Ravenna is a historic city located in the Emilia-Romagna region, renowned for its extraordinary artistic and cultural heritage, making it one of Italy’s most fascinating destinations. The city is primarily known for its Byzantine mosaics, a UNESCO World Heritage site, but it also boasts an ancient history and has played a key role as the capital during various historical periods, including the Kingdom of the Ostrogoths and the Byzantine Empire.
Ravenna is also an important economic center, thanks to its commercial port and strategic location. The city preserves artisanal traditions, such as mosaic making, which is still carried out using traditional techniques. The local cuisine, based on seafood, shellfish, and typical regional products, is another aspect that makes Ravenna even more intriguing.
The Basilica of San Vitale is one of the most iconic monuments in Ravenna and a masterpiece of Byzantine art. The church, built in the 6th century, is renowned for its magnificent mosaics that adorn the interior, especially the cycle depicting Emperor Justinian and his court, symbolizing the power of the Byzantine Empire. The architecture of the basilica is equally spectacular, featuring an octagonal plan and a dome decorated with mosaics.
This mausoleum, built in the 5th century, is one of the most beautiful examples of late antique and Byzantine art. Although relatively small, the interior of the mausoleum is extraordinarily rich in mosaics, including one of the most famous: the starry sky that decorates the vault. It is believed that Galla Placidia, a prominent figure in the Western Roman Empire, was buried in this monument, although her tomb has never been definitively identified.
Located outside the historic center of Ravenna, the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe is another magnificent example of Byzantine art. The church is renowned for its mosaics that decorate the apse, depicting Saint Apollinaris among shepherds and sheep, a work that represents the fusion of Christian symbolism and Byzantine tradition. The basilica is an important example of 6th-century religious architecture and offers a peaceful and evocative atmosphere.
Ravenna is also famous for being the city where the tomb of Dante Alighieri, the celebrated poet of the Divine Comedy, is located. The tomb is a simple yet imposing monument, built in 1781, and is situated within a public garden. It is one of the most visited sites in the city, as Dante spent the final years of his life in Ravenna, where he died in 1321.
