15 Best Things to See in Ravenna (Italy)

One of the main cities in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, Ravenna is situated on the country’s eastern coast between San Marino and Bologna. It serves as the provincial capital of Ravenna. Ravenna has played a significant role in many different empires throughout history, including as the capital of the Western Roman Empire and the Kingdom of the Ostrogoths. Due to its extensive ancient past, Ravenna is home to several magnificent historical structures and UNESCO World Heritage Sites; additionally, the city’s Byzantine-era architecture and mosaics are among the best preserved in the nation. Ravenna continues to be a well-liked tourist destination and boasts a variety of amazing attractions because of its accessibility to numerous fantastic seaside resorts and its close vicinity to Bologna, Florence, and the Adriatic Sea. You can explore a superb selection of ornate churches and basilicas, stroll through grand squares, or even stop by the famed author Dante Alighieri’s grave in the city’s centre. Additionally, the Ravenna Marina is a fantastic beachfront resort that provides the opportunity to unwind and enjoy the scorching Adriatic heat. Let’s examine the top activities in Ravenna:

Neonian Baptistery

The Baptistery of Neon, which was constructed on the site of a Roman Bath complex, is a very significant religious location and is the oldest building still standing in Ravenna. The baptistery, which is close to the Cappella di San Andrea, has an octagonal shape and a pretty unassuming façade; the interior, however, is much different. An exceptionally gorgeous collection of coloured mosaics that depict religious subjects like Jesus being baptized by John and the procession of the twelve apostles can be found inside the building. The Baptistery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is extremely gorgeous, and the intricate artwork will astound you.

Tomb of Dante Alighieri

Famous for his literary works, including the Divine Comedy, which describes Dante’s trip through Hell, Purgatory, and ultimately Paradise, the famed Italian poet Dante Alighieri is renowned worldwide. He is also credited with elevating the Italian language at a time when communication across various communes and other geographic entities was sometimes challenging due to regional variances. While a memorial is located in Florence, Dante’s actual burial is in Ravenna. One of Ravenna’s most prized artefacts is this modest marble edifice, which houses Dante’s remains.

Arian Baptistery

The Arian Baptistery, which was constructed by the significant Theodoric the Great, completes the magnificent succession of exquisitely designed ecclesiastical buildings in Ravenna. You may find this wonderful baptistery near the Chiesa Dello Spirito Santo and the Piazza del Popolo. This edifice, which was built in the sixth century like many of Ravenna’s other significant monuments, has an octagonal shape that is typical of the architectural style in the city. The beautifully adorned interior of the baptistery is particularly notable for the intricate mosaic ceiling, which shows Jesus Christ being baptized. This building is a superb example of Arian ecclesiastical architecture.

Sant’Apollinare Nuovo

This historic palace, built by King Theodoric the Great in the sixth century, was initially devoted to Christ the Redeemer in 504 AD. This building, which is conveniently accessible on foot and is situated in the eastern section of the ancient, historic town, is a must-see sight while doing a walking tour of Ravenna. The building has a sizable bell tower to the right of it, and stone arches adorn the front door. This structure’s interior is decorated with some amazing mosaics, just like the other significant religious and historical structures in the city. A sequence of colourful mosaics that illustrate Jesus’ miracles as related in the Bible is shown on both walls.

Museo Nazionale Ravenna

The National Museum of Ravenna is housed within the cloisters of the former Benedictine Monastery that connects to San Vitale and includes a remarkable collection of artwork, artefacts, and relics from many eras. This vast collection, which dates from the 18th century and forward, consists of painted tombs, oriental marble capitals, fabrics, carved ivories, and an intriguing assortment of old weapons. Additionally, there are several artefacts from Ravenna’s eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Basilica of San Francesco.

Marina di Ravenna

The Italian marina is located on the Adriatic shore, directly to the immediate northeast of Ravenna. This quaint seaside town is the ideal location to get away from the city and unwind with some sun and sea air. A picturesque harbour with a large number of fishing and sailing boats is located on the town’s northern edge, and a long, golden beach can be found on its southern boundary. This length of the beach is home to several hotels, beach bars, restaurants, and other facilities that may give you the ideal taste of Italian beach life.

Cesenatico

Located approximately 34 minutes to the southeast of Ravenna on the coast is the charming resort town of Cesenatico. Visitors to this delightful location are greeted by a lengthy golden beach with soft sand, as well as a variety of sun loungers and services. Resort establishments such as the Diamanti Beach Village and Bagno Marconi have outdoor pools and water slides, whilst along the main promenade are a plethora of restaurants, amusements and hotels. Do not overlook the majestic Grand Hotel Cesenatico as you stroll through Piazza Andrea Costa.

Basilica di San Vitale

The Basilica di San Vitale, which is close to the Neonian Baptistery, is a magnificent building with a very unassuming appearance and architecture that is comparable to that of the Baptistery. It also has a sizable octagonal central dome. The inside, which has some incredible mosaics and design and is regarded as one of the best examples of Byzantine artwork in Italy, is the main draw, just like with the Baptistery. Each portion of the walls and arches portrays a different religious scenario or figure, and the level of complexity is unbelievable. You won’t believe the tremendous amount of detail, colour, and detailed decoration that is lavished on nearly every surface of the church.

Mirabilandia Theme Park

The Mirabilandia Theme Park is the best destination in the area to have some family fun. This fantastic theme park is crammed with exciting rides and activities, and it’s situated near Lago Standiana to the southeast of Ravenna. Some of the park’s most well-known attractions, which draw the most visitors in all of Italy, are Divertical, Ispeed, Katun, and the Eurowheel. The Eurowheel is the second-tallest on the continent at 90 meters, while the Ispeed rollercoaster propels you through a sequence of curves at 70 mph. You can spend hours amusing yourself with the thrill rides and even the stunt show that is available.

Basilica di San Francesco

Although this cathedral is not as opulent as some of Ravenna’s other buildings, it nonetheless has great significance and houses several significant artefacts and graves. This lovely building is situated between the Basilica di Sant’Apollinare and the Neonian Baptistery. The bell tower was not erected to this construction until the 10th century, albeit it was originally built in the ninth century. Whilst there is little decoration inside, the church does feature a somewhat eerie crypt that is often flooded with water and the tomb of Liberia III who was a 5th-century bishop.

Piazza del Popolo

There are many charming squares in Ravenna, but the Piazza del Popolo is one of the busiest and most important. The Basilica di San Francesco and the Basilica di Sant’Apollinare are both within easy walking distance of this square, which is situated in the heart of the old town’s historical district. Several important buildings, notably the Comune di Ravenna and the Ravenna territorial administration building, are located on this square. Several restaurants provide outside seating in addition to the amazing architecture.

Sample a fine Italian meal at Trattoria La Rustica

It is advised that you sample some local cuisine while you are visiting Ravenna, and there is no better location to do it than at the restaurant Trattoria La Rustica. The Basilica of San Vitale is not far from this charming restaurant, which is situated on Via Massimo D’Azeglio. It has a wonderful menu, too. Locally grown ingredients are used, and meals are prepared using conventional Ravenna techniques. The welcoming staff will bring you a plate of pasta, different meats, a superb selection of starters, as well as a wide range of wines.

Tomb of Theodoric

Theodoric, who ruled the Ostrogoths in the sixth century, is extremely significant in Ravenna. Ravenna was a major stronghold of his kingdom and he chose the city as his eternal resting place and thus ordered the construction of his grand mausoleum. The stone-built edifice is situated in the Parco di Teodorico and has been there for around 1500 years. This building’s roof is built of a massive 10m-diameter Istrian stone that weighs 300 tons. Even though the interior is very modest and lightly ornamented, it is nevertheless a sombre place to visit.

Visit San Marino

You have the exceptional chance to travel to San Marino, one of the world’s smallest countries, while you are in Ravenna. This land-locked microstate, which is about an hour’s drive south of Ravenna, has a population of only 33,200 people. Despite being a small country, it has one of the highest per capita incomes in the world. One of the great draws of the nation is the historic citadel of Guaita and the towering Mount Titano that stand in the heart of San Marino. The San Marino Cathedral, the aerial tramway that ascends the mountain, and the Palazzo Pubblico are further noteworthy locations.

Mausoleum of Galla Placidia

The Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, another UNESCO World Heritage site, is situated on the same grounds as the Basilica di San Vitale and boasts stunning interior artwork that is regarded as one of the most preserved and artistically flawless examples now in existence. This simple mausoleum, which is dedicated to Galla Placidia, the daughter of the Roman Emperor Theodosius I, is decorated with several recognizable patterns and allegorical motifs, including a ceiling that depicts the Garden of Eden. Even though this building dates back thousands of years, it is still standing today and is a treasure of Ravenna.