Ravenna is a city of centuries-old history and a tribute to the Christian faith. History of Art Mosaics of the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia

Which was the capital three times: of the Roman Western Empire (402-476), the Kingdom of the Ostrogoths (493-553) and the Byzantine Exarchate (568-751).
It is difficult to say when the first settlements appeared on the site of modern Ravenna; perhaps they were the Etruscans and Umbrians; later the Gauls, the Senones, lived here.
One thing is known: the sea played a key role in the creation of Ravenna, which also attracted the Romans. Octavian Augustus stationed a military fleet and created a hydraulic system consisting of a canal that connected the Po River with a reservoir in the south of Ravenna, where the military port of Classe was founded, which could accommodate 10 thousand sailors and 250 triremes to control the eastern Mediterranean.
This suggests that Ravenna played an important role in the Roman Empire. Over time, the military port also became a commercial one.
In 402, Emperor Honorius moved his residence to Ravenna to avoid the threat of Alaric. At this time, the city is expanding and being built.
But at the same time, the lagoon in which the port was located falls asleep, and the port becomes useless.
In Ravenna, destinies were decided and important decisions were made in the Western Empire, until in 476 the last Roman emperor, Romulus Augustus, was overthrown by Odoacer, king of the Goths. Romulus was allowed to retire to a villa in the south and receive a pension.
But Odoacer's kingdom had a short life, and already in 493 Theodoric, king of the Ostrogoths, marched on Italy and, having defeated Odoacer's troops, locked him in fortified Ravenna. Odoacer, seeing that resistance was futile, surrendered on condition that his life be spared, but a few days later he was killed. There were rumors that Odoacer was preparing a conspiracy against Theodoric, and, having learned about this, the king of the Ostrogoths was quick to take revenge. Having invited Odoacer to a feast, Theodoric killed his opponent with his own hands. This is how the Ostrogothic kingdom was founded, the capital of which became.
Theodoric admired everything Roman and made it his goal to instill Roman culture among the Ostrogoths.
The artistic dawn of Ravenna began. At this time, many churches and cathedrals were rebuilt.
But there was also a great contradiction between the Romans and the Ostrogoths: the Ostrogoths were Arians, and the Romans were Ravenna– Orthodox. At first, Theodoric was tolerant of Orthodoxy, but then persecution and persecution began. And, in the end, they issued a decree that prohibited the Orthodox faith.
But at this time, in 526, Theodoric died. After his death, unrest, uprisings and riots began. The Byzantine emperor Justinian the Great took advantage of this and decided to subjugate Italy and destroy the kingdom of the Ostrogoths.
The war lasted about 20 years. And in 544 the Ostrogoths were expelled from Italy.
To resolve Italian affairs, Justinian created a viceroyalty with the capital in Ravenna. The governor of Ravenna bore the title of exarch.
In 751, the exarchate fell under the pressure of the Lombards. By the will of the Frankish king Pepin the Short, it came under the rule of the pope in 754. During these years, many works of art were created in Ravenna - mosaics, statues, and the port of Class was revived.
In the Middle Ages it was under the rule of noble families.
In 1509 the city became part of the papal states and remained there for 350 years.
During this time, a new Cathedral and numerous churches, temples, and Dante's grave were built.
After a short Napoleonic conquest, it returned to the papal states and remained there until 1859, when the city joined the Kingdom of Sardinia, and in 1861 Ravenna became part of the united Italy.

Now it is an important Italian city, visited by millions of tourists to admire its attractions, eight of which are under UNESCO protection:

Mausoleum of Galla Placidia (early 4th century)
- Baptistery of Neonian (late 4th century)
- Archbishop's Chapel (about 500)
- Basilica of St. Appolinarius New (early 6th century)
- Mausoleum of Theodoric (circa 520)
- Arian Baptistery (early 6th century)
- Basilica of St. Vitalian (early 6th century)
- Basilica of Saint Appolinarius in Classe (consecrated in 547)

On the way from the railway station to the city center, the first thing on the way is Church of St. John the Evangelista (San Giovanni Evangelista).

The church was built in the 5th century. Galla Placidia in memory of her rescue in 424 during a storm on the road from Constantinople. Her salvation was attributed to the intercession of John the Evangelist.
In the 10th century A 42-meter-high bell tower was added to the church. In the Middle Ages, a Benedictine monastery was formed next to the church. The church was later rebuilt several times and was heavily damaged during bombing in 1944.
The walls of the church were decorated with mosaics that depicted the miraculous salvation of Galla Placidia and her children. But the mosaics have not survived to this day. Fragments of 13th-century mosaics remain, depicting animals and scenes from the Fourth Crusade.

Turning left onto via di Roma we'll get to Basilica of St. Appolinarius New (S. Apollinare Nuovo).

The basilica was founded by Theodoric in 526, at that time it was an Arian basilica, but after the Goths desecrated the church in 561, the basilica was consecrated in the Catholic faith. In the 9th century. the temple acquired the relics of Saint Apollinaris and began to be called by the name of the saint. But since in Ravenna There was already a church dedicated to Saint Apollinaris, then this temple was called New.
The facade of the church is decorated with a portico, which appeared in the 16th century. The three-nave temple is decorated with magnificent Byzantine mosaics.

Basilica of St. Appolinarius New. Ravenna. Italy.

We'll refund via di Roma back and turn to via Angelo Mariani, passing by the Alighiere Theater, we reach Dante's tomb.

The tomb was built in 1780-81. designed by the architect Camillo Morigia.
But this was preceded by a whole series of incredible events in which Dante was involved even after his death.
A native of Florence, Dante was not only a poet, but also an active citizen. He participated in city government and prevented supporters of the Pope from seizing power in Florence. When the opponents won, Dante was sentenced to death.
He fled, wandered around the world and spent the last 6 years of his life in Ravenna, where he created his great "The Divine Comedy"- a poem about walking through the circles of hell, being in purgatory and heaven.
Dante died in 1321 from swamp fever.
But the struggle for the bones of the great poet continued for several centuries. Florence claimed that Dante should be buried in his homeland. In 1519, the poet’s sarcophagus was transported to Florence, but upon opening it, they discovered that the coffin was empty. Enterprising Franciscan monks from Ravenna They hid the remains, which were secretly buried in the Franciscan monastery in Sienzo.

In 1677, Dante's ashes were placed in a wooden shrine, and after 1810, when Napoleon began to close the monasteries, the coffin was hidden under the portico of Braccioforte next to Dante's mausoleum. Until in 1865, workers began to make repairs in the adjacent chapel, where a box with a complete skeleton and the inscription was found: "The Bones Belong to Dante".
Doctors conducted an examination and established the authenticity of the remains. The bones were put on public display for several days.
During World War II, the poet's ashes were transferred again.

The modern mausoleum has the shape of a neoclassical temple, which has a square base, covered with a small dome. Inside there is a real grave, decorated with marble, above the sarcophagus there is a bas-relief and a Latin epitaph written in 1327 by Bernardo Canaccio:

“The rights of the sovereign, the heavens, the waters of Phlegethon, I sang as I walked through my earthly vale. Now my soul has gone to a better world and is blissful, contemplating among the luminaries of its Creator, here I rest, Dante, expelled from the fatherland, my native Florence, my little loving mother.” .

To the left of the mausoleum is located Dante Museum, opened in 1921. The museum stores models of monuments to the poet, busts, reliefs, paintings, medallions, memorial wreaths, and certificates. The museum contains a wooden shrine created in 1677 for Dante's remains by Franciscan Antonio Santi and a glass box in which his bones were laid during the examination of the poet's skeleton in 1865.

Let's get to piazza Duomo.
Cathedral was built in the 18th century. architect Gianfrancesco Buanamichi. The first Cathedral on this site, called the Basilica of Ursiana, was built in the 5th century, but by the beginning of the 18th century. it was almost completely destroyed. The cathedral houses sarcophagi from the 5th century, a revered wooden icon of the Madonna Sudore (1300), and stained glass windows by Guido Reni.

Baptistery of Neoniana, also called Orthodox Baptistery- the oldest monument Ravenna.

It was erected at the end of the 4th century. The Baptistery is a simple building covered with a dome and decorated with magnificent mosaics. The mosaic pattern depicts the scene of the Baptism of Christ in the waters of the Jordan with the 12 apostles in a circle.

Archbishop's Chapel, also called the Chapel of St. Andrew, was built by Bishop Peter II as a personal chapel at the end of the 5th century. This is the only Orthodox monument erected during the reign of Theodoric, when the Arian cult dominated. The entire chapel is covered with mosaics.
Open: until March 31 9.30-17.30, from April 1 9-19.
Piazza Arcivescovado.

This is one of the important archaeological monuments of Italy, recently discovered.
The spacious hall is located 3 meters below ground level, its floor is covered with magnificent mosaics of the 5th-6th centuries, which are woven into decorative geometric patterns, flowers and Christian symbols.
Open: March – October 10-18.30,
November – February Mon-Fri 10-17.00, Sat-Sun 10-18.00, Mon – closed.
Ticket 4 euros.

In 100 meters there will be Church of St. Vitalian (San Vitale) was erected in 525 by the bishop Ravenna. It is one of the most important and beautiful monuments of early Christianity in Ravenna.

At its base, the church has an octagon, and the number 8 symbolizes the day of the Resurrection of Christ, which was the eighth day according to the Hebrew calendar. Repeating arches give lightness and weightlessness to the temple. The inside of the church is covered with magnificent Byzantine mosaics.

Next to the Church of St. Vitalian is Mausoleum of Galla Placidia.

This small chapel was perhaps dedicated to the martyr Lawrence. Lawrence was one of the most popular saints among members of the Theodosian dynasty, whose daughter was Galla.
Inside, the floor, walls, ceiling are all completely covered with mosaics of the highest quality, surpassing anything that has survived in Ravenna and other Italian cities. Golden stars and a cross are scattered on the blue background of the dome; the vaults are covered with decorative patterns. There are three sarcophagi here that belong to Galla Placidia, her husband Constantine III and their son Valentian III, who was killed in 455.

Galla Placidia was a Roman empress, daughter of Theodosius the Great. She played a huge role in the Western Empire.
When she was 7 years old, her father died, dividing the Roman Empire into Western and Eastern. The Western Empire was ruled by Galla's 11-year-old brother Honorius, who, fearing the invasion of barbarian tribes in Rome, settled in a calm Ravenna.
Galla Placidia remained in Rome. And in 410, when Rome fell, Placidia was captured by Alaric, and she rode along with the barbarian army to the south, but Alaric suddenly died. Alaric was buried in Cosenza, at the bottom of the river.
Ataulf became his successor. He fell in love with a radiant and beautiful captive and was legally married to Galla; during the wedding ceremony they were dressed in Roman clothes. They lived happily, Ataulf fulfilled every whim of Galla Placidia and even at her request saved Rome from the invasion of the Visigoths, but a few years later Ataulf was killed, and Placidia was exchanged by the imperial relatives for grain. Thus ended six years of wandering.
Upon returning to Rome, Placidia was married to the Roman general Constantius, she bore him a daughter and a son, Valentinian, who at the age of six became emperor of the Western Empire, and Galla Placidia, as regent, actually ruled the empire and had a powerful influence on the Western world.

Nearby is Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, erected in the 6th century, the church was once decorated with huge mosaics, of which not a trace remains.

Church of Santa Maria Maggiore.

Church of Santa Maria Maggiore.

Arian Baptistery.

The Baptistery was built by Theodoric (493-526) next to the Arian cathedral. The Baptistery became Orthodox in 561 and during the Exarchate Basilian monks served here. At the beginning of the 20th century. The small building was acquired by the state and restored.
The baptistery is a small octagonal brick building located in a small courtyard, when the baptistery had more impressive dimensions, but time and various owners reduced it. Inside, the dome of the Baptistery is decorated with Byzantine mosaics. The central scene depicts the Baptism of Christ: Christ stands waist-deep in the waters of the Jordan, flanked by an old man who is most likely the god of the river and St. John the Evangelist, and around them are the 12 apostles.

Arian Baptistery.

Open: 8.30 – 19.30 (free entry)

Mausoleum of Theodoric- one of the most famous funerary monuments of the Ostrogoths. It is located far from the city center, on the site where the Gothic cemetery was located.
The mausoleum was built in 520. Unlike other Ravenna buildings, the mausoleum is made of Istra limestone, not brick. The mausoleum has a circular plan at its base and two tiers (which is typical for Roman mausoleums).
When Ravenna came under the rule of Justinian, Theodoric's body was taken out of the mausoleum, and it was converted into a chapel.

Open: until March 26 8.30-17.30
From March 27 8.30-19
Ticket 3 euros.
Address: via delle Industrie, 14.

Basilica of St. Apollinare in Classe is located 5 km from the city center near the port. It was erected in the 6th century. and dedicated to the first bishop of Ravenna. The basilica is decorated with the latest of the Ravenna mosaics from the Justinian period.

Open: 8.30-17.30, Sunday. 13-19.30
Ticket 3 euros
Address: via Romea Sud.

Map of Ravenna. Italy.

Cuisine of Ravenna.

Kitchen Ravenna- This is typical Romagna cuisine, in which a large part is homemade pasta: tagliatelle, lasagne, tortelloni with herbs and ricotta, vermesh and cappelletti in meat broth, egg pasta.

Everything that is momentary, everything that is perishable,
Buried you for centuries.
You sleep like a baby, Ravenna,
Sleepy eternity is in your hands.
A. Blok, “Ravenna”

Ravenna - millennia of history

It is believed that these lands were originally owned by the Etruscans, and perhaps the Umbrians, due to the proximity of their territories. The name of this important Italian most likely goes back to the Latin root rava-, which in the Umbrian dialect means “ravine washed by streams of water” or “canal, swamp” and the addition of the Etruscan ending -enna. Since prehistoric times, the natural landscape of these places has been distinguished by many streams carrying their waters into the Adriatic Sea, forming swamps and lagoons right up to the mouth of the Po River.

In the 2nd century BC. all the lands of the Padan plain were captured and colonized by the Romans.

Due to the specifics of the local landscape, swamps and many small river streams, these lands were accessible only from the sea. That is why the Emperor of the Roman Empire Octavian Augustus ordered the deployment of a navy here and the construction of a military port. Drainage and reclamation work was carried out and a military port was built Classis. According to the description of the historian Pliny the Elder, the military port accommodated 250 ships and 10,000 sailors to control the northern waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

Over time, a city grew around the port. During the Roman Empire, thanks to its port, Ravenna became an important point for the commercial movement of goods throughout the Mediterranean.

The last emperor of a unified Roman Empire died in 395. Theodosius the Great. After his death, the empire was divided into western and eastern, and his sons Arcadius and Honorius received parts of the empire. Arcadius was proclaimed emperor of the East, Constantinople as the capital, and Honorius with his capital in Milan of the West. In 402, after the siege of Milan by the Visigoths, the Western Roman Emperor Honorius moved the capital to Ravenna.

Ravenna became the permanent residence of the emperor, and therefore acquired great importance as the political, economic and cultural center of the empire. During this period, the city experiences a construction boom, although due to siltation of rivers and lagoons, the port becomes underused and loses its importance.

The fate of the Western Empire was decided in Ravenna. In 476, its last emperor, Romulus Augustulus, was deposed by the leader of the German mercenaries, Odoacer. This was the end of the history of Ancient Rome, although the history of Ravenna does not end there. In 493, after a long siege, the city was conquered by the Ostrogoths Theodoric, and five years later the Byzantine Emperor Anastasius recognized him as king and ruler of Italy with his capital in Ravenna. Ravenna was recaptured in 540 Justinian and incorporated into Byzantium.

About two hundred years passed and again Ravenna found itself at the center of historical events. The city was conquered by the Lombards. In 751, by order of the king of the Franks Pepin the Short Ravenna came under the control of the Pope, but received autocephaly and became the residence of the kings. The archbishops of Ravenna received generous gifts from the emperors of the Saxon dynasty and were used in open clashes with the Popes. During this period, the city was gradually ravaged: many mosaics, marble decorations, friezes and sculptures disappeared, and the port of Classis was completely forgotten, looted and abandoned.

During the Middle Ages, Ravenna came under the control of the archbishops, and later into the hands of noble aristocratic families. One of them was the family yes Polenta. With this family the great Florentine found his last sad refuge. poet Dante Alighieri. He died of malaria and was buried in Ravenna.

In the middle of the 15th century, Ravenna was subordinated to the Venetian Republic and was under its rule until 1509. At the same time, many palaces in the Venetian style were built in the city center, and the famous fortress was erected to defend the city Brancaleone(photo on the left - click). When Julius II ascended the papal throne, he conquered the entire Romagna. Ravenna has since vegetated quietly for the next 350 years. The city gradually sank into water due to the swampiness of the surrounding fields, until in May 1636 the sea flooded the very center. Dad got involved Clement XII Corsini. New drainage and reclamation works were carried out, canals were laid, a pier was built, a new Cathedral was built and Dante's tomb was reconstructed. In 1861, Ravenna became part of the Kingdom of united Italy. After the Second World War, Ravenna was awarded the title of City of Honor and awarded the Gold Medal for courage and military valor in the War of Liberation - for the sacrifices of its people and participation in the guerrilla struggle during the Second World War.

Ravenna in the radiance of mosaics and ancient monuments - attractions

Ravenna boasts monuments and buildings from the early Christian period, as well as Byzantine architecture and beautiful mosaics. In 1996, the following objects were included in the composition UNESCO World Heritage Site:

Basilica of San Vitale and Mausoleum of Galla Placidia

Outwardly, they look very modest. Simple brick structures, like all the other Byzantine buildings in the city. But once you cross their threshold, the reason for their worldwide fame becomes obvious. characterized by an octagonal shape and emphasizes the influence of Constantinople. Founder of the basilica, bishop Ecclesius

, visited there and could admire the beauty of the majestic Church of Hagia Sophia. In the apse, the basilicas shine with their unique beauty of mosaics.

The structure of the building is complex, it is topped with a faceted drum, on which a dome with a diameter of 16 meters rests with the help of eight central supports. Thanks to the supporting pillars, a rounded structure is formed inside the temple, on the second tier of which there are choirs. The entire structure seems magical due to the elaborate, unique lighting and decoration. Inside Mausoleum of Galla Placidia

, deepened by 1.5 meters due to the raising of the cultural layer over the centuries, except for the marble plinth of the early 20th century, everything has been preserved in the form in which it was conceived and implemented in the 5th century. The earliest Ravenna mosaics cover the inner surface of the mausoleum, where golden light penetrates through windows made of alabaster, which creates an extraordinary atmosphere. For the first few minutes, you need to be in semi-darkness so that your eyes get used to it, and then you can see and appreciate the unique mosaics, their decor and colors. It is better that the front door remains closed: then not a single detail will escape and the real masterpiece of the Mausoleum above the front door will become obvious - the image of Christ in the robe of the Good Shepherd.

The mausoleum is built in the shape of a cross: the dome in the center is supported by sails, and the branches of the cross connect the vaults. Mosaics cover the entire interior space and are distinguished by their rare beauty and splendor. They contain different plots, but organically form one whole.

Italian mosaicists loved few, thick and deep colors - blue, green and wine red. The very dark blue color on the ceiling of the mausoleum of Galla Placidia is unusually and somehow incomprehensibly deep. Depending on the play of light penetrating here through the small windows, it amazingly and unexpectedly shimmers with greenish, purple, and crimson shades.

Russian art critic Pavel Muratov - about the mausoleum of Galla Placidia. Santa Petronila in Rome. Researchers claim that her ashes were transferred to Ravenna later. For a long time, the mausoleum was a chapel-oratory dedicated to St. Lawrence, who was deeply revered in the family of Galla Placidia.

Information for visitors

A sign at the entrance warns of a 5-minute stay. Entrance fee: €9.50 full price; reduced price € 8.50. The ticket is valid for 7 days and also allows you to visit the Basilica of Sant'Apollinarius Nuovo, the Orthodox Baptistery and the Archbishop's Museum.

Via S. Vitale, 17 ( 400 meters from Piazza del Popolo, a short walk in the pedestrian area, nearest parking in Largo Justiniana). Inquiries: +39 0544 541688. Open: 01/11 to 28/02 daily from 09:30 to 17:00; from 01/03 to 31/03 - daily, from 09.00 to 17.30; from 01/04 to 30/09 daily, from 09.00 to 19.00; from 01/10 to 31/10 from 09.00 to 17.30.
The Basilica of San Vitale and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia are closed on 25/12.

The Baptistery (photo left) is the oldest surviving building in the city and the most significant monument of Byzantine mosaics. The octagonal shape reminds us of Byzantine influence. The brickwork exterior is unadorned. Archaeologists claim that the baptistery was erected on the foundation of ancient Roman baths of the 4th–5th centuries, and the time of its construction is associated with the reign of Bishop Ursus. The baptistery received a different name from Bishop Neon; it was he who ordered the craftsmen to decorate the interior with amazing mosaics in the period from 451 to 475.

It can be seen that the current cultural layer is three meters higher than the original one, and this makes us think about the past. Entering inside, we see columns of the Ionic order in the window openings, mosaics and images of prophets on bas-reliefs. The entire interior decoration was supposed to emphasize that baptism is one of the first sacraments of Christianity. And in the center there is an octagonal font made of porphyry and marble. The font was redone in the 16th century, but the original 5th century pulpit, carved from a single piece of marble, remains.

The mosaic under the dome reproduces the biblical story on the themes of the Baptism of Christ and the Heavenly Jerusalem, as set out in the last book of the Revelation of John the Theologian. Above the arches of the first tier there is a floral ornament in the form of acanthus spirals on a blue background and images of prophets, and between the arches there are candelabra, thrones and a bishop's throne.

Orthodox Baptistery - photo

Information for visitors

Address: Via Baptistery, 1 ( 300 meters from Piazza del Popolo, Piazza Kennedy). Telephone: +39 0544 541688. Baptistery open 01/11 - 28/02 from 10:00 to 17:00; 01/03 - 31/03 from 09.30 to 17.30; 01/04 - 30/09 from 09.00 to 19.00; 01/10 - 31/10 from 09.30 to 17.30. Closed 25/12 and 1/1. Entrance fee: €9.50 full price; €8.50 discounted. The ticket is valid for 7 days and also allows you to visit the Basilica of Sant'Apollinarius Nuovo, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, the Basilica of San Vitale and the Archbishop's Museum.

Where to stay in Ravenna

Basilica of Sant'Apolinare in Classe (outside the city walls)

The basilica (on the left - click) was built in 549 over the tomb of St. Apolinarius, the first bishop of Ravenna. The construction of the Basilica of St. Apolinarius began on the initiative of Bishop Ursinus at the expense of the Greek merchant Julian Argentarius. The main relic of the basilica is the relics of St. Apolinarius. He is venerated as a holy martyr. During times of danger of ruin and enemy raids in the 9th century, the relics of the saint were transferred inside the city walls, to the Basilica of Sant'Apolinare Nuovo. In 1748, the saint’s relics were transferred to their original burial place and placed in the central altar.

In the apse conch, the basilica is decorated with the latest Ravenna mosaics from the period of Emperor Justinian the Great. They miraculously survived the sack of Ravenna by the Venetians in 1449. Mosaic masters used smalt, colored glass, gold and semi-precious stones, but marble was used for faces and clothes, so the shapes appear flatter.

How to read Mosaic? The mosaic tells about the Biblical event of the Transfiguration of the Lord, he is personified in the mosaic as a Cross decorated with precious stones, and at the intersection of the cross a medallion with the face of Christ is visible. Peter, John and James, present at this event, are depicted as lambs standing at a distance. In heaven are the prophets Elijah and Moses, who speak about the death of Christ. And at the very top is the blessing right hand of God the Father. The scene is depicted in the Garden of Eden, in the center - Saint Apolinarius and 12 sheep, which are a symbolic image of the apostles.

It is noteworthy that in 1001, Emperor Otto III spent Lent in a monastery built next to the basilica: the emperor, expelled from Rome, was deeply worried about the collapse of his plan to restore the Roman Empire. His mentor was the hermit Romuald of Ravenna, who convinced the emperor to enter a monastery. His prophecy was this: “If you go to Rome, you will no longer see Ravenna.” But the emperor began to prepare a campaign against Rome and... died the following year, 1002. A plaque in the left nave of the basilica commemorates this event.

Mosaic portraits of the great bishops of Ravenna are placed between the windows of the apse, and on the side walls shine mosaics on the themes of the Old Testament and the Granting of Privileges to the Church of Ravenna. In the side naves there are medieval sarcophagi where the bishops of Ravenna are buried. The sarcophagi are perfectly preserved; on them you can read about the history of the basilica, as well as admire their unusual decor.

Information for visitors

Address: Via Romea Sud Classe ( short trip by bus or car 8 km. south of Ravenna). Telephone +39 0544 473569. Monday to Saturday open from 8:30 to 19:30, Sunday morning Mass from 08:00 to 10:00: visiting is suspended and opens from 13:00 to 19:30. Entrance fee: €5 full ticket; €2.50 discounted.

Being a hardened and harsh people, they never looked for easy ways - including when building their cities. Plain? In no case. An archipelago of small, half-submerged islands cut by natural channels? Yes! Moreover, the close proximity of the coast created excellent preconditions for creating a fleet. Who would have thought that after tens of centuries the situation would change completely, and Ravenna - a city that was created as a military port - would amaze not with the power of warships, but with unique examples of early Christian art.

Ravenna, like , saw the light of day on marshy lands and in sea lagoons - to this day, many of the city's buildings contain the remains of those same wooden piles in their foundations. However, centuries passed as usual, and the ambitious plans of the Romans - who themselves no longer existed as such - sank into oblivion along with the wooden foundations of the houses. The land slowly regained its position, and by today the distance from the city to the sea is already 7 kilometers. However, during its heyday, Ravenna was considered one of the most impregnable cities, and therefore existed as the capital of the Western Roman Empire from the 5th to the 8th century AD. Later, the city fell into decline, experiencing some recovery only during the Renaissance - Dante himself spent the last years of his life here. And in 1860, Ravenna became part of the Italian kingdom, and from this period continues to live quietly and peacefully according to its own special laws of hospitality of small Italian towns.

The first impression when meeting Ravenna, I must say, is not one of the most charming to the soul and eyes. The sea of ​​sweet speeches about the concentration of cultural and historical monuments, going beyond all reasonable limits, at first glance is absolutely not confirmed. A noisy station, unremarkable street development, the bustle of most European cities... However, it is worth moderating your ardor and looking at Ravenna a little differently, not from the generally accepted tourist point of view. Only then, immersed headlong in the local atmosphere, will you be able to discover Ravenna with a capital “R” - a majestic city in the distant past, the capital of a dead empire, whose ghost haunts historians to this day.

The thing is that Ravenna is not nearly as luxurious as its sister Venice, located a little further north along the same Adriatic coast. When Ravenna was going through hard times, the city treasury did not have enough money for marble to decorate the buildings - which, in a sense, preserved it in its original form for future generations. Built of brick, it was not subject to the dismantling of valuable stones when cathedrals and palaces had to be built or restored in Milan or Rome. Therefore, local attractions really bear the imprint of the Middle Ages - a “dark” time, which, according to generally accepted opinion, reeks of something scary and gloomy. And although there is no smoke without fire (remember the Holy Inquisition), having visited Ravenna, you will understand that even such an era leaves behind something beautiful in history.

Ravenna street on a rainy day. Photo moitury.ru

In order to appreciate all this beauty with your own eyes, you need to be mentally prepared. When going on vacation to Ravenna, you need to clearly understand that this is not a party place, and you are coming here to touch eternity.

Of course, it is best to go to the opening of Ravenna by personal car. For travelers, the option is available to rent a car. By ordering a car in advance, while still at home, you can save a lot. “Italy in Russian” advises you to turn to the services of the popular giant service Rentalcars, multifunctional and simple, which will allow you to choose the most suitable car at home and receive it immediately upon arrival in Italy.
For those who are accustomed to convenience, we recommend ordering a taxi in Ravenna with a Russian-speaking driver. You can select and order a taxi through the convenient Kiwitaxi service: You just need to choose where and where you need to get to. Here you can order a transfer from any airport in Italy. At the specified time, in the specified place, your personal driver will be waiting for you with a sign with your name.

It is best to start with the Church of St. Vitaly - perhaps the most interesting building in the city, founded in the 6th century. This brick octagon may look a little cumbersome. However, once you go inside, you will definitely never see anything like this in your life... The dome is supported by eight internal columns, around which there is a two-story walkway. On the vault there is a unique mosaic with biblical motifs. Between the pillars there are two-story arcades curved towards the walls of the structure. This technique amazingly increases the internal space. It becomes completely incomprehensible to the human eye how so many interior details could fit into not the largest room. According to legend, this is where the ashes of St. Vitaly are located - the Alexandrian monk earned money through hard work, after which he went to a brothel. But not at all for what many thought - he gave what he received to fallen women so that they could improve their financial condition and no longer engage in their craft. When the monk died, dozens of former harlots came to honor his memory - after which all the residents of the city were convinced of the greatness of Vitaly’s spirit. Here, nearby, is the National Museum, which houses an extensive collection of coins from the Roman period, as well as unique examples of ivory carvings and ancient weapons. Across the road you can see a real monument from the 5th century - the mausoleum of Galla Placidia, a Roman princess. And although most historians are sure that Galla’s ashes are not here, this makes the appearance of the structure no less impressive. Carl Gustav Jung shared the same opinion. The great psychoanalyst was generally delighted with Ravenna - in no small part because of her mosaics, in which he saw a dialogue between the conscious and the unconscious. And he even wrote several works based on the “strange experience of Ravenna”.

The historic center of Ravenna is literally imbued with the spirit of the early Middle Ages - squat, powerful buildings stand out against the backdrop of small residential houses painted in soft colors, shops and cafes. For example, the Baptistery of Neoniano in Piazza Duomo. Among all the buildings that are decorated with Byzantine mosaics, this is the oldest. Countless baptism ceremonies for city residents were held here - you can personally examine the amazing ancient marble font. Nearby is the Archbishop's Palace, on the ground floor of which there is a museum of the same name. The most amazing and ancient exhibits (6th century) are the “Throne of Maximian”, made entirely of ivory and the silver Greek “Cross of St. Agnell”.

Baptistery of Neoniano. Photo artclassic.edu.ru

Well, now it’s time to head to the local cult site - the tomb of the great Dante Alighieri, Tomba di Dante. Marble walls and the image of the poet on the pulpit became the hallmark of Ravenna in . The mausoleum was erected in the 15th century, only a century and a half after the death of the author of the Divine Comedy. Florence, where the poet was born, came to its senses a century later and began to demand the release of Dante’s remains. Ravenna - first of all the Franciscan monks - stood their ground and did everything not to give in. As a result, although the poet was not elevated to the rank of saint, the worship of his talent is quite comparable. Down the street are several ancient crypts with mosaic floors. Local enterprising citizens have turned this feature into a good source of income. In these crypts, due to their location, the floors are constantly flooded with water. For the opportunity to look at the mosaic floors of the lower floor, with goldfish swimming in the background, you will have to pay half a euro.

Dante's Tomb is one of the cult places of Ravenna. Photo: saga.ua

Ravenna would not be the “sister” of Venice if it were not for water. Despite the fact that the sea is quite distant from the city, no one has canceled the groundwater. They form entire lakes here, and the deep basements of many old houses are constantly filled with water. Oddly enough, this circumstance does not harm the condition of the buildings at all; on the contrary, experts say that draining swampy areas could cause great damage to the architectural fund. The water level in the basements of buildings ranges from 30 to 130 centimeters, and pumps for pumping are located only in the Church of St. Vitaly. In general, it is quite original to see, for example, in the Church of San Francesco, a kind of “aquarium”.

The same "aquarium". Photo panoramio.com

There is also a special attraction in Ravenna - the tomb of Theodoric. This building does not look like any of the many architectural monuments of the city. White, impregnable, in addition to its menacing appearance, it is also surrounded by a fence and automatic ticket control. The inspiration for this (not the fences and controls, but the monumental exterior) was the Ostrogoth king Theodoric. Following the principle of the Egyptian pharaohs, the royal person decided not to delay the final refuge, and to build it during her lifetime. This is perhaps the only building in the city built not from baked bricks, but from limestone - hence the white color, which is unusual for Ravenna. And the characteristics of the structure are also unique in their own way. Just look at the roof of the tomb alone - a huge stone slab, specially brought from the other side of the Adriatic Sea, from Istria. A block with a diameter of 10.5 m and a height of 2.5 m was transported suspended between two ships. After this fact, the scale of the work becomes clear, which confirms the already proven truth: Italian architects are among the best in history.

Theodoric's tomb illuminated by the setting sun. Photo photo.tut.ua

The only - and quite significant - disappointment awaits in Ravenna those who wish to view the city's sights from the highest points. Despite the fact that there are quite a lot of campanillas (i.e. towers) in the city, they are closed to tourist visits. So you will have to look for other ways, fully using your own imagination.

Today's Ravenna is practically no different from other small towns in the Italian North: the center is filled with offices and shops, schools, kindergartens and other infrastructure are located outside the historical part. There is not much greenery here - the exception is the city park and the boulevard next to the station. However, there is no point in belittling the dignity of the city either. There are small joys here, unique only to Ravenna. Evening walks along the atmospheric ancient streets, an obligatory cup of strong coffee, a visit to miniature squares where small flower and vegetable markets operate - contemplation of modern Ravenna brings no less pleasure than the great past of this city.

The main attraction of Ravenna is its mosaics. She is everywhere here - in temples, houses, mausoleums. Her radiance and depth of performance amaze, fascinate, and enchant.

But Ravenna is famous not only for its unique wall decoration. There is the house where Byron lived, Dante’s grave, the mausoleums of ancient rulers, as well as a lot of temples, whose age is one and a half thousand years.

Ravenna is a city located in eastern Italy. It is the capital of the province of Ravenna, which is located in the region (Emilia-Romagna). The province borders the three largest districts of its region: in the west with (Bologna), in the north with (Ferrara), in the south with Forlì-Cesena. On the east side of Ravenna is the Adriatic Sea (mare Adriatico), which is part of the Mediterranean Sea (mar Mediterraneo).

More than a thousand years ago the city was located directly on the coast of mare Adriatico. But over time, the waters receded, and as a result of siltation, a lowland was formed. Ravenna is now connected to the Adriatic Sea by the Canale Candiano. The area of ​​Ravenna is 652 km2, and the number of inhabitants exceeds 150 thousand people.

The historical center is located on 2 km2. Previously, it was surrounded by fortress walls, of which only the gates remained. And where the lines of fortifications used to stretch, there is now a boulevard ring on three sides, while on the west there is a railway.

After in the XIII century. On the People's Square (Piazza del Popolo) a house was built for the ruler of the city, the residence of Bernardino Polenta (la residenza di Bernardino da Polenta), it became the main square of Ravenna. A few years later, the house of the rector of Romagna (palazzo del Rettore di Romagna) appeared here.

Paguro platform

Not far from Ravenna, in the depths of the Adriatic Sea, there is a very interesting place for divers. This is the Paguro Platform, which is located on the seabed opposite Porto Corsini. This is the name of a small town located on the site where the Candiano Canal flows into the sea. The platform appeared in the middle of the last century after gas reserves were discovered in the depths of the Adriatic Sea. In the fall of 1965, disaster struck off the coast of Ravenna: a gas eruption occurred during work.

The platform was not removed from the bottom of the sea, and since then it has been a popular place among diving enthusiasts, because in addition to the sunken structure, you can clearly see the inhabitants of the sea who have found refuge here. Most often you can see starfish, lobsters, shrimp, crabs, eels, and sea ruffs here.

How to get there

Despite the fact that Ravenna is located near the sea and is connected to it by a canal, you can only get here by sea by cruise ship or yacht. Ferry crossings are currently not in service. There is also no airport near the city, so people who fly to Italy by plane will have to make transfers. There are three airports at a distance of 90 km from the city, from which you can get to Ravenna by bus, train, but most conveniently by car. The transfer can be ordered at.

If you decide to travel to Ravenna by train, the train schedule can be viewed here:. Buses from different cities in Italy and Europe also come here.

By plane

The closest airport to Ravenna, at a distance of 40 km, is the airport in Forli (Aeroporto di Forlì). A little further - in Bologna (Bologna) and (Rimini). There is also (Venezia), but the road from it to Ravenna by land will take from two to three and a half hours.

Federico Fellini International Airport (Aeroporto internazionale Federico Fellini), located in Rimini, is 70 km away from Ravenna. The Aerostazione is a short walk from the airport. From here you need to take a bus to bus station 4 Rimini Fs, which is located on Via Dante Alighieri. Then you need to walk to the Rimini train station or bus station, which are located on the same square, on Piazzale Cesare Battisti. From here it is an hour's drive to Ravenna by train or bus. You can also order a transfer from the airport on the website

By train

Ravenna railway station (Stazione Di Ravenna) is located in Piazza Luigi Carlo Farini, 13, a ten-minute walk from the center. Trains arrive here that run between the cities of Rimini - Ferrara, Ravenna - Faenza, Ravenna - Castel Bolognese. There are also trains to Bologna, Venice, and Verona.

If a traveler is traveling from Rome, one must take into account that there is a direct train only once a day. Therefore, many travel with a transfer to Bologna. From (Milano) there is no direct connection with Ravenna.

By bus

Ravenna has three bus stations serving local, intercity and international buses. Therefore, you must first clarify where exactly the bus will stop, especially since stops are possible in other places. The final bus station can be at:

• Piazzale Aldo Moro – at the back of the railway station;
• Piazza and Viale Farini – located right next to each other, opposite the railway station;
• Via Trieste.

By sea

But not far from Ravenna, on the coast of the Adriatic Sea, where the waters of the Candiano Canal flow into it, there are two cities Porto Corsini and Marina di Ravenna. They are separated from each other by a canal, which can be crossed by ferry. There is a Cruise Port in Porto Corsini, where cruise ships stop, including those going to Greece, Cyprus, and Turkey. Marina di Ravenna has the opportunity to moor yachts. From here to Ravenna it takes half an hour by bus, but it is better to book a transfer.

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The Romans, being a hardened and harsh people, never looked for easy ways - including when building their cities. Plain? In no case. An archipelago of small, half-submerged islands cut by natural channels? Yes! Moreover, the close proximity of the coast created excellent preconditions for creating a fleet. Who would have thought that after tens of centuries the situation would change completely, and Ravenna - a city that was created as a military port - would amaze not with the power of warships, but with unique examples of early Christian art.

Ravenna, like Venice, saw the light of day on marshy lands and in sea lagoons - to this day, many of the city's buildings contain the remains of those same wooden piles in their foundations. However, centuries passed as usual, and the ambitious plans of the Romans - who themselves no longer remained as such - sank into oblivion along with the wooden foundations of the houses. The land slowly regained its position, and by today the distance from the city to the sea is already 7 kilometers. However, during its heyday, Ravenna was considered one of the most impregnable cities, and therefore existed as the capital of the Western Roman Empire from the 5th to the 8th century AD. Later, the city fell into decline, experiencing some recovery only during the Renaissance - Dante himself spent the last years of his life here. And in 1860, Ravenna became part of the Italian kingdom, and from this period continues to live quietly and peacefully according to its own special laws of hospitality of small Italian towns.

The first impression when meeting Ravenna, I must say, is not one of the most charming to the soul and eyes. The sea of ​​sweet speeches about the concentration of cultural and historical monuments, going beyond all reasonable limits, at first glance is absolutely not confirmed. A noisy station, unremarkable street development, the bustle of most European cities... However, it is worth moderating your ardor and looking at Ravenna a little differently, not from the generally accepted tourist point of view. Only then, having immersed yourself in the local atmosphere, will you be able to discover Ravenna with a capital “R” - a majestic city in the distant past, the capital of a dead empire, whose ghost haunts historians to this day.

The thing is that Ravenna is not nearly as luxurious as its sister Venice, located a little further north along the same Adriatic coast. When Ravenna was going through hard times, the city treasury did not have enough money for marble to decorate the buildings - which, in a sense, preserved it in its original form for future generations. Built of brick, it was not subject to the dismantling of valuable stones when cathedrals and palaces had to be built or restored in Milan or Rome. Therefore, local attractions really bear the imprint of the Middle Ages - a “dark” time, which, according to generally accepted opinion, reeks of something scary and gloomy. And although there is no smoke without fire (remember the Holy Inquisition), having visited Ravenna, you will understand that even such an era leaves behind something beautiful in history.

Ravenna street on a rainy day. Photo moitury.ru

In order to appreciate all this beauty with your own eyes, you need to be mentally prepared. When going on vacation to Ravenna, you need to clearly understand that this is not a party place, and you are coming here to touch eternity.

Of course, it is best to go to the opening of Ravenna by personal car. For travelers, the option of renting a car is available. By ordering a car in advance, while still at home, you can save a lot. “Italy in Russian” advises you to turn to the services of the popular giant service Rentalcars, multifunctional and simple, which will allow you to choose the most suitable car at home and receive it immediately upon arrival in Italy. For those who are accustomed to convenience, we recommend ordering a taxi in Ravenna with a Russian-speaking driver. You can select and order a taxi through the convenient Kiwitaxi service: You just need to choose where and where you need to get to. Here you can order a transfer from any airport in Italy. At the specified time, in the specified place, your personal driver will be waiting for you with a sign with your name.

It is best to start with the Church of St. Vitaly - perhaps the most interesting building in the city, founded in the 6th century. This brick octagon may look a little cumbersome. However, once you go inside, you’ll definitely never see anything like this in your life... The dome is supported by eight internal columns, around which there is a two-story walkway. On the vault there is a unique mosaic with biblical motifs. Between the pillars there are two-story arcades, curved towards the walls of the structure. This technique amazingly increases the internal space. It becomes completely incomprehensible to the human eye how so many interior details could fit into not the largest room. According to legend, this is where the ashes of St. Vitaly are located - the Alexandrian monk earned money through hard work, after which he went to a brothel. But not at all what many thought - he gave what he received to fallen women so that they could improve their financial condition and no longer engage in their craft. When the monk died, dozens of former harlots came to honor his memory - after which all the inhabitants of the city were convinced of the greatness of Vitaly’s spirit. Here, nearby, is the National Museum, which houses an extensive collection of coins from the Roman period, as well as unique examples of ivory carvings and ancient weapons. Across the road you can see a real monument from the 5th century - the mausoleum of Galla Placidia, a Roman princess. And although most historians are sure that Galla’s ashes are not here, this makes the appearance of the structure no less impressive. Carl Gustav Jung shared the same opinion. The great psychoanalyst was generally delighted with Ravenna - in no small part because of her mosaics, in which he saw a dialogue between the conscious and the unconscious. And he even wrote several works based on the “strange experience of Ravenna”.

The historic center of Ravenna is literally imbued with the spirit of the early Middle Ages - squat, powerful buildings stand out against the backdrop of small residential houses painted in soft colors, shops and cafes. For example, the Baptistery of Neoniano in Piazza Duomo. Among all the buildings that are decorated with Byzantine mosaics, this is the oldest. Countless baptism ceremonies for city residents were held here - you can personally examine the amazing ancient marble font. Nearby is the Archbishop's Palace, on the ground floor of which there is a museum of the same name. The most amazing and ancient exhibits (6th century) are the “Throne of Maximian”, made entirely of ivory and the silver Greek “Cross of St. Agnell”.

Baptistery of Neoniano. Photo artclassic.edu.ru

Well, now it’s time to head to the local cult site - the tomb of the great Dante Alighieri, Tomba di Dante. The marble walls and the image of the poet on the pulpit became the hallmark of Ravenna in Italy. The mausoleum was erected in the 15th century, only a century and a half after the death of the author of the Divine Comedy. Florence, where the poet was born, came to its senses a century later and began to demand the release of Dante’s remains. Ravenna - first of all the Franciscan monks - stood their ground and did everything not to give in. As a result, although the poet was not elevated to the rank of saint, the worship of his talent is quite comparable. Down the street are several ancient crypts with mosaic floors. Local enterprising citizens have turned this feature into a good source of income. In these crypts, due to their location, the floors are constantly flooded with water. For the opportunity to look at the mosaic floors of the lower floor, with goldfish swimming in the background, you will have to pay half a euro.

Dante's Tomb is one of the cult places of Ravenna. Photo: saga.ua

Ravenna would not be the “sister” of Venice if it were not for water. Despite the fact that the sea is quite distant from the city, no one has canceled the groundwater. They form entire lakes here, and the deep basements of many old houses are constantly filled with water. Oddly enough, this circumstance does not harm the condition of the buildings at all; on the contrary, experts say that draining swampy areas could cause great damage to the architectural fund. The water level in the basements of buildings ranges from 30 to 130 centimeters, and pumps for pumping are located only in the Church of St. Vitaly. In general, it’s quite original to see, for example, in the Church of San Francesco, a kind of “aquarium”.

The same “aquarium”. Photo panoramio.com

There is also a special attraction in Ravenna - the tomb of Theodoric. This building does not look like any of the many architectural monuments of the city. White, impregnable, in addition to its menacing appearance, it is also surrounded by a fence and automatic ticket control. The inspiration for this (not the fences and controls, but the monumental exterior) was the Ostrogoth king Theodoric. Following the principle of the Egyptian pharaohs, the royal person decided not to delay the final refuge, and to build it during her lifetime. This is perhaps the only building in the city built not from baked bricks, but from limestone - hence the white color, which is so unusual for Ravenna. And the characteristics of the structure are also unique in their own way. Just look at the roof of the tomb alone - a huge stone slab specially brought from the other side of the Adriatic Sea, from Istria. A block with a diameter of 10.5 m and a height of 2.5 m was transported suspended between two ships. After this fact, the scale of the work becomes clear, which confirms the already proven truth: Italian architects are among the best in history.

Theodoric's tomb illuminated by the setting sun. Photo photo.tut.ua

The only – and quite significant – disappointment awaits in Ravenna those who wish to view the city’s sights from the highest points. Despite the fact that there are quite a lot of campanillas (i.e. towers) in the city, they are closed to tourist visits. So you will have to look for other ways, fully using your own imagination.

Today's Ravenna is practically no different from other small towns in the Italian North: the center is filled with offices and shops, schools, kindergartens and other infrastructure are located outside the historical part. There is not much greenery here - the exception is the city park and the boulevard next to the station. However, there is no point in belittling the dignity of the city either. There are small joys here, unique only to Ravenna. Evening walks along the atmospheric ancient streets, an obligatory cup of strong coffee, a visit to miniature squares where small flower and vegetable markets operate - contemplation of modern Ravenna brings no less pleasure than the great past of this city.

Source: portal “Italy in Russian”

Ravenna(Ravenna) is a beautiful Italian city that has a lot of unique features, thanks to which it can be called both a tourist and seaside resort.

In terms of attractions, Ravenna can be called a treasury region of Emilia Romagna, which has preserved outstanding historical and cultural values, many of which are now included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. But the most famous, undoubtedly, are the early Christian and Byzantine mosaics that adorn the walls of churches, monuments and museums. And even today, Ravenna is one of the leading mosaic producers in Italy.

As a seaside resort, Ravenna has also gained worldwide fame primarily for its beaches, which are located on the shore of one of the cleanest seas(Adriatic), as well as the hospitality of local residents and well-developed infrastructure. Another point that makes the beaches of Ravenna unforgettable is that along them there is a beautiful forest, Pineta di Ravenna.

The center of Ravenna is Piazza del Popolo(Piazza dell Popolo), which is an excellent place for walking, since the historical city center is partially closed from public transport. This is where the main celebrations and events take place.

Sights of Ravenna

Of course, there are a lot of attractions in Ravenna, and like in any other city in Italy, and imagine most of all these historical monuments are decorated with amazing Ravenna mosaics. You know, such an abundance of mosaics can only be seen in Istanbul.

8 most visited attractions in Ravenna:

You can read more about them in the article - Attractions of Ravenna.

In my opinion, the whole of Italy is a huge attraction; it amazes with the diversity of its landscapes. Since the article is about Ravenna, I would like to say that its surroundings are, well, simply of extraordinary beauty - wide fields planted with fruit trees, pine trees, sandy beaches, valleys and canals.

For tourists who love nature and forests, not far from Ravenna there is an excellent place called Oasis Alberete where you can see reptiles, mollusks, amphibian fish and rare species of birds. The best option to get to the forest is to rent a car. Head towards Venice on the SS 309 Romea Nord motorway. And don't forget to dress appropriately, there are a lot of mosquitoes there.

Ravenna Airport

The nearest airport is Ravenna - Gastone Novelli(Gastone Novelli) is currently used mainly for air training, since it is competing with other larger international airports nearby, from which regular and charter flights operate - Guglielmo Marconi (Bologna 80 km), G. Ridolfi (Forli 20 km), Miramare (Rimini) and Marco Polo (Venice).

Flights from Moscow

How to get to Ravenna from Bologna

• The distance from Bologna to Ravenna is 80 kilometers.

How to get to Ravenna from Rome

• The distance from Rome to Ravenna is 380 kilometers.

How to get to Ravenna from Milan

• The distance from Milan to Ravenna is 288 kilometers.

Train station in Ravenna

Ravenna Train Station is just 10 minutes from the historic center. Which you can get to on your own without resorting to a taxi, this is quite easy to do, you just need to leave the station and walk through Viale Farini and exit onto Via Diaz until you reach Piazza del Popolo.

Every year, 3.5 million people pass through Ravenna railway station, with traffic through the station increasing significantly during the summer months.

Prices in Ravenna

Like any other town in Italy, Ravenna has a huge number of restaurants, cafes and bars. A very good restaurant, very popular among Italians and tourists, is located on Ponte Marino street (Via Ponte Marino 3). The restaurant offers a large selection of dishes, including the fisso (dish of the day) menu. Dinner here will cost 20.00 - 25.00 euros, this includes pasta, main course, wine or beer and water.

Fisso lunches in restaurants will cost approximately 10.00 - 15.00 euros.

At lunchtime, while sightseeing, you can take advantage of the services of pizzerias and paninoteks. One pizzetta costs on average 1.00 - 1.50, and panino or local piadine 3.50, although you can buy cheaper in salumeria. Coffee at the bar 1.50 - 2.00 euros. But you need to remember that in the center, as a rule, everything is always more expensive.

A very good ice cream shop called Sorbetteria degli Esarchi is located on Via IV Novembre 11.

Current prices for products, on average in Italy, can be found in the article - “Prices for products in Italy“.

The price for parking in Ravenna is 1.50 - 2.00 euros per hour, parking tickets can be purchased in newspapers or tobacco shops.

Hotels in Ravenna

Without a doubt, an unforgettable holiday in Ravenna depends on the right choice of accommodation, so start searching and compare hotel prices in advance using the most popular services Hotellook and Booking, or use their search forms, which are located on our website:

Port of Ravenna

In terms of importance, the port of Ravenna is one of the most important in the Emilia-Romagna region, and is also among the top twenty in Italy. Many cruise companies start their tourist routes from here. For example, companies such as Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises make trips to the shores of Greece, the island of Cyprus and Turkey.

There is also the opportunity to visit Sicily, in particular Catania, using the services of ferries or ships.

Culinary traditions of Ravenna

Ravenna is a great place to sample some of the region's delicious cuisine. These include piada, cappelletti with meat sauce, which I have already written about in this article.

One more an essential dish for city residents are passatelli in chicken broth. They contain breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, eggs and nutmeg.

Another delicious dessert considered typical of the region is caramelized figs with Squacquerone cheese.

The typical regional wine is Sangiovese.

Holidays and events in Ravenna

Well, these are of course just some of the events and activities.

Shopping in Ravenna

Ravenna has a huge number of shops for shopping, both expensive and not very expensive. Designer shops are located on Via Cavour.

You can find a large number of shops and various shops selling food and souvenirs in the historical center of Ravenna. What to bring from Italy.

The large Mercato Comunale market, where you can find a wide selection of food products, is located in Piazza Andrea Costa, it is open on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday from 7:00 to 14:00, on Friday from 7:00 to 16:00, and is closed on Sunday.

Weather in Ravenna

Ravenna is generally cold in winter due to high humidity and fog is common. Sometimes on Christmas and New Year, snow may fall to the delight of local residents. And in the summer, due to the same humidity, it is stiflingly hot here, and therefore I keep repeating that the best months to visit Italy are the end of spring and the beginning of autumn, but June can also be included here.

Sea and beaches of Ravenna

To date seaside resort Marina di Ravenna is developing dynamically, while being one of the best in Italy, and is very popular among Italians and tourists from other countries.

There is a large marina here that offers more than a thousand berths for ships up to 40 meters long, which will appeal to those who like to ride a yacht. Wherein the pier is protected by two breakwaters total length 2.8 km

The best beaches in Ravenna are: Casal Borsetti, Marina di Romea, Marina di Ravenna, Porto Corsini, Punta Marina Terme, Lido Adriano, Lido di Dante, Lido di Classe, Lido di Savio.

In summer, the beaches of Ravenna are always full of people, all beaches are well equipped (umbrellas, sun loungers and other services), and most importantly, the prices are not very high. There are many restaurants and trendy clubs in the area.

Things to do in Ravenna

Not far from Ravenna (15 km) is the largest in Italy amusement park "Mirabilandia" there is everything that can give your vacation a thrill - roller coasters, a Ferris wheel, attractions, various performances, laser shows. The park is open April to the end of September from 10:00 to 18:00, as well as on weekends in October and All Saints' Day (Halloween). Entrance 33.00 euros.

Also not far from Ravenna is Zoo Safari where you can see animals up close while driving your own car or a train provided by the zoo. You can visit the Safari Zoo from April to October from 10:00 to 16:30. From Ravenna train station to the zoo there are buses No. 4, No. 176. More detailed information can be found on their website www.safariravenna.it

Among the winter activities in Ravenna You can highlight the skating rink which is usually located at Palazzo Mauro De Andre, on Viale Europa 1.

Finally, don’t forget to watch an interesting video about Ravenna.