Ravenna: Mosaics, Monuments and Ancient History

Ravenna reveals its history through buildings, mosaic art and archaeological sites from different eras. The early Christian monuments, the ancient port and trading area of Classe, and the collections of the Museo Classis Ravenna each offer a different perspective. The city also has a local variation of Piadina Romagnola and opportunities to learn mosaic techniques firsthand.

Early Christian Monuments and Mosaics

The UNESCO World Heritage Site Early Christian Monuments of Ravenna comprises eight monuments built between the 5th and 6th centuries AD. They combine Greco-Roman tradition, Christian iconography, and Eastern and Western styles. The Mausoleum of Galla Placidia is one of Ravenna’s oldest buildings and has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1996.

The Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe is also one of Ravenna’s eight early Christian monuments on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It was built in the first half of the 6th century over an older cemetery and retains its original structure and splendid mosaics in the apse. The Mausoleo di Teodorico has a different historical function: Theodoric had it built around 520 AD as his own tomb. It has been one of Ravenna’s landmarks for more than 1,500 years and is the only late antique royal tomb. Together, these sites offer different facets of the city’s history: early Christian architecture, apse mosaics and a royal tomb.

Harbor Archaeology and City History

The Antico Porto di Classe showcases the ancient port and trading area of the city of Classe from the 5th and 6th centuries AD. The archaeological park is open to the public and covers approximately 10,000 m². During your visit, you can follow the signposted trail and information panels independently, or book a guided tour with an expert guide in advance. The choice is straightforward: explore the trail on your own or plan your visit as a guided tour booked in advance. Check available dates beforehand if you prefer a guided tour.

The CLASSIS Ravenna – Museo della Città e del Territorio traces Ravenna’s history from its Etruscan-Umbrian origins through the Roman, Gothic and Byzantine periods to the early Middle Ages. It uses archaeological materials and modern technical aids. The museum is one of Italy’s most important archaeological museums. You can get there by bicycle, on foot, by bus or by car; check the access options before your arrival.

Mosaic Art, Regional Cuisine and Nature

If you would like to experience mosaic art beyond viewing it in buildings, you can take part in a Byzantine mosaic workshop in Ravenna. At an artisan workshop, visitors learn traditional techniques, create their own mosaics and can take a handmade souvenir home. Availability and booking conditions may change, so check current dates and participation options in advance.

Piadina Romagnola PGI also offers a concrete insight into the region’s food culture. In the Ravenna area, it is about 4 to 8 mm thick and around 20 cm in diameter. This makes this version thicker and smaller than the piadina made in the southern Romagna area, particularly the version from Rimini. These dimensions are approximate regional figures; recipes and individual producers vary.

Activities in the Pine Forest of San Vitale are subject to management rules that coordinate access. Permitted activities include hiking, cycling and horseback riding. Plan according to the forestry administration’s current rules and check them before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Fognano, San Pietro In Campiano, Massa Lombarda, Villa Inferno, Conselice, Castel Bolognese, Cannuzzo, Savio, Bagnara Di Romagna, Casalborsetti, Lido Adriano, Lido Di Dante, Marina Di Ravenna, Marina Romea, Punta Marina, Bagnacavallo, San Bernardino, Lugo, Faenza, Russi, Castiglione, Malcantone, Lido Di Classe, Brisighella, Sant'agata Sul Santerno, Cotignola, Porto Corsini, Voltana, Santerno, Casola Valsenio, Ghibullo, Fosso Ghiaia, Il Palazzone, Alfonsine, Ravenna, Lido Del Savio, Milano Marittima, Cervia, Riolo Terme, Pinarella, San Pietro In Vincoli, Fossolo, San Zaccaria, Area Industriale, San Pietro In Trento, Classe, Castel Raniero.

For the broader travel overview: Emilia-Romagna.