Ravenna. A Cultural Mosaic.
Why visit?
Art, religion, great eats, and history come together to provide an interest for everyone in Ravenna. Ravenna is located in the Emilia-Romagna region just over an hour train ride from Bologna. It sits in very close proximity to the eastern coast of Italy, so this seaside town rests only 9 meters above sea level and some ancient structures now lie underwater.
Ravenna is world-renowned for the glass tile mosaics which dot the city inside churches, on the sides of buildings, and even underground. Gorgeous Byzantine mosaics decorate the inside of the city's churches in over 6,000 unique shades, telling stories both Biblical and secular. Even now, the art form is famous and draws artists and tourists alike to learn the technique.
Ravenna is world-renowned for the glass tile mosaics which dot the city inside churches, on the sides of buildings, and even underground. Gorgeous Byzantine mosaics decorate the inside of the city's churches in over 6,000 unique shades, telling stories both Biblical and secular. Even now, the art form is famous and draws artists and tourists alike to learn the technique.
Highlights
Basilica of San Vitale & the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia. The church and next-door tomb are UNESCO world heritage sites with some of the best Byzantine wall mosaics in the world.
Dante Alighieri's Tomb. The remains of the poet of The Divine Comedy rest just a short walk from the Basilica of San Francesco.
The Basilica of San Francesco. This church has three levels of construction from different centuries, the lowest of which has goldfish swimming over a 5th century mosaic.
Bruschetta and pasta and rabbit, oh my! Italy, especially the Emilia-Romagna region, is known for their amazing multi-course meals, and Ravenna doesn't disappoint.
Baptistery of Neon. This 4th century baptistery contains mosaics of Christ and the 12 apostles.
Mosaic classes. Learn from the best and DIY your very own mosaic masterpiece.
Invaders & other artwork. The masked mosaic artist has left his mark on the streets of the city of mosaics.