Ravenna

Day 1: Late Roman and Byzantine heart

Ease into Ravenna’s golden age around the cluster of masterpieces near San Vitale. Keep the pace unhurried to avoid mosaic fatigue, and pre-book the cumulative ticket with a timed slot for the tiny, ultra-popular mausoleum.

• Morning: Pick up/use your Biglietto Cumulativo and enter the Basilica of San Vitale at opening time to beat the tours; bring a small pair of binoculars or use your phone zoom to study faces and garments, and remember: no flash. If your Mausoleum of Galla Placidia slot is later, fill the gap next door at the Museo Nazionale di Ravenna.
• Midday: Time your Mausoleum of Galla Placidia visit for late morning to midday on a bright day so the alabaster windows glow honey-gold; expect a strict 5–10 minute stay. Break for lunch nearby and hydrate—summers are hot; in winter, check the shorter hours.
• Afternoon: Visit the Archiepiscopal Museum and the Cappella Arcivescovile (note the anti-Arian imagery of Christ as a warrior), then descend to the Domus dei Tappeti di Pietra for exquisite floor mosaics; it’s refreshingly cool underground in summer.
• Evening: Wander the Zona del Silenzio: Dante’s Tomb, Quadrarco di Braccioforte, and the Basilica di San Francesco with its haunting flooded crypt (illuminated by coin). In June–July, consider an evening Ravenna Festival concert in a historical venue—book early.

Day 2: Ostrogoths to Byzantines in the city

Today tracks the shift from Theodoric’s Arian court to Orthodox Byzantium. Focus on iconography and “edits” to monuments—knowing what changed makes the mosaics speak.

• Morning: Start at Sant’Apollinare Nuovo; study the long nave processions and look for ghostly traces where Theodoric’s court was erased. Pop into TAMO (Tutta l’Avventura del Mosaico) to decode techniques and symbols before a coffee in Piazza del Popolo.

By Air

• Ravenna has no commercial airport.
• Bologna (BLQ, ~85 km): Most convenient. Marconi Express (7–8 min) links the airport to Bologna Centrale; then a regional train to Ravenna. Total public transport time typically 1 h 30–1 h 50. By car ~1 h 15.
• Rimini (RMI, ~70 km): Seasonal/charter focus. Local bus to Rimini FS, then regional train to Ravenna (about 1 h–1 h 20). By car ~1 h.
• Forlì (FRL, ~35 km): Limited flights. By car ~40–45 min; by public transport around 1 h with a change.
• Venice (VCE, ~155 km): Train via Venezia Mestre/Bologna to Ravenna in ~2 h 45–3 h 15. By car ~2 h 15–2 h 45 (SS309 Romea can be slow).
• Florence (FLR, ~170 km): Train via Firenze SMN–Bologna–Ravenna in ~2 h 45–3 h 15. By car ~2 h 20.

By Train

• Main station: Ravenna (central; ~10 minutes’ walk to the historic centre; taxis and local buses outside).
• From Bologna Centrale: Direct regional trains roughly every 30–60 minutes; journey 1 h 10–1 h 30.
• From Rimini: Direct regional trains along the Adriatic line; about 1 h; typically hourly.
• From Ferrara: Direct regional services; about 1 h 20–1 h 40, generally every 1–2 hours.
• From major cities (with a change):
  • Florence: High-speed to Bologna (35–45 min) + regional to Ravenna; total ~2 h 15–3 h.

Ravenna is a serene, crowd‑light city where Late Roman and Byzantine splendour meets easygoing Romagnolo life—every bit as enriching as Europe’s headline acts, without the queues.

• Culture & heritage: Eight UNESCO-listed marvels in easy walking reach—San Vitale, the star‑studded Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, and Sant’Apollinare in Classe—plus Classis Ravenna and the Ancient Port of Classe for context, live mosaic workshops, and Dante’s Tomb in the hushed “Zona del Silenzio.”
• Atmosphere & lifestyle: Flat, pedestrian‑friendly streets and bikes everywhere; a gentle passeggiata around Piazza del Popolo; concerts in basilicas during the Ravenna Festival; a calm rhythm that swaps selfie scrums for reflective moments under glowing mosaics.
• Authenticity & value: Excellent bang for your euro with a low‑cost cumulative ticket to the main sites, family‑run mosaic studios, and unfussy trattorie serving piadina, cappelletti and Adriatic seafood—quality without the mark‑ups common in more trampled centres.
• Less‑crowded appeal: Manageable lines (only timed entry at Galla Placidia), space to linger in chapels and museums, and rewarding half‑day forays to Classe by frequent local bus—ideal for slow travellers seeking depth over tick‑box touring.

Ravenna is ideal for travellers who crave depth over dazzle: a compact, walkable city where world-changing history is told in shimmering mosaics. Lovers of Late Antique, Ostrogothic and Byzantine culture will find eight UNESCO sites within easy reach. It suits thoughtful city-breakers, slow travellers, and anyone drawn to art, craft and contemplative spaces.

• History lovers: Walk the former capitals of the Western Empire, Ostrogothic kingdom and Byzantine Exarchate in one city, from San Vitale to Sant’Apollinare in Classe.
• Art & architecture buffs: Marvel at peerless mosaics—from the starry vault of Galla Placidia to Justinian and Theodora in San Vitale—offering a West-meets-East richness to rival Istanbul.
• City-breakers: A serene, compact centre with easy rail links (e.g., Bologna), making Ravenna a quieter alternative to Rome and Venice for a refined weekend.
• Slow travellers: Savour uncrowded churches, mosaic workshops and Dante’s “Zone of Silence”, with luminous off-season light and time to linger.
• Active travellers: Cycle the flat routes to the ancient port and basilica at Classe, or follow “Le Vie di Dante” trails towards Florence.
• Foodies: Feast on Romagna flavours—piadina, cappelletti and Adriatic seafood—paired with Sangiovese in authentic trattorie around Piazza del Popolo.

These are Ravenna’s unmissable highlights, distilling the city’s ancient Roman, Ostrogothic and Byzantine brilliance. Use them to shape a focused itinerary that balances iconic mosaics with context and atmosphere.

• Walk beneath the starry vault of the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia and the glittering mosaics of San Vitale, the city’s Byzantine masterpiece.
• Explore Sant’Apollinare Nuovo to read its nave-long processions and spot traces of Theodoric’s erased Arian court.
• Visit the Mausoleum of Theodoric to marvel at its monolithic Istrian-stone dome and stark Ostrogothic grandeur.
• Take the bus to Classe to pair the serene apse of Sant’Apollinare in Classe with the context-rich Classis Ravenna museum.
• Hike sections of the Le Vie di Dante or the pinewoods towards Classe for a slow, atmospheric approach to Ravenna’s heritage.

These are Ravenna’s unmissable highlights, distilling the city’s ancient Roman, Ostrogothic and Byzantine brilliance. Use them to shape a focused itinerary that balances iconic mosaics with context and atmosphere.

• Walk beneath the starry vault of the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia and the glittering mosaics of San Vitale, the city’s Byzantine masterpiece.
• Explore Sant’Apollinare Nuovo to read its nave-long processions and spot traces of Theodoric’s erased Arian court.
• Visit the Mausoleum of Theodoric to marvel at its monolithic Istrian-stone dome and stark Ostrogothic grandeur.
• Take the bus to Classe to pair the serene apse of Sant’Apollinare in Classe with the context-rich Classis Ravenna museum.
• Hike sections of the Le Vie di Dante or the pinewoods towards Classe for a slow, atmospheric approach to Ravenna’s heritage.

Ravenna eats like Romagna: generous, no‑nonsense cooking rooted in handmade pasta, seaside catch and the beloved piadina. Expect clean, bold flavours and produce from the Adriatic to the plains. Cafés hum with aperitivi, markets brim with fresh pasta, and relaxed bars pour local wines.

• Piadina Romagnola – Thin, griddled flatbread folded around squacquerone cheese, rocket and prosciutto, or seasonal greens. Order it hot at street‑side piadinerie and easy‑going cafés.
• Cappelletti in brodo – Plump, handmade pasta parcels filled with meat and cheese, served in rich capon or beef broth—the classic Sunday comfort. Best in cosy trattorie near the centre.
• Grilled Adriatic seafood – Skewers of squid and prawns, sardoncini and seasonal catch, simply charred with olive oil, lemon and sweet Cervia sea salt. Enjoy it in informal seafood bars or seaside trattorie.
• Romagna wines – Sangiovese di Romagna (bright, cherry‑driven red) and Albana di Romagna (aromatic white, also passito) are staple pours with local dishes. Sip them at aperitivo in piazza bars or browse tastings at the Mercato Coperto.

Choosing where to stay in Ravenna is about the vibe you want: medieval lanes by world‑class mosaics, contemplative corners near Dante, or quiet green edges with easy parking. Each area has a distinct rhythm—pick for atmosphere and logistics rather than star ratings.

• Historic Centre (Centro Storico) — Walkable, ZTL‑protected lanes steps from San Vitale, Galla Placidia and Sant’Apollinare Nuovo; best for first‑timers, history lovers and café‑hopping without a car.
• Zona del Silenzio (San Francesco & Dante’s Tomb) — Hushed, reverent pocket with early‑closing streets; ideal for couples and literature buffs seeking tranquillity yet 5–10 minutes from the main mosaics.
• Classe — Low‑key suburb 8 km south on bus line 4, beside Sant’Apollinare in Classe and the Ancient Port/Classis museum; great for history‑focused families, space, parking and quieter nights.
• Parco di Teodorico (Mausoleum of Theodoric area) — Green, residential edge north of centre with park walks to the 6th‑century mausoleum; suits drivers, runners and anyone wanting calm within a short stroll of sights.

Choosing where to stay in Ravenna is about the vibe you want: medieval lanes by world‑class mosaics, contemplative corners near Dante, or quiet green edges with easy parking. Each area has a distinct rhythm—pick for atmosphere and logistics rather than star ratings.

• Historic Centre (Centro Storico) — Walkable, ZTL‑protected lanes steps from San Vitale, Galla Placidia and Sant’Apollinare Nuovo; best for first‑timers, history lovers and café‑hopping without a car.
• Zona del Silenzio (San Francesco & Dante’s Tomb) — Hushed, reverent pocket with early‑closing streets; ideal for couples and literature buffs seeking tranquillity yet 5–10 minutes from the main mosaics.
• Classe — Low‑key suburb 8 km south on bus line 4, beside Sant’Apollinare in Classe and the Ancient Port/Classis museum; great for history‑focused families, space, parking and quieter nights.
• Parco di Teodorico (Mausoleum of Theodoric area) — Green, residential edge north of centre with park walks to the 6th‑century mausoleum; suits drivers, runners and anyone wanting calm within a short stroll of sights.

Travel to Ravenna is straightforward: the city is compact, well-organised and its highlights sit close together, so you can see a lot without stress. A few practical details—season, transport and tickets—will help you plan smoothly and avoid queues.

• Affordability: Expect lunch from €12–18 and dinner €20–35 per person; mid‑range rooms run about €80–140 per night (B&Bs ~€60–90), and the main monument pass is roughly €12.50 with a few extra sites at €5–6.
• Transport: The centre is flat and walkable; buses (Lines 4/44) reach Classe and the Classis museum, trains make easy day trips to Bologna, Ferrara or Rimini, and driving isn’t needed (ZTL in the core—park on the edge).
• Language: Italian is the language, but English is widely understood at monuments, hotels and most restaurants; simple Italian greetings and thanks go a long way in smaller shops.
• Safety & comfort: A very safe, calm city for families and solo travellers—just mind petty theft in peak-season crowds and swift cyclists in pedestrian streets, carry water in summer, and dress modestly for church entry.
• Crowds: April–May and September–October are ideal; June–August is hottest and busiest (timed entry at the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia), while November–February is peaceful with shorter hours, and occasional cruise days can cause midday spikes.

Travel to Ravenna is straightforward: the city is compact, well-organised and its highlights sit close together, so you can see a lot without stress. A few practical details—season, transport and tickets—will help you plan smoothly and avoid queues.

• Affordability: Expect lunch from €12–18 and dinner €20–35 per person; mid‑range rooms run about €80–140 per night (B&Bs ~€60–90), and the main monument pass is roughly €12.50 with a few extra sites at €5–6.
• Transport: The centre is flat and walkable; buses (Lines 4/44) reach Classe and the Classis museum, trains make easy day trips to Bologna, Ferrara or Rimini, and driving isn’t needed (ZTL in the core—park on the edge).
• Language: Italian is the language, but English is widely understood at monuments, hotels and most restaurants; simple Italian greetings and thanks go a long way in smaller shops.
• Safety & comfort: A very safe, calm city for families and solo travellers—just mind petty theft in peak-season crowds and swift cyclists in pedestrian streets, carry water in summer, and dress modestly for church entry.
• Crowds: April–May and September–October are ideal; June–August is hottest and busiest (timed entry at the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia), while November–February is peaceful with shorter hours, and occasional cruise days can cause midday spikes.

Ravenna has a mild Mediterranean rhythm: shoulder months bring the best balance of pleasant weather and thinner crowds, while summer is hot and busy and winter is quiet and contemplative with shorter hours. Autumn and spring light flatter the mosaics; winter’s low sun can be magical inside.

• Shoulder Season (Apr–May, Sep–Oct): Mild to warm, manageable crowds, relaxed vibe ideal for unhurried mosaic viewing; longer daylight and easier reservations.
• High Summer (Jun–Aug): Hot and humid with peak crowds; strict timed entries and busy sights; vibrant festival atmosphere—book well ahead.
• Winter (Nov–Feb): Cool to chilly, minimal crowds, reflective mood; shorter opening hours and occasional rain/humidity, but beautiful low light in the monuments.

Ravenna has a mild Mediterranean rhythm: shoulder months bring the best balance of pleasant weather and thinner crowds, while summer is hot and busy and winter is quiet and contemplative with shorter hours. Autumn and spring light flatter the mosaics; winter’s low sun can be magical inside.

• Shoulder Season (Apr–May, Sep–Oct): Mild to warm, manageable crowds, relaxed vibe ideal for unhurried mosaic viewing; longer daylight and easier reservations.
• High Summer (Jun–Aug): Hot and humid with peak crowds; strict timed entries and busy sights; vibrant festival atmosphere—book well ahead.
• Winter (Nov–Feb): Cool to chilly, minimal crowds, reflective mood; shorter opening hours and occasional rain/humidity, but beautiful low light in the monuments.

Day 3: Classe and Theodoric

Head out to Classe to understand why Ravenna mattered: its port powered the empire. Pack water and a hat in summer; the coastal plain can be hot and bright, while winter brings earlier closing times.

• Morning: Take bus line 4 from the station to the Archaeological Park of Classe (Antico Porto di Classe); walk the excavated docks and warehouses and use the multimedia to picture the bustling harbour.
• Midday: Continue to the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe for the vast, tranquil apse mosaic—saint among sheep under a jewelled cross—best savoured unhurried. Nearby cafés are convenient for a simple lunch before returning.
• Afternoon: Back in town, walk to the Mausoleum of Theodoric, a stark masterpiece capped by a single 300-tonne stone—buy the separate state ticket (often offered with Sant’Apollinare in Classe). If time allows, detour through Parco di Teodorico or revisit a favourite museum detail you noted earlier.
• Evening: Climb to the Giardini Pensili above the Rasponi Crypt for a quiet sunset view over Piazza San Francesco, then a final dinner. If you’re visiting during the Ravenna Mosaico biennial (autumn), end with a contemporary mosaic show to see the ancient art form living on.

Notes for all days:

• Book the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia slot online in advance; the microclimate limits stays.
• The Biglietto Cumulativo covers San Vitale, Galla Placidia, Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, the Neonian Baptistery, and the Archiepiscopal Museum/Chapel; Sant’Apollinare in Classe and the Mausoleum of Theodoric require separate tickets.
• The centre is a ZTL; park on the perimeter and walk. Keep a respectful, quiet demeanour in sacred spaces and never use flash.

By Car

• Routes:
  • From Bologna: A14 to Cesena Nord, then E45/SS3bis or RA8/A14dir to Ravenna; ~1 h 15.
  • From Rimini: SS16 Adriatica; ~1 h.
  • From Venice: A13 to Ferrara Sud then SS16 to Ravenna, or SS309 Romea (picturesque but often slow); ~2 h 15–2 h 45.
  • From Florence: A1 to Bologna then A14 towards the Adriatic; ~2 h 20.
• Notes:
  • The historic centre is a ZTL (limited traffic zone); avoid driving inside without a permit. Use edge-of-centre car parks and blue-zone street parking.
  • Summer weekends can be congested on SS16/Adriatic routes.

Ravenna is ideal for travellers who crave depth over dazzle: a compact, walkable city where world-changing history is told in shimmering mosaics. Lovers of Late Antique, Ostrogothic and Byzantine culture will find eight UNESCO sites within easy reach. It suits thoughtful city-breakers, slow travellers, and anyone drawn to art, craft and contemplative spaces.

• History lovers: Walk the former capitals of the Western Empire, Ostrogothic kingdom and Byzantine Exarchate in one city, from San Vitale to Sant’Apollinare in Classe.
• Art & architecture buffs: Marvel at peerless mosaics—from the starry vault of Galla Placidia to Justinian and Theodora in San Vitale—offering a West-meets-East richness to rival Istanbul.
• City-breakers: A serene, compact centre with easy rail links (e.g., Bologna), making Ravenna a quieter alternative to Rome and Venice for a refined weekend.
• Slow travellers: Savour uncrowded churches, mosaic workshops and Dante’s “Zone of Silence”, with luminous off-season light and time to linger.
• Active travellers: Cycle the flat routes to the ancient port and basilica at Classe, or follow “Le Vie di Dante” trails towards Florence.
• Foodies: Feast on Romagna flavours—piadina, cappelletti and Adriatic seafood—paired with Sangiovese in authentic trattorie around Piazza del Popolo.

Ravenna eats like Romagna: generous, no‑nonsense cooking rooted in handmade pasta, seaside catch and the beloved piadina. Expect clean, bold flavours and produce from the Adriatic to the plains. Cafés hum with aperitivi, markets brim with fresh pasta, and relaxed bars pour local wines.

• Piadina Romagnola – Thin, griddled flatbread folded around squacquerone cheese, rocket and prosciutto, or seasonal greens. Order it hot at street‑side piadinerie and easy‑going cafés.
• Cappelletti in brodo – Plump, handmade pasta parcels filled with meat and cheese, served in rich capon or beef broth—the classic Sunday comfort. Best in cosy trattorie near the centre.
• Grilled Adriatic seafood – Skewers of squid and prawns, sardoncini and seasonal catch, simply charred with olive oil, lemon and sweet Cervia sea salt. Enjoy it in informal seafood bars or seaside trattorie.
• Romagna wines – Sangiovese di Romagna (bright, cherry‑driven red) and Albana di Romagna (aromatic white, also passito) are staple pours with local dishes. Sip them at aperitivo in piazza bars or browse tastings at the Mercato Coperto.