Located in Emilia-Romagna and close to the Adriatic sea, there is a fascinating and magnificent small city called Ravenna. You have most probably heard of it! A long time ago, the city was once capital of the Roman and Byzantine Empire. Today the town is particularly well-known for one of the most incredible features of its historical heritage (from the 5th and 6th century): the mosaics. Its precious mosaics helped Ravenna earn the name of “City of Mosaics”… and no fewer than 8 monuments on the Unesco World Heritage site list. The mosaics are an invaluable treasure composed of semi-precious stones, gold, and mother-of-pearl – well, you can probably imagine that the mosaics shine brightly!
In any case, Ravenna offers a range of different activities, such as relaxing at the seaside, walking around the city in a warm atmosphere, and discovering many diverse but beautiful landscapes.
Ravenna, city of mosaics, Christian history and culture
The Christian masterpieces have preserved wonderful pieces of mosaic. You can admire them in impressive edifices such as Basilica of San Vitale, a true gem of Byzantine art built in the 6th century, and also many Christian works of architecture such as the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, the Mausoleum of Theoderic, the Neonian Baptistery, with an incredible dome coated in colourful mosaics, and the Arian Baptistery. The Basilica of Sant’Apollinare was designed for Arian veneration and only later was it dedicated to the Catholicism. The walls of the central nave are entirely composed of mosaics, with a beautiful portico dating back to the 16th century and a cylindrical bell tower dating back to the 9th century. You can also see splendid mosaics in the famous Basilica of San Vitale and in the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe.
Ravenna is also famous for its preeminent role in ancient history. Ever since the 1st century BC, Ravenna had been an important and powerful city; its prestige was amplified after 402 BC, when it became the capital of the Western Roman Empire. Over the centuries, the town played an important part during the Ostrogoth invasions and under the reign of the Byzantine Empire.
Furthermore, Ravenna is well-known for being home to the tomb of the poet Dante Alighieri, who died there in 1321. There are a theatre and a museum in his memory.
Today, Ravenna is characterised by an intense, dynamic life and it is a very popular destination: you can explore the coast, visit the hinterland, and obviously taste many traditional dishes from the region. From Ravenna it is easy to reach the regional park Delta del Po in Emilia-Romagna and the valleys of Comacchio, which we cannot recommend enough.
Never heard of Ravenna? Enjoy this video!
