- Ravenna's eight early Christian monuments are a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Dante Alighieri is buried here
- The centre is small, flat and easy to walk or cycle
- Beaches at Marina di Ravenna and Cervia are a short trip away
- Airports
- Bologna (BLQ), Rimini (RMI)
- Best time to go
- April-June and September-October
- Type
- Province
Ravenna was once the capital of the Western Roman Empire, then of the Ostrogothic king Theodoric, and later the seat of Byzantine power in Italy. That remarkable history left it with the most important collection of early Christian and Byzantine mosaics outside Istanbul, spread across a handful of churches and baptisteries in a small, calm city.
For UK travellers, Ravenna is a must for art and history lovers, and an easy day trip from Bologna. Stay longer and you can add the beaches and pine forests of the coast, the salt pans of Cervia and the ceramics town of Faenza. It is part of Emilia-Romagna. For the rest of the country, see our Italy guide.
Things to do in Ravenna
- Basilica of San Vitale – an octagonal church with dazzling mosaics of Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora.
- Mausoleum of Galla Placidia – a tiny building next to San Vitale with a starry blue mosaic ceiling.
- Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo – long processions of saints and virgins in gold mosaic along the nave.
- Neonian and Arian Baptisteries – two baptisteries with domed mosaics of the baptism of Christ.
- Basilica of Sant'Apollinare in Classe – a few kilometres south, with a green apse mosaic.
- Mausoleum of Theodoric – the stone tomb of the Ostrogothic king, topped by a single huge block.
- Dante's tomb – the poet died in Ravenna in 1321 and is buried in a small temple in the centre.
- Faenza and Cervia – Faenza's International Museum of Ceramics, and Cervia's salt pans and seaside resort of Milano Marittima.
Where to stay
| Area | Why stay there |
|---|---|
| Centro storico | Walk to the mosaics and restaurants |
| Near the station | Practical for trains to Bologna and Rimini |
| Marina di Ravenna | Beach base with seafood restaurants |
| Cervia and Milano Marittima | Beach resorts with pine woods and nightlife |
| Brisighella | Hill village with castles and olive groves |
Getting there
Fly to Bologna, then take the train to Ravenna, which takes around 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes. Rimini airport, with seasonal UK flights (check seasonal routes), is about an hour away by road. Trains also link Ravenna with Ferrara and Rimini.
Best time to visit
Spring and autumn are ideal for sightseeing. The Ravenna Festival brings music, opera and dance to the city, usually from June to July. Summer is beach season on the coast, while winter is quiet and good for unhurried visits to the monuments.
A combined ticket usually covers several of the mosaic monuments, including San Vitale, Galla Placidia, Sant'Apollinare Nuovo and the Neonian Baptistery.
Top attractions in Ravenna
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Ravenna on the map
Frequently asked questions
Is Ravenna worth a day trip from Bologna?
Yes. It is about an hour away by train, and the main mosaic sites are close together.
How long do I need in Ravenna?
One day covers the main mosaics. Two or three days lets you add Classe, the beach or Faenza.
Are there beaches near Ravenna?
Yes. Marina di Ravenna, Punta Marina and Cervia are all within a short drive.
Why is Dante buried in Ravenna?
He spent his final years in exile in Ravenna and died there in 1321. Florence has asked for his remains, but they have stayed in Ravenna.
Written by
Emma City breaks & deals editor
Emma plans city breaks the way other people plan the weekly shop: on a budget, with a spreadsheet and a backup plan. She covers city guides and deal-hunting.
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