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Ravenna
Culture & history

Culture & history

Our most recommended Ravenna Culture & history

Ravenna: UNESCO Monuments and Mosaics Guided Tour

1. Ravenna: UNESCO Monuments and Mosaics Guided Tour

Marvel at the world-famous mosaics of Ravenna on a guided tour and learn all about their rich history. Enjoy tickets to 4 outstanding local landmarks and explore them in the company of an expert. Experience the best of the city in just one day with this insightful adventure. Starting from the convenient meeting point in Piazza San Francesco, journey through the streets of the city center with your guide to experience four incredible UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, the Basilica of San Vitale, the Neonian Baptistery. You will have the opportunity to visit: The Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo: originally used as a Palatine Church of Arianism, today it allows us to reconstruct the evolution of Byzantine wall mosaics from the age of Theodoric to that of Justinian. The Basilica of San Vitale: one of the most important monuments of early Christian art in Italy. When you enter the basilica, your gaze is captured by the high spaces, the wonderful mosaic decorations of the apse and the extraordinary representation of the imperial couple of Byzantium: Justinian and Theodora, with their procession. The Mausoleum of Galla Placidia: it was built around the middle of the 5th century, at the behest of Galla Placidia, who ruled the Western Roman Empire. The innumerable stars of the dome have struck the imagination and sensitivity of visitors over the centuries, and of outstanding personalities such as the great poet Dante Alighieri, who drew inspiration from them for the writing of some verses of the Divine Comedy. The Neonian Baptistery: one of the oldest monuments of the city, made of simple brick on the outside but rich in marble, stucco, and mosaics of clear Hellenistic-Roman influence inside. At the end of the tour the guide will accompany you to the entrance of the Archbishop’s Museum, so that you can visit it independently, each according to their interests and timing. Inside, in addition to many archaeological finds and works of art, is kept the last of the 5 UNESCO monuments included in the ticket, the Chapel of Saint Andrew, which with its depiction of the glorification of Christ is the only example of early Christian archiepiscopal chapel still intact to this day.

Ravenna: UNESCO Mosaics Entry Tickets

2. Ravenna: UNESCO Mosaics Entry Tickets

See more of Ravenna with a combo ticket for San Vitale and Sant Apollinare Nuovo, with an included visit to St. Andrew's Chapel inside the Archiepiscopal Museum. San Vitale: In Ravenna, check out the San Vitale, an octagonal 6th-century wonder that combines classic Roman and Byzantine architectural elements. Along its walls, stories from the Old Testament are depicted using thousands of tiny tiles to create intricate mosaics. Adjacent mosaics pay loyal tribute to Roman royalty – Emporer Justinian I and Empress Theodora. The mausoleum of Galla Placidia, dating from the first half of the 5th century, is not far from the Basilica of San Vitale. Its functional identification with a funerary building and that of its patron, the empress Galla Placidia, are widely spread in academic circles, but there is no certainty of either. The mausoleum is listed as an Italian UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sant Apollinare Nuovo: Erected by Ostrogoth king Theodoric the Great in the 6th century, the discreet Sant Apollinare Nuovo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with hidden treasures. Inside, you'll discover floor-to-ceiling mosaics from the Byzantine era, once painted black by Pope Gregory the Great to keep parishioners focused on prayer, and reconstructed after damage from WWI. Inside, you'll find the oldest mosaic cycle related to the life of Christ. St. Andrew's Chapel: Evidence of the religious divide during the early Byzantine era can be seen clearly at St. Andrew's Chapel, where more mosaics tell the story of important people and places of Ravenna. Dubbed the "hidden pearl" of the Archbishop Museum, St. Andrew's Chapel can be found inside. As the private chapel for the bishops of Ravenna, it contains epigraphs, the Cathedral treasure, and an ivory throne of bishop Maximian. The Neonian Baptistery is named after Bishop Neon, who continued its construction after his predecessor, Ursus. Inside, it stands out for the decoration of the entire mosaic dome dating back to the time of Bishop Neone.

Ravenna: Dante Alighieri's Lifetime & Landmarks Walking Tour

3. Ravenna: Dante Alighieri's Lifetime & Landmarks Walking Tour

Ravenna is the last shelter of Dante, the father of the italian language, and it is the city that hosts his grave which is the starting point of our tour. Retrace the traces left by the Supreme Poet in Ravenna during the fourteenth century and all the following years, visiting not only his tomb, but also the Basilica of San Francesco that hosted his solemn funerals on September 13th, 1321 and walking aroud the city center to discover Dante Alighieri’s adventures in his last years, the exile, the life in the city, the death and the struggling dispute for his remains, as well as the enhancements of the sepulchre over the centuries.

Ravenna: Walking Tour with Stunning Byzantine Mosaics

4. Ravenna: Walking Tour with Stunning Byzantine Mosaics

Discover Ravenna, one of Italy's most spectacular cities, with this fantastic walking tour. After meeting your guide, start from the church of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, dating from the 6th century. Then find out all about the infamous poet Dante in the area named the "zone of silence", dedicated to the cult and memory of Dante Alighieri. Beside the poet's tomb you will find the Dante museum and the Franciscan cloisters with the statues of San Francesco and Santa Chiara. Continuing your tour, head towards the Neonian baptistery with its perfectly preserved architectural structure and interior decoration, consisting of stuccos and the magnificent mosaic of the baptism of Christ. Make your way to the Palazzo Rasponi to reach the Piazza del Popolo, the main square of the city. The tour concludes with the wonderful Basilica of San Vitale dating from the 6th century, and testimony to the Roman-Byzantine empire. With an octagonal central plan, the church still preserves the splendid scenes of the Old Testament and the famous panels of the imperial couple Justinian and Theodora of the Eastern Roman Empire. Next to the basilica, visit the Mausoleum of the Roman Empress Galla Placidiay, rich in unique mosaic decorations.

From Bologna: Ravenna Unesco Monuments Guided Tour

5. From Bologna: Ravenna Unesco Monuments Guided Tour

The site is of outstanding universal value being of remarkable significance by virtue of the supreme artistry of the mosaic art that the monuments contain, and also because of the crucial evidence that they provide of artistic and religious relationships and contacts at an important period of European cultural history. In this way the Unesco World Heritage motivated why eight monuments of Ravenna had been added to the World Heritage List. The eternal beauty of the mosaics guarded inside some of the most famous Ravenna Unesco monuments, Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, Mausoleo di Galla Placidia, Basilica of San Vitale, Battistero Neoniano and Chapel of Sant'Andrea. The visit that starts from Piazza San Francesco, into the city centre, and leads you to several Unesco monuments.

Ravenna: City Highlights Guided Walking Tour

6. Ravenna: City Highlights Guided Walking Tour

Discover Ravenna on a guided city walking tour and head off the beaten track to find hidden gems. Learn the history behind each turn from your guide, from its historical center and its evocative installations and street art. Meet your guide in the beautiful Piazza San Francesco and begin your guided walking tour through the main squares like Piazza del Popolo, Piazza Garibaldi & Pizza dell'Aquila. Lose yourself in the winding streets of the historical center, admiring the various churches and basilicas; like San Francesco and San Giovanni Evangelista. See houses and small buildings adorned with portals, double lancet windows, balconies, and porticoes, and learn about the city renovations made during the Venetian occupation in the second half of the 15th century. Then, take a detour and marvel at the city's thriving art scene as you view evocative art installations and innovative street art, from artist like Kobra and Blub. Hear about the poets and revolutionaries that have been welcomed in Ravenna over the centuries, especially Dante Alighieri and Byron.

Best of Ravenna UNESCO Attractions With a Local Expert

7. Best of Ravenna UNESCO Attractions With a Local Expert

Our first stop is the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, a small yet breathtaking monument that showcases the beauty of Ravenna's early Christian art. Step inside this UNESCO World Heritage Site and be mesmerized by the shimmering mosaics that adorn the walls and ceiling. The deep blue hues and intricate designs create an ethereal atmosphere, transporting you back to the 5th century. As you explore the mausoleum, don't miss the remarkable mosaic depicting the Good Shepherd—a powerful symbol of the Christian faith. Next, we make our way to Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, a basilica that leaves visitors in awe with its vibrant mosaics and striking architecture. Originally built as a Palatine Chapel, it later became a place of worship. The mosaic panels lining the nave depict biblical scenes, showcasing stories from both the Old and New Testaments. Marvel at the exquisite craftsmanship and vivid colors that bring these narratives to life. One of the most iconic mosaics here is the Procession of the Magi, a stunning portrayal of the three wise men on their journey to meet the baby Jesus. Our final destination is the Basilica of San Vitale, considered a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. As you step inside, you'll be captivated by the intricate mosaic designs covering the walls and vaulted ceilings. The apse mosaic, featuring Emperor Justinian and his court, is a sight to behold. It is matched in grandeur by the mosaic depicting Empress Theodora, which is equally breathtaking. The basilica's design, with its octagonal shape and towering dome, showcases the architectural prowess of the time. As we conclude our tour of Galla Placidia, Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, and San Vitale, you will leave with a deeper appreciation for the artistry and cultural significance of these remarkable sites. Ravenna's mosaics are truly a feast for the eyes and stand as a testament to the city's rich history and enduring beauty.

Ravenna Port: Transfer to Venice with Tour and Gondola Ride

8. Ravenna Port: Transfer to Venice with Tour and Gondola Ride

Take this stress-free transfer with your luggage from Ravenna port on a shore excursion to Venice. Store your luggage and go on a guided tour to admire sights like Doge’s Palace, Rialto Bridge and St Mark's Basilica. Enjoy an extraordinary gondola ride to round off your experience. Skip crowds and walking by transferring within Venice by boat. Be greeted by your host and hop aboard an air-conditioned vehicle with room for luggage storage. Sit back and relax as you take in views of the Italian countryside on the ride to Venice. Upon arrival, meet your guide and leave your luggage securely locked away on the bus. Transfer from the bus parking area to Piazzale Roma to begin your tour. Stroll across the first bridge of Venice and hop on a beautiful private water boat to get transferred to the St Mark's Square. Along the way, see the main sights of Venice the way they were meant to be seen - from the water. See the central square of Venice, St Marks Piazza. Watch as your guide points out the mosaics adorning the ancient Basilica and its clock tower along with the Campanile (belltower). Admire views of Doge’s Palace, which for over 1000 years, served as the government administrative center of the region. Here you will also experience the world-famous Venice gondola ride, in small groups of maximum 5 people. Next, explore the San Marco Square on your own, or join your guide and head to the lively Rialto market where locals go for fresh fish and produce. Have the opportunity to buy a snack or drink, browse the local delicacies, and go souvenir shopping (at your own expense). Cross the Rialto Bridge and soak in the views of the canal. Learn about the lives of traders and merchants. Afterward, transfer to the luggage storage. Your guide will help you with tips or arrangements to get to your next destination, whether the airport, hotel, or a train station.

Ravenna: Dante Alighieri's Ravenna Audio Guide

9. Ravenna: Dante Alighieri's Ravenna Audio Guide

Journey from late antiquity Ravenna to the Middle Ages through the eyes of Dante Alighieri with this audio guide. Take in Gothic, Byzantine, and Venetian architecture, some of the most beautiful and well-known mosaics in the world, and the final resting place of Dante Alighieri, the writer of the Divine Comedy. Follow in Dante's footsteps to visit some of the city's many UNESCO Sites, including the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, Sant’Apollinare Nuova, and the Basilica of San Vitale. Along the way, hear about Giuliano Argentario, the James Bond of antiquity, get acquainted with Camillo Benso, one of the founding fathers of Italy, and find out what it takes to get a statue of yourself placed in the people's square. Feel free to start, pause, or restart at any time and complete your visit at your own pace. If your travel plans change, you can use the audio guide at any date of your choice or use the virtual in-app option for an at-home experience.

Ravenna: Private Walking Tour With Mosaics

10. Ravenna: Private Walking Tour With Mosaics

Discover Ravenna and visit the most significant monuments of the city on a walking tour. Join your private guide on a gentle stroll through ancient streets and learn about their rich history. Admire the early Christian and Byzantine mosaics, with tickets included. Meet your guide to explore what was the capital of the Western Roman Empire between the 5th and 8th centuries. Travel through local history, from the days of the Roman Empire to the Kingdom of the Ostrogoths, and finally, to the Byzantine Exarchate. Come across the traces of this intricate past, gathered in the splendid early Christian buildings and UNESCO monuments. Access the world-famous mosaics and marvel at their incredible designs. Gaze at the majestic Basilica of San Apollinare.

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What people are saying about Ravenna

Overall rating

5.0 / 5

based on 5 reviews

Very pleased we chose to take the tour rather than self guide. We had Marta, the guide, to ourselves and she was very engaging and enthusiastic to share her knowledge of the wonderful history and treasures of Ravenna. Thoroughly recommend. Easy booking process and friendly staff.

Una visita guidata Top ! La nostra guida era preparatissima , molto cordiale e appassionata del suo lavoro . Ci ha fatto conoscere le bellezze di Ravenna nelle tre ore previste che sono volate ! Ottima organizzazione e grazie di cuore

The tour was awesome. Marta, the tour guide, was great and very knowledgeable. We were in Ravenna for just one day and the tour was perfect - we not only had a history lesson of the city but also the Roman empire.

Marta was an excellent guide. The mosaics are incredible - and somewhat overwhelming- to see. Understanding the symbolism contained within them makes one appreciate them all the more. Highly Recommend!

Excellent guide with great knowledge and enthusiasm