One of my favorite times of year to visit Ravenna and Italy in general. If in the first half of September it is still hot and there are quite a lot of tourists, then from the end of the month until mid-October it is still very warm outside, but there are much fewer people. If you wish, you can even swim :) But it still depends on the specific season and the degree of your hardening.
In addition, in the fall the harvest is underway, so in Emilia-Romagna (where, in my opinion, the most delicious things are always served and sold), a feast begins! The freshest vegetables and fruits for every taste.
Ravenna in spring
From the beginning of March it is already very warm and pleasant outside, so I definitely recommend going to Ravenna in the spring. I always liked it :)
Everything quickly turns green, it’s nice to take a walk around the city and the coast after a long Russian winter. There are very few tourists, so be prepared for a quiet and relaxing holiday.
Ravenna in winter
Despite the proximity of the Adriatic Sea, do not be afraid and feel free to travel to Ravenna in winter, if the opportunity arises. Temperatures rarely drop below zero, but in the evening it becomes quite cold. There are, of course, cloudy and rainy days, but there are also warm and sunny days. Snow does not happen often and does not last long (the photo below is a rare exception). If you are visiting in December, I can assure you that the city will be beautifully decorated, but rather discreetly. In Italy they do not decorate as massively as in Germany or Switzerland. I personally especially like Ravenna before Christmas. A Christmas tree is installed in Piazza del Popolo, and a Christmas market opens where they sell Christmas tree decorations, desserts and hot mulled wine. There are also concerts and performances by local sports, dance and choral groups.
Ravenna - weather by month
Clue:
Ravenna - weather by month
Districts. Where is the best place to live?
Ravenna is a very small town and quite calm. Therefore, there is no big difference in which part you will live.
Relatively inexpensive accommodation can be found in the very center, so when I traveled, I stayed there. A night in a small Bed&Breakfast will cost about 35 EUR per person. You can book on, but you can check if there are better prices somewhere.
Outside the area indicated on the map you can find apartments (hotels, as you can see, are still located in the very center). You can use it to search. And if suddenly you find an apartment that you really like, but it is located a little further away, don’t worry, feel free to book, since Ravenna is still a small city and it will be easy to get there :)
What are the prices for holidays?
Ravenna is a fairly touristic city, but nevertheless relatively inexpensive.
If we talk about accommodation, in the center you can find many small hotels where they will feed you a delicious breakfast and rent a bicycle for free. And all this for 35 EUR per night.
To have a tasty lunch or dinner, I advise you to get a little away from the tourist streets (read about them below). The cost of the dish will be 2-3 EUR less, and it will not be heated/defrosted food. And the cuisine of Emilia-Romagna is known throughout Italy and you should not miss the opportunity to get to know it.
Clue:
Cost of food, accommodation, transportation and other things
Currency: Euro, € US Dollar, $ Russian Ruble, Rub
Main attractions. What to see
Throughout the world, Ravenna is famous for its Byzantine and Aryan mosaics. I think if you are deliberately planning to visit it, you are well aware of this. Therefore, be prepared for the fact that most attractions will be associated with mosaics. You can purchase a single ticket to view the main mosaics - for an adult it will cost 9.5 EUR and is sold at the ticket office near the Basilica of San Vitale. The ticket gives you the opportunity to see the following attractions (I will tell you more about each of them below).
I wrote the names in Italian in brackets so that when you arrive in Ravenna it will be easier for you to navigate :).
There really is a lot to see, and if you are in Ravenna for 1-2 days, I advise you to familiarize yourself with the opening hours of each of the attractions in advance so as not to miss anything. And, to be honest, these are not all the interesting places in Ravenna that are worth visiting.
Top 5
The attractions included in the ticket, which I wrote about above, are under the protection of UNESCO. I can’t help but agree with their beauty and significance, that’s why I’ll highlight them as the TOP 5 of Ravenna :)
- Basilica of San Vitale from the 6th century- one of the main churches of Ravenna with Byzantine mosaics. The building certainly deserves attention both outside and inside, as the vault is lined with marble mosaics. I spent more than one hour there!
Address: Via San Vitale, 17.
- Basilica of San Apollinare Nuovo- another important church of Ravenna with very beautiful mosaics dedicated to scenes from the New Testament, saints, angels and prophets.
Address: Via di Roma, 53.
- Neonian Baptistery(or otherwise Orthodox) - the oldest building in Ravenna - is also famous for its mosaics. But even without them, it’s generally very beautiful inside.
Address: Piazza Duomo, 1.
- Archbishop's Chapel was built in the 5th-6th centuries, while museum was founded only in the 17th century. In addition to religious subjects, the mosaic of the chapel is famous for its patterns of nature and birds.
Address: Piazza Arcivescovado, 1.
- Mausoleum of Galla Placidia- don’t be confused by the small size of the building, don’t be disappointed ahead of time, because this is where the oldest mosaics of Ravenna are located. Pay attention to the mosaic of the night sky, it is mesmerizing :)
Address: Via Giuliano Argentario, 17.
Beaches. Which ones are better
The distance of just 10 km from the Adriatic Sea makes Ravenna very attractive for tourists who come to the sea. And vice versa. At any time of the year, in sunny weather, it is pleasant to stroll along the coast. In general, in summer this area is very touristic, well developed and there are many tourists there. In the cold season there are practically no people there, and you can calmly walk along the sandy beach almost alone.
I will highlight several good beaches near the city:
- Punta Marina- the closest of them to Ravenna is only 9 km away. You can get there by bus No. 70, which departs from the railway station and takes only 20 minutes. The ticket will cost 2.30 EUR. But my favorite mode of transport is still a bicycle. It will be very hot in the summer, but at other times of the year it is the best option in my opinion :) And since Ravenna is a city of pedestrians and cyclists, the likelihood that your hotel will have one for rent is high. In summer, you can rent an umbrella and sun lounger on the beach, and there are many cafes and food trucks.
Below is a map of how to get from Ravenna to Punta Marina. The remaining beaches are located slightly north and south along the coast:
- Marina di Ravenna- if you take the 70 bus further, you will get to this beautiful beach, where you can also rent everything you need. The journey will take half an hour.
- Lido Adriano- also a good beach, fully equipped during the season. You can also get there from the railway station by bus No. 80. The beach is located a little further from the city and the travel time is 30 minutes.
- Marina di Ravenna;
- Porto Corsini;
- Marina Romea;
- Lido di Dante;
- Lido di Classe.
Churches and temples. Which ones are worth visiting?
In addition to the basils that I listed above, in my opinion, the following deserve attention:
- Church San Giovanni Evangelista- the first attraction you will see if you arrive by train, as it is located right on the way from the railway station to the city center. Previously, its walls were also decorated with mosaics, but after the bombing during the Second World War, only a few fragments have reached us. The entrance is free.
The entrance is free.
Address: Piazzale Anita Garibaldi.
- Ravenna Cathedral (Duomo di Ravenna)- despite the fact that this is the main temple of the city, it is one of the newest (18th century), since the previous cathedral was destroyed and this one was erected in its place. But some interior elements remained from the ancient temple inside. But, nevertheless, this is one of the few churches in Ravenna where there are no mosaics! Maybe that's why there's free entry?
Address: Piazza Duomo.
- Baptistery of Ariana looks like Neonian from the outside. It has no other decorations other than the mosaics that adorn its dome. But it’s still worth visiting, because in Ravenna every mosaic is unique :) Entrance costs 1 EUR.
Address: Piazzetta degli Ariani.
- Basilica of Sant'Apollinare in Classe (Sant "Apollinare in Classe)
was built in the 16th century on the burial site of one of the city's bishops. Here you can see the latest mosaics. The church is not in the city center, so it makes sense to go to it (which is about 5 km from the center) only if you have enough time in Ravenna. Otherwise, I advise you to concentrate on other attractions. The entrance ticket will cost 3 EUR.
Address: Via Romea Sud, 224.
Museums. Which ones are worth visiting?
If, after visiting the mosaics and cathedrals, you still have time in the city, I advise you to visit the following museums:
- IN Ravenna Museum of Art (Museo d'Arte della città di Ravenna) There is both a permanent exhibition - objects of medieval and modern art, and temporary exhibitions. It is better to check the schedule of the latter in advance on the museum’s website. An adult ticket will cost 3 EUR, a reduced ticket will cost 2 EUR.
Address: Via di Roma.
- MuseumDanteAlighieri- it presents exhibits related to the writer’s work. Also nearby is Dante's grave Admission for an adult costs 3 EUR, for children, students and pensioners - 2. Please note that it is closed on Mondays.
Address: Via Dante, 3.
- Domus dei Tappeti di Pietra- a complex of buildings in which you can also admire unique mosaics (the complex has 14 halls and 3 courtyards!). This is one of the main archaeological finds in Italy in recent decades. The cost of a full ticket is 4 EUR, a reduced ticket is 3.
Address: Via Gian Battista Barbiani, 16.
Parks
In my opinion, the Adriatic coast is better suited for walking (as soon as you leave the city, you will immediately see the unimaginable nature of Emilia-Romagna), but there are a couple of parks in the city. Although I wouldn't call it that green.
- Giardini Pubblici- a park in the historical center of the city. It’s quite small, but it’s nice to take a walk there and spend a little time in the fresh air between exploring the mosaics and sights of the city. There are playgrounds for children.
Entrance to the park is free, but note that it closes at sunset.
Address: Viale Santi Baldini, 4.
- Parco regionale del Delta del Po- this is not just a park, but rather a nature reserve not far from the city. If the weather permits, you can walk there all day! An excellent option if you want not only to see the city, but also the beautiful nature of the region.
Address: C.so G.Mazzini, 200–44022 Comacchio, Ferrara. From the train station you can take bus number 4, the journey time is approximately 30 minutes.
Tourist streets
I can honestly say that it is difficult to single out any specific tourist streets in Ravenna. In my opinion, the historical center of the city is one long street :) The center is almost entirely pedestrian, consisting of small and not so small streets, courtyards and squares. Therefore, to get to know the city, it is best to just walk in the center wherever your eyes look, and you will still see all the sights one way or another. Or you can do the same route by bicycle.
Just in case, on the map I marked the busiest streets of the center: via Camillo Benso Cavour, via Mentana, via Mario Gordini, via Angelo Mariani, via Corrado Ricci.
What to see in 1 day
If you came to Ravenna for just 1 day, I’ll say right away that you will have a desire to return :). Because it’s unrealistic to get to know this city properly in just a day! In order to have time to see the main things as quickly as possible, I advise you to visit the main mosaics (see the section “TOP 5 attractions”). This will take the entire daylight hours. So immediately upon arrival in Ravenna, go to the ticket office to buy a ticket so you can see as many mosaics as possible.
- 10:00 - buy a subscription and immediately go to the Basilica of San Vitale;
- 11:30 - The Mausoleum of Galla Placidia is very close, go straight to it;
- 12:30 - walk a little to the center to the Neonian Baptistery and go into it;
- 13:30 - then go to the Archbishop's Chapel, which is literally around the corner;
- 14:30 - dinner. Try not to have lunch later, because then in restaurants the kitchen may be closed until the evening;
- 15:30 - walk a little more through the old center of Ravenna to the Basilica of San Apollinare Nuovo;
- 16:30 - and now that all the main attractions have been examined, slowly look at the ancient buildings of the city, Piazza del Popolo, Dante’s tomb;
- 18:00 - a time when most restaurants are not yet serving dinner, so during this short break you can go to the hotel and take a breather;
- 20:00 - be sure to look at the historical center in the evening, and go to a local restaurant or Enoteca, where you will be treated to typical dishes of the region and local wines.
The day will fly by completely unnoticed!
What to see in the area
If you have some time left, that's great because there are many must-see places in the Emilia-Romagna region.
Adriatic
For example, my favorite thing to do is rent a bicycle in Ravenna (you can ask for them at your hotel or guest house) and go along Via Adolfo Bellucci to ADryatic coast. In clear weather, this walk will be a pleasure even in the cold season. I pedal for 9 kilometers, enjoying the beautiful fields of Emilia-Romagna. There are special parking lots on the coast where you can leave your bike and go for a walk along the embankment (or swim if you come in the warmer months).
Bologna (80 km)
Speaking about traveling through this region of Italy, one cannot fail to mention Bologna- its capital, which is located only 80 km from Ravenna. You can spend several days in this medieval city at once. For me, in its beauty and atmosphere it is on a par with Rome and Venice. Medieval cathedrals, open galleries, the oldest university Universita degli studi di Bologna - it’s worth setting aside at least 2-3 days to explore them. I wrote above about how to get to Bologna in the “Transport: by train” section.
Ferrara (80 km)
The city is located at approximately the same distance from Ravenna Ferrara. Like Ravenna and, it is under the patronage of UNESCO, from which you can immediately understand that there is something to see there: medieval cathedrals, palaces and houses, the world's oldest wine bar Al Brindisi, opened in 1435, and, of course, the unique kitchen. You can get there from Ravenna by train, the journey takes about an hour.
San Marino (65 km)
Ferragosto
A holiday in honor of the end of the main agricultural work of the season. Traditionally celebrated on August 15th. In Ravenna and on the beaches there is live music, processions, fireworks and numerous celebrations. The restaurants serve the freshest food.
Safety. What to watch out for
In general, I can say that Ravenna is a fairly calm city, there is no mafia, I can’t say anything about any dangerous areas. The city is small, the locals more or less know each other, so all parts of the city are quite safe.
As elsewhere, in tourist places I would advise you not to walk with an open bag and not to put your wallet in your trouser pocket. That's all:)
Things to do
Emilia-Romagna is quite a touristy province, with its famous beaches and Adriatic coast attracting people from all over the world, so there is plenty to do in the city and suburbs. Especially in season. I am sure you will find something to your liking - shopping, relaxing on the beach, boat/ship trips, restaurants, bars and dancing.
Shopping and shops
Ravenna, of course, is not the main shopping center, let alone Italy, or even Emilia-Romagna, but the main shops are there. There are no boutiques there, but you will find mass-market stores on tourist streets (you can see them on the map above). For example, Calzedonia, Intimissimi, Zara, Bottega Verde, Pandora, Sephora.
A little further from the center you will find the Centro Commerciale Le Maioliche shopping center, where again shops of the same segment are presented. It is located at the following address: Via Bisaura, 1/3 - 48018 Faenza - Ravenna.
Early January and July are my favorite times to shop because there are sales and you can get great deals on things with 30% to 50% off.
If you are looking for more expensive stores, then I would still advise going to Bologna, you can find almost everything there.
Bars. Where to go
Before dinner, usually around 6 p.m., aperitivo starts in Italian bars. You order a cocktail (traditionally this could be an Aperol or Campari Spritz), which you are served with appetizers. Typically these are chips, nuts and olives, but there can also be mini bruschettas. There are even bars where they offer a whole buffet of snacks as an aperitivo. This is exactly what I go to Italian bars for:) But it’s also possible to have something to drink there after dinner.
Depending on the abundance of snacks, the price varies from 5 to 10 EUR on average.
Unfortunately, there are not many bars in Ravenna; there are more of them on the coast. But even if you see the sign Aperitivo in a restaurant, feel free to go in and try it. Just if you see the Bar sign, don’t be confused; in Italy, in such places they serve coffee with croissants in the morning, and not cocktails in the evening!
I will list a few good bars in Ravenna and on the coast, which I also advise you to check out (they usually close around 12):
- Bagno Giada. Address: Viale Petrarca Pedonale Sud;
- Fargo. Address: Vicolo Padenna;
- La Baia dei Pirati. Address: Piazza A Saffi, 6;
- Cavour Bar. Address: Via Camillo Benso Cavour, 51.
Clubs and nightlife
In Italy it is difficult to find a nightclub in our understanding. Italians love to talk and eat too much to go to discos where this is impossible :)
Therefore, I would rather call the nightclubs in Ravenna disco bars. That is, in the evening you can go there for an aperitivo, drink cocktails and stay dancing. Of course, there are more such places on the coast, where parties are constantly held on weekends in the summer (they are usually closed out of season). In terms of prices, they usually do not differ from bars: depending on the level of the establishment, a cocktail costs 5–10 EUR.
There is also an entrance fee, which usually costs up to 10 EUR. There is no particular dress code, but you can’t go to clubs in flip-flops, swimsuits, sneakers or sneakers.
Of the most interesting places, I can recommend you the following:
- Fellini scalinocinque. Address: Piazza John Fitzgerald Kennedy, 15;
- BBK. Address: Viale C. Colombo, N171;
- Bar Noi & Marilyn. Address: Viale petrarca 452.
How to get around the city
As you already understand, Ravenna is a very small city, and it is a city of pedestrians and cyclists. In general, the center and the main areas close to it can be reached on foot. Therefore, in 90% of cases you will not need transport.
Only if you decide to get to the coast :).
Taxi. What features exist
I'm not sure you'll need a taxi in Ravenna.
Traveling 80 kilometers from the airport to Ravenna is completely unprofitable. In my opinion, it’s only convenient to take a taxi to the coast. The main thing is to look for an official taxi, usually these are white cars with tariffs written on them and a meter.
This always surprises me, but Uber in Italy usually costs more than a standard taxi, so to save money, I don’t recommend using it there.
Buses
If you want to get to the Adriatic Sea, above I tell you in detail which bus you can take and from where. A bus ticket can be purchased from the driver or at a tobacco shop (look for a sign that says Tabacchina). It will cost the same there. There’s just always a chance that the driver will run out of tickets, after all, we’re in Italy :)
Transport rental
If you are planning a further trip to Italy or just want to drive along the Adriatic coast (and it is most convenient to do this by car), then in Ravenna there are offices of the main international car rental companies (Europcar, Avis, Hertz). I would advise using them, as they provide more comprehensive insurance. There are local companies, but they have limited hours (close early and often take lunch breaks) and usually only have one office. Therefore, it is more convenient to use the services of Europcar, Avis or Hertz, since you can rent a car in Ravenna and return it, for example, in Bologna or Milan. You can compare prices from different rental companies.
For documents, you will need an international license and a credit card with sufficient funds, since such companies usually freeze a deposit in the amount of 1000–1500 EUR (the exact figure depends on the car model).
A liter of gasoline will cost 1.2–1.3 EUR/liter.
If you are going to Emilia-Romagna during the season, I advise you to book a car on the website in advance, since there are a lot of tourists and the most inexpensive and high-quality cars are quickly sold out.
The most unexpected thing for me when driving in Italy is the small streets. Therefore, I do not recommend renting a large car, it is better to rent a small one so that you can drive everywhere comfortably: Fiat 500, small Volkswagen or Audi.
In Italy, it is officially legal to drive after one glass of wine or a small glass of beer. But I don’t advise you to do this anyway.
Friends, you often ask, so we remind you! 😉
Flights- you can compare prices from all airlines and agencies!
Hotels- don’t forget to check prices from booking sites! Don't overpay. This !
Rent a Car- also an aggregation of prices from all rental companies, all in one place, let's go!
Anything to add?
TOURISTS' ANSWERS:
Ravenna, a quiet and cozy town in the province of Emilia-Romagna, not far from the Adriatic Sea, with which it is connected by a canal, hides a great past behind its provincialism.
Dante Alighieri, exiled from Florence, found his home and veneration in Ravenna. Here he wrote the final part of the Divine Comedy, and here he found his last refuge. Many tourists make a pilgrimage to the tomb of Dante, whose ashes rest in a tomb built in the classical style at the direction of the personal representative of the Pope. Next to the mausoleum where the tomb is located is the entrance to the Dante Museum. Exhibits such as busts and reliefs of the poet, medallions, wreaths, and paintings are displayed here.
At one time, Ravenna was alternately the capital of the Western Roman Empire, the state of the Ostrogoths, the Ravenna Exarchate, and the Lombard Kingdom. As a result of turbulent events in the historical arena, the city has a huge number of monuments of ancient architecture, mainly early Christian and Byzantine. Some of them are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Among them is the Baptistery of the Orthodox, or Baptistery of Neon, named after the bishop who decorated it with Byzantine mosaics describing the life of Jesus Christ and the twelve apostles. In our time, this is one of the most important monuments of Byzantine mosaics. Also attracting attention are the marble font and pulpit, as well as statues, high reliefs of a throne and a bronze cross.
The Orthodox Baptistery served as a model for the construction of another baptistery - the Arian Baptistery, built during the time of King Theodoric. The same baked brickwork, the same ornament, the same mosaics depicting Christ and the apostles. Only these mosaics were made in a primitivist style, Christ is depicted completely naked, and the figures of the apostles are separated by palm trees.
Next to the baptistery is the Basilica of San Vitale, one of the main Western European monuments of Byzantine architecture. Its main decoration is also mosaics and inlay. The most valuable are the images of the Byzantine emperor Justinian and his wife Theodora.
Near the basilica is the National Museum of Ravenna. Here are collections of Roman coins, frescoes, bone carvings and other ancient and early Christian finds found during excavations in Ravenna or in its environs. The most interesting exhibits are frescoes by Pietro da Rimini and a collection of icons.
One of the most significant buildings in Ravenna is the mausoleum of Galla Placidia, daughter of Emperor Theodosius the Great. Despite the name, Galla Placidia was buried in Rome, and the mausoleum was used for a long time as a chapel for the palace Basilica of Santa Croce, which has not survived to this day. Like other buildings in Ravenna, the mausoleum looks ascetic in appearance, but is striking in its interior decoration. Magnificent mosaics decorate a small room. There is everything here: crosses and stars in the dark sky, apostles and saints, the Garden of Eden and doves drinking from a living spring. There is always a queue to the mausoleum, and visiting time is limited to just a few minutes.
The interiors of the early Christian basilica of Sant'Appolinare Nuovo are also famous for their unique mosaics, some of which were made in the time of Theodoric, and some in the time of Justinian. The basilica was rebuilt more than once, as a result of which the most valuable frescoes were partially destroyed.
The Archbishop's Chapel is one of the oldest churches in the city. Despite its small size, it is also entirely decorated with mosaics depicting white lilies, roses, angels, and a cross against the background of a starry sky. The chapel itself is built in the shape of a Greek cross.
A more recent, but no less interesting monument is the Basilica of San Francesco, rebuilt many times and decorated with mosaic floors, sarcophagi and statues. It is also known for the funeral service for Dante who died of malaria, and here he rested for a long time.
The Cathedral of the Resurrection is the cathedral of Ravenna and was built on the site of the city's first cathedral. A statue of the Virgin Mary looks at the façade of the cathedral. The cathedral itself contains various monuments of early Christian art.
Also outside of Ravenna, in the Classe district, is the Basilica of Sant'Appolinare in Classe, a monument of early Byzantine architecture. Here are the latest, but no less magnificent mosaics of Ravenna, unfortunately, partially destroyed. The building itself is built of unbaked brick, the façade is decorated with arches, and the building features an altar of the Virgin Mary and marble sarcophagi.
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Ravenna is a beautiful town ten kilometers from the Adriatic Sea with a population of about 150 thousand people. If you have never heard anything about this city, then it's time to learn something new. Ravenna is often visited by those who decide to visit the more famous Rimini, because the cities are nearby, 55 km from each other. So, without hesitation, go to sunny Ravenna at least for a day. Here's what you can see in this city.
Monument to Giuseppe Garibaldi
For those who don’t know, Giuseppe Garibaldi is a folk hero and military leader of Italy, a very revered person here. A monument in his honor was founded here at the end of the 19th century, ten years after the death of Garibaldi, in the central square of the city. The monument is a sculpture of a leader with a sword, located on a high pedestal. By the way, this is far from the only monument in honor of the hero. There are monuments to Garibaldi in Venice, Milan, Padua and even... Taganrog.
Address: Piazza del Popolo, 26
Mausoleum of Galla Placidia
It is the oldest surviving Roman structure in Ravenna, dating back to the fifth century. The mausoleum is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The building acquired its name thanks to Galla Placidia, the daughter of Theodosius the Great, although the woman was not buried here (but in Rome). The Mausoleum houses the most ancient examples of Byzantine mosaics. An impressive sight, especially on sunny days when the mosaic is illuminated by the rays of the sun! The building is built in the shape of a Latin cross, with a cube in the center and a dome above it, which is not visible from the outside. From the outside, the Mausoleum does not make such a strong impression - a small red brick building entwined with vines. But it's definitely worth a visit!
Address: Via Giuliano Argentario, 22
Baptistery of the Orthodox (Battistero Neoniano)
Another oldest building in the city, built in the 4th or 5th centuries. It is popular because the sacrament of baptism was performed here. The inside walls and ceiling of the basilica are richly decorated with mosaics, Ionic columns, high reliefs depicting saints, and here you can also see a wonderful octagonal marble font. 
The Baptistery is also included in the UNESCO list.
Address: Via Gioacchino Rasponi
Basilica of San Francesco
This is a Franciscan church built in the 5th century, dedicated to the apostles Paul and Peter. Five centuries later, the temple was rebuilt, a 33-meter-high bell tower was added, it was renamed and given to the Franciscan monks (followers of Francis of Assisi, a Catholic saint and founder of the mendicant order). 
It is interesting that Dante Alighieri himself lived in this temple at one time, and he also died here. Dante was buried in the nearby Mausoleum. Returning to the basilica, it should be noted that in appearance the building is quite modest, consisting of three parts, with two rows of marble columns. The most interesting thing about the building is that the central part ends in a semicircular projection with windows. Below it is a sunken crypt (an underground room where the relics of saints are kept and venerated) from the 10th century with a mosaic floor where goldfish swim. 
Inside the basilica you can see sculptural elements from the 6th century, as well as sarcophagi. Previously, there was a crypt of the Italian seigneurial family Da Polenta, however, all that remains of it now is an arch with small mosaic paintings, created in the 14th century. The main altar is decorated with bas-reliefs depicting Christ on a throne surrounded by the apostles, and under the altar in a stone sarcophagus rest the relics of Bishop Neon, the founder of the church.
Address: Largo Firenze, 9-11
Archbishop's Chapel (Capella Arcivescovile)
It is also called the Chapel of St. Andrew. The building was built at the end of the fifth century in honor of the Apostle Andrew the First-Called. Again, the chapel belongs to values protected by UNESCO. The chapel has the shape of a Greek cross. The entrance is decorated with mosaic paintings of white lilies, roses and birds. On the walls you can see twenty hexameters (verses) in Latin. The inside walls are also decorated with mosaics; the painting with Christ, a warrior in Roman armor and a blue cloak, is especially beautiful. The chapel contains a precious silver cross of Archbishop Agnellus of Rava, decorated with chased medallions from the sixth and sixteenth centuries. Amazing building!
Address: Piazza Arcivescovado, 1
Basilica of San Vitale
It is an early Christian church and the most important monument of Byzantine art in Western Europe. The basilica appeared on this site in 527, and is a UNESCA World Heritage Site. The inside of the basilica is decorated with numerous unique mosaic designs. Copies of these paintings can be found in many museums around the world, including the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts in Moscow.
Address: Via Galla Placidia, 2-4
Dante's Tomb
Everyone who comes to Ravenna is obliged to honor the memory of the great Italian poet. By the way, after his death, in the 15th century, they wanted to return the poet’s ashes to his homeland, Florence, but the monks hid Dante’s remains and generally refused to comment on anything, as modern newspapers would say. So Dante rests in Ravenna. His tomb is built in the form of a neoclassical temple with a triangular pediment and a small dome. Inside there is a marble sarcophagus with the ashes of the poet, and above the sarcophagus you can see a bas-relief (by the way, from the 15th century) that depicts Dante reading.
Address: Via Dante Alighieri, 9
Brancaleone Fortress
The fortress was built in the mid-15th century, after the conquest of Ravenna by the Venetian Republic. That is, the fortress is a kind of symbol of power. As for the name of the fortress, not everything is known, but it is believed that it is somehow connected with the Venetian lion of St. Mark. The fortress is quite large, covering an area of 14 hectares, and on the walls of the fortress you can see round towers. Also in the northern zone of Brancaleone there is a citadel with four towers, each with its own name. The entrance to the fortress has two bas-reliefs with images of saints. About half a century ago, a nice park with a children's playground and a stage was built inside the fortress, where to this day various cultural events, concerts, shows and festivals are held, including the famous jazz festival. And in the summer you can watch an open-air movie here! 
Address: Via Rocca Brancaleone (10 minutes east from the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia)
This, of course, is not the entire list of beautiful historical buildings in Ravenna.
This modern seaside resort was once the center of the Western Roman Empire. Today, many tourists come to Ravenna to see the sights with their own eyes, many of which are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Ravenna is located in the province of Emilia-Romagna, in the eastern part of Italy. It is a very popular tourist destination as it is close to Florence, Bologna and San Marino.
The exact date of the founding of the city is unknown, but the first mentions of it in chronicles date back to the Etruscan period. In ancient times, Ravenna (which became the capital three times) was a port city, but gradually the coastline shifted and now Ravenna is separated from the Adriatic Sea by 7 km.
Today the city is home to about 160 thousand inhabitants, the indigenous people call themselves Ravennats.
The official language is Italian.
The city's climate is mild: in summer the average temperature is +25, and winters are mild and warm. There are no large changes in temperature and humidity, which makes visiting the city attractive.
What to see?
Ravenna is called the “city of mosaics” - many temples and churches have preserved unique Byzantine mosaics.
Many of Ravenna's attractions date back to the ancient period, and 8 of them are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
In Ravenna you can purchase a single ticket worth 10 euros, which gives you the right to visit several attractions located close to each other: the Basilica of San Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, the Basilica of St. Apollinaris, the Baptistery of Neon.
The construction of the mausoleum dates back to 520 and to the Ostrogothic period (it is the only surviving structure of that period today and is included in the UNESCO heritage list).
The round building rests on a ten-sided stone pedestal; There is not a single decoration or painting inside the room.
- Address: Via delle Industrie, 14.
- Opening hours: from 8.30 to 18.30 (summer time only).
- Ticket price: 4 euros for adults and 2 euros for discounted tickets.
- Admission is free on the first Sunday of every month.
The Basilica of San Vitale has a very unusual shape and is famous for its unique ancient mosaic panels in the Byzantine style - they lavishly decorate the dome and walls.
- Address: Via San Vitale.
- Opening hours: from 9 to 19 hours in summer, from 9 to 17 hours in winter.
- Ticket price: 10 euros (single ticket).
The chapel was originally part of a single complex with the Church of Santa Croce, but later the street that was built on this site divided the architectural ensemble. The mausoleum contains the sarcophagi of Galla herself, her husband and son, although the presence of remains in them and their authenticity are still in doubt.
- Address: Via Giuliano Argentario, 22.
- Opening hours: summer time - from 9 to 19 hours, winter time - from 9 to 17 hours.
- Ticket price: 10 euros (single ticket), in summer – 12 euros.
- Children under 10 years old inclusive are free.
The early Christian building dates back to the early 6th century. The building is quite simple in shape, the portico is decorated with semicircular arches.
The only thing that has survived to this day in its original form is the Greek altar.
- Address: Piazzetta degli Ariani, 1.
- Opening hours: entry is only possible during services (from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.); the rest of the time it is closed to the public.
- Ticket price: free.
The Basilica of St. Apollinaris (in Classe) was built on the burial site of the city's first bishop, Apollinaris, who later became considered the patron saint of Ravenna.
The room inside is decorated with mosaic panels from the time of Justinian. The basilica contains sarcophagi with the relics of the bishops of Ravenna (10 sarcophagi), the most valuable sarcophagus contains the relics of Apollinaris. There is another Basilica of Apollinaria - Nuovo - already in Ravenna itself.
- Address: Via Romea Sud, 224.
- Opening hours: from 9 to 17 hours.
- Ticket price: 10 euros (complex ticket).
The famous Italian poet found his final refuge in Ravenna, and was buried in one of the city's chapels in the 14th century. At the end of the 18th century, the tomb was restored, preserving its original appearance.
There is also Dante’s tomb in Florence, but it is empty - the poet’s ashes rest in Ravenna. Every year in September the “month of Dante” is celebrated, and red roses are carried to the tomb every day.
- Address: Via Dante Alighieri, 9.
- Opening hours: any time.
- Ticket price: admission is free.
The so-called "People's Square" of Ravenna, the historical center and main city square. The square is surrounded by the residence of the ruler of Ravenna, the city hall (Venetian Palace), and there are also two sculptures - St. Apollinaris and St. Vitaly of Milan (San Vitale).
Today, fairs, concerts, and city festivals are held on the square.
- Address: Piazza del Popolo.
- Opening hours: any time.
- Ticket price: free.
Previously, a Benedictine monastery was located on this site; today the building is given to the National Museum. Among the exhibits are items of old church utensils, collections of ancient Roman weapons and Roman coins found during excavations, as well as frescoes, sarcophagi, and bronze items.
- Address: Via S.Vitale, 17.
- Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday from 9 to 19.30 hours; Monday is a day off.
- Ticket price: adult ticket 5 euros, children under 18 years old - free.
- A discount ticket costs 2.5 euros.
The defensive fort was built in the middle of the 15th century - not only for the defense of the city, but also as protection against rebels: some of the cannons were facing Ravenna.
Later (in the middle of the 20th century) the citadel came under the jurisdiction of the city, the fortress was restored, today there is a children's park, a walking park, and a concert stage.
- Address: via Rocca Brancaleone.
- Opening hours: from 9 to 17 hours.
- Ticket price: 5 euros.
Yes, Ravenna also has such a landmark, built back in the 12th century. Only the height of the tower is less than in Pisa - it is 39 meters.
At first, the tower, which served as a watch and signal tower in the Middle Ages, was much higher, but over time, groundwater began to erode the soil and the structure began to tilt dangerously. Therefore, the decision was made to demolish the top of the tower and strengthen the structure with steel cables and plates.
- Address: Via Ponte Marino, 2/ Via Paolo Costa, 2, 48121.
- Opening hours: at any time (you can only explore it yourself from the outside, as it is closed to the public).
- Ticket price: free.
When visiting attractions, you must remember that in Italy there are days when all attractions (museums, palaces, galleries) are closed to tourists. These days include: January 1 (New Year), May 1, Easter and December 25 (Christmas holidays).
Excursions in Ravenna
The surest way to get to know the places we travel to is ask local residents for help. The most unforgettable memories usually remain after visiting those places that friends showed us, telling us what you don’t learn from ordinary guidebooks.
Of course, we don’t have acquaintances in all the places we go. And here excursions from local residents come to our aid. This is exactly the kind of excursion Daria offers! In her excursion “The Mosaic Secret of Ravenna” Daria makes you fall in love with this amazing city with many secrets and shows it through the eyes of a resident.
And with the promo code “Tourism Card19” you will receive an additional 10% discount!
Where to go with children?
The city will be of interest not only to lovers of antiquities and architecture: Ravenna has many places where you can go with children.
The Mirabilandia amusement park is the largest in Italy. A huge entertainment area includes all kinds of attractions, the largest Ferris Wheel in Europe, a water park, themed areas with attractions and entertainment. There is parking, a cafe and restaurant, and places to relax.
- Address: Strada Statale 16 (marker 162 km).
- Opening hours: from 10 to 18 hours (only open from April to October).
- Ticket price: adult 34 euros, children – 28 euros (applies to children under 140 cm tall), children under 3 years old – free.
Planetarium (opened in 1985). The hall seats 55-60 people, in the dark it creates the feeling of flying in a spaceship (the seats move slightly). A special projector allows you to see the sky - 3000 stars.
Children will be interested in looking at a unique model of the solar system, an ancient sundial and an ancient natural calendar - the Hipparchus circle.
- Address: Viale Santi Baldini, 4A.
- Opening hours: from 8.30 to 12.30 (Monday-Friday).
- Ticket price: 5 euros.
The Safari Park gives children (and adults) a wonderful opportunity to see the diversity of the animal world: in the park you can meet elephants, giraffes, antelopes, zebras, camels, kangaroos, and lemurs.
These animals live in very free enclosures. The only exceptions are predators - lions and tigers: they are kept in cages.
- Address: Via dei Tre Lati, 2x, 48125 Savio (16 km from Ravenna).
- Opening hours: from 10 to 18.30 hours.
- Ticket price: 6 euros.
We'll tell you how to spend time in Italian Ravenna, what interesting places to see, what to eat and where to relax on the beach.
Ravenna in Italian Emilia-Romagna is a dream city for lovers of art and history. It became famous mainly for its outstanding gastronomy, mosaics and proximity to the Adriatic Riviera. At different times, the Ostrogoths, Romans, Lombards and Byzantines ruled here. And Ravenna itself seemed to turn into one big mosaic, made up of many elements - its history was so rich. What can you see in the city today, what will delight you with the local cuisine and how to spend your time after the excursions?
What to see
You should start exploring the city by visiting the early Christian mausoleum of Galla Placidia. It was built in the 5th century and houses the city's most ancient mosaics. Their subjects reflect Roman and Hellenistic traditions. Despite the difference in styles, the mosaics combine harmoniously. Three sarcophagi can also be seen in the mausoleum. One of them belongs to Galla Placidia, the daughter of the Roman emperor and queen of the Visigoths.
No less significant mosaics are kept by the Orthodox Baptistery. This is the oldest building in the city, the walls and vaults of which are decorated with Byzantine mosaics, compositions depicting apostles, prophets and floral ornaments. It is also worth visiting the Basilica of San Vitale. It began to be built in the 6th century, and until the 17th century the basilica was modified and rebuilt. Initially, San Vitale was a modest building. Now it also looks restrained, but the interior decoration is impressive. The vaults of the basilica are decorated with Byzantine mosaics. They depict Old Testament scenes and early Christian subjects.
Be sure to visit Dante's tomb. The architecture of the 18th century tomb itself is interesting: it is designed in a neoclassical style, and above the urn there is a 15th century bas-relief. Near the mausoleum there is the Dante Museum.
It’s worth continuing your acquaintance with history at the city’s National Museum. His collection reflects all stages of the city's history. Here you can see church utensils, mosaics, coins, frescoes, early Christian sarcophagi and sculptures, magnificent ivory works, medieval armor and icons.
Excursions
The best way to get to know Ravenna is to take the help of a local resident, who will help you look at the city from a completely different perspective and tell you things you wouldn’t know on your own.
This is exactly the kind of excursion Daria offers! She has lived in Ravenna for several years and knows all its secrets. In her excursion “The Mosaic Secret of Ravenna” Daria makes you fall in love with this amazing city and shows it through the eyes of a resident.
What to try from food
A trip here is an occasion to taste the best dishes of Emilia-Romagna. If we talk about fast food, local trattorias and pizzerias offer all types of pizza. The basis of the cuisine is lamb and pork, grilled fish, all kinds of seafood and cheeses. In any restaurant you can order tardour - a soup made from meat broth and egg paste. Tortelloni is no less popular. This is an analogue of dumplings stuffed with cheese, vegetables, herbs or cottage cheese.
Hunters for unusual taste sensations should try frog soup. This signature dish has been used for centuries as a cure for many ailments. And those with a sweet tooth will love grape jam. According to the old recipe, grape syrup, orange zest, almonds and musk are added to it.
Where to relax in the city
An alternative to an excursion holiday is the beach. The city is located 10 kilometers from the Adriatic coast. Its coastline stretches for 35 kilometers and is famous for its sandy beaches. You can choose a resort to suit your taste. For example, Porto Corsini is a calm and picturesque place for a family holiday. In addition to beaches, it is known for lush pine groves, fish restaurants and thermal springs. You can go windsurfing or go cycling in the idyllic surroundings. The Marina Romea resort will also delight you with the presence of a pine grove stretching along the coast.
If you want to have entertainment options at hand during your holiday at sea, you should relax in Marina di Ravenna. This town is famous for its spacious beaches with fine sand and natural beauty - it is surrounded by pine forests. During the day you can go horseback riding, at night you can have fun in the bar. And for those who want to explore other corners of Italy, there is a modern port.
Small Ravenna occupies a worthy place among the “star” cities of Italy. Its uniqueness, Byzantine flavor of attractions, subdued deep solidity and beauty are especially appreciated by true connoisseurs of Italy. The city with a population of only 360 thousand people has on its territory 8 sites recognized by UNESCO as the heritage of all mankind. Hundreds of thousands of tourists from all over the world come here to see the beautiful man-made monuments of the past.
Surprisingly, this city has always been revered by poets for centuries. In times of ups and downs, prosperity and destruction. Dante also likened it to a “symphony of light.” Although Dante can be understood, because his beloved lived in this city. For her sake he left Florence. The most life-affirming part of the Divine Comedy, “Paradise,” was created in Ravenna.
There are other versions of the poet’s special relationship to the city. But be that as it may: he is buried here. The tomb of the great poet is revered on a par with religious shrines.
And Lord Byron also rushed to Ravenna after his beloved. The result of this romantic story is the creation of a whole cycle of magnificent poems and talented dramatic works. Our great compatriot Alexander Blok also dedicated poems to this city.
Port far from the sea
When Emperor Octavian Augustus began building a port to protect Roman settlements in the 1st century AD, it seemed reasonable. The convenient location provided excellent conditions for protection from the sea. But the treachery of the Po River and underground waters gradually nullified the city planner’s plans. A Byzantine explorer and historian who arrived here in the 4th century saw “apple trees instead of masts” on the site of the port city.
Time continued to run, Ravenna developed. In the 5th – 8th centuries it was the capital of the Western Roman Empire. In the next spirals of history, oblivion and loss of prestigious status awaited her. But the legacy remained of beautiful monuments of artistic creativity and architecture. These sights are the pride of modern Ravenna.
The Adriatic Sea is currently quite far from the city - 10 kilometers. This did not interfere with the creation of excellent beaches. You can get to them quickly and comfortably. An important “plus” of a sea holiday in Ravenna is the pine forest near the coast.
Ravenna is the recognized "capital of mosaic" in Italy. Famous temples, mausoleums, cathedrals, and landmarks of the city were created during the times of early Christian and Byzantine influence on its history. In the 6th century, Byzantium had enormous political weight in the world. It was Ravenna that was the seat of the exarch - the representative of the Byzantine emperor.
The city has always been famous for its mosaic production and the artistic talents of mosaic artists. Therefore, foreign influence did not lead to the loss of our own traditions. Thanks to Byzantine influence, a magnificent symbiosis of the best achievements of both cultures occurred. That is why the mosaics decorating the historical buildings of Ravenna are not only not inferior, but sometimes even superior to the sights of Constantinople in terms of artistic value. The monuments of mosaic art in Ravenna are recognized as unsurpassed throughout the world.
The mosaics are based on simple glass, which is quite economical to produce. But adding various amounts of gold, copper, and mercury to the glass melt turns ordinary material into magically colorful pieces of smalt. The play of light on their surface creates incredible shades.
The peculiarity of Byzantine mosaics is the amazing golden background. The arrangement of pieces of smalt relative to each other gives rise to a stunning play of light. Are the rays of the sun, the reflections of candles, or the lunar haze falling on the images? The fascinating paintings delight not only specialists, but also people far from art.
This landmark of the city of Ravenna, included in the UNESCO list, is famous for housing the most ancient mosaics in the world. Anyone who has at least once visited the vaults of the amazing temple is amazed by the contrast of the external and internal decoration. The Mausoleum of Galla Placidia is an ascetic, gloomy building with a cubic dome. Brick, modestly decorated with vertical protrusions in the shape of arches.
But inside, an incredible sight awaits those entering! The lower part of the attraction is decorated with transparent marble, creating a feeling of airy weightlessness. The dome in rich blue and gold tones is like the firmament of heaven. Against this background, the depicted figures of Orthodox saints and archangels seem to float. Eight hundred golden stars surround a golden cross in the center of the dome. The increasing scale - a traditional Byzantine technique - enhances the visual effect.
The Mausoleum of Galla Placidia owes its existence to an extraordinary woman - the daughter of the Roman Emperor Theodosius the Great. She was brought up in Constantinople. Then she returned to her father in Ravenna, bringing Byzantine craftsmen with her. History has preserved legends about her difficult fate: she was forced into marriage twice, was captured by barbarians, and was regent of Ravenna with her young son. She was buried in Rome. But the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia is a worthy monument in her honor.
The eight Orthodox apostles, depicted along the perimeter of the dome, create a sense of movement with their gestures and turns of their heads. Christ in the image of the Good Shepherd seems to be looking at those entering from the walls of the vault. But despite the external diversity of the plots, all mosaics organically create a holistic perception.
Another attraction of the historical relics are the marble sarcophagi, which keep their secrets. For example, in one of them, during research, the remains of a man and a woman were discovered. Although the inscription corresponds to a different burial.
The Mausoleum of Galla Placidia is so interesting that thousands of tourists strive to visit it every day. We even had to introduce a rule not to stay in the room for more than five minutes. And what is the result? Those interested stand in line to visit several times.
Secrets of the Arean Religion
The secrets of the Arian religion are kept by the Church of San Vitale in Ravenna. And this is the only city on Earth in which you can see Christ in the form of a warrior or a teenager. Even in the early Christian period, the Arian branch of Orthodox movements was declared heretical. But in the artistic and historical works of the “capital of mosaics” evidence of Arianism was preserved.
Thus, the Arians believed that Christ was baptized as a teenager. And this fact is reflected in the plot on the dome of the cathedral. Meticulous tourists are also surprised by the “horned” figure nearby. But, according to the beliefs of the Arians, this is just the spirit of the Jordan River. The appearance of the cathedral is colorfully and objectively described by the poet:
A fabulous octagonal temple. The outside is scorched.
The relief of the buttresses rested against the stone of the Latin tombstones.
The sinful soul will be filled in the darkness with the joy of color.
Thousand-year-old smalt glows like a wonderful mosaic.
Material evidence of the Arians is the Mausoleum of Theodoric the Great. He was the king of the Arians. The Orthodox Church declared him a barbarian. But in popular memory, Theodoric remained the protector and patron of Ravenna. Theodoric's Mausoleum is a revered landmark of the city.
The Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, like many other historical tombs, does not contain the remains of the one who gave it its name. But the Mausoleum of Theodoric the Great fully corresponds to its purpose. The ashes of the founder rest in it.
There is an interesting legend associated with this. According to legend, a fortune teller predicted the future ruler of Ravenna would die from lightning. Therefore, Theodoric had a special attitude towards this natural phenomenon. During the construction of the Mausoleum, a huge round monolith was used as a roof. And during a thunderstorm, it was in this room that the king of the barbarians hid. But powerful lightning still split the stone and killed Theodoric. Here he was buried in a dark red sarcophagus.
The Mausoleum of Theodoric, as well as the Arian Baptistery, are striking attractions of the city. The Arian Baptistery was made unique by the unsuccessful attempts of Orthodox Christians to destroy the signs of Arianism in its subjects. Thus, the teenage Christ on the dome mosaics was artificially “aged” to the required 30 years. But they left him naked, which is unusual for Orthodox subjects.
When Arianism was declared heretical at the famous Council of Nicaea in 561, they tried to rename the Arian Baptistery the Oratorio of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Alas, this artificial measure could not change the true status of the structure.
During World War II, the building was bombed, but despite its centuries of age, it survived. Unfortunately, many unique mosaics and sights were then irretrievably lost. Subsequently, the Arian Baptistery was restored. Many unique mosaic frescoes were brought back almost from oblivion.
Now the historical masterpiece adequately represents Ravenna as one of the most interesting cities in Italy.
