Nestled in Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, Ravenna often flies under the radar compared with Rome, Florence, or Venice – but that’s exactly what makes it special.
Ravenna stands out for its extraordinary Byzantine mosaics, considered some of the finest in the world. The richness and variety of colours, combined with the astonishing attention to detail, are truly stunning. I’ve visited many beautiful churches across Italy, but the ones in Ravenna genuinely took my breath away.
The city was once the capital of the Western Roman Empire and later the Byzantine stronghold in Italy. Today, its churches and monuments are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, offering a rare glimpse into perfectly preserved early Christian art.
In this travel guide, I will share everything you need to know about visiting Ravenna – from how to get there, the highlights you can’t miss, where to stay, how long to stay, and the best time of year to visit. Whether you’re an art lover, history buff, or culture vulture, you will find something to enchant and amaze you in this underrated city.
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How to Get to Ravenna
By Train
Ravenna is well connected by rail. The main station – Ravenna Centrale – has regular trains to and from major cities:
- Bologna: 1-1.5 hours by train (direct)
- Rimini: 1 hour by train (direct)
- Florence: 2.5-3 hours by train (via Bologna)
- Milan: 2.5-3 hours by train (via Bologna)
- Venice: 3 hours by train, with a change in Ferrara or Bologna
From the station it’s a 10-minute walk to Piazza del Popolo and the heart of the historic centre.
By Car
Ravenna is a pleasant drive from Bologna (1.5h) and Rimini (45m), with ample parking options around the historic centre.
How Long to Stay in Ravenna
I’ve been to Ravenna twice – first with my husband, and later with him and his parents. On both occasions we agreed that, while the city makes a wonderful day trip, it would have been even better to spend the night. We had time to see the famous mosaics and major monuments, but an extra day would have allowed us to explore at a more relaxed pace and uncover some of the lesser-known corners of the city.
Where to Stay in Ravenna
Because Ravenna’s historic centre is compact and largely pedestrianised, staying centrally makes sightseeing wonderfully easy. Look for accommodation close to Piazza del Popolo, Via Corrado Ricci, or near San Vitale, where you’ll be within walking distance of most UNESCO monuments, cafés, and restaurants.
I’ve rounded up some highly rated hotels and apartments you might want to check out:
- Ai Giardini di San Vitale ($$) – A welcoming B&B in Ravenna, set near the famous Basilica of San Vitale. Surrounded by a peaceful garden, it offers comfortable rooms and a relaxing atmosphere.
- Le Camere di Olivia ($$) – A charming guesthouse in the heart of Ravenna, offering cozy, well-appointed rooms with a welcoming atmosphere. Its central location on Via Maggiore makes it an ideal base for exploring Ravenna.
- Hotel Palazzo Bezzi ($$$) – A beautifully restored 19th‑century palazzo, Palazzo Bezzi blends historic charm with modern comfort, offering elegant rooms, a rooftop terrace with city views, and a wellness area with sauna and Turkish bath for relaxation.
- Hotel Palazzo Galletti Abbiosi ($$$) – Set in a former monastery, this hotel combines classic architecture with modern amenities, featuring bright rooms, a peaceful courtyard garden, and a central location near Ravenna’s mosaic sites.
- Exclusive ApartHotel La Reunion ($$$) – La Reunion provides stylish serviced apartments with fully equipped kitchens and separate living areas, perfect for families or longer stays, while still offering hotel services like daily cleaning and reception support.
When to Visit Ravenna
The best time to visit Ravenna is in spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October), when the weather is mild, the light is perfect for viewing mosaics, and crowds are manageable.
Summer can be hot and busy, though local festivals and nearby beaches add appeal, while winter is quiet and atmospheric, offering lower prices but colder, rainier days.
How to Get Around Ravenna
Ravenna’s major sights are clustered in the old town, making it ideal for walking or cycling. The city centre feels calm and intimate, with leafy squares, pastel-coloured buildings, and pedestrianised streets.
Unlike Italy’s busier art cities, the pace here is refreshingly slow. You won’t be fighting crowds, and you’ll have time to truly absorb the atmosphere and artwork that make this city so unique.
Ravenna’s Highlights – What to Expect
I’ll keep the details of Ravenna’s sights brief, because nothing compares to that first breathtaking moment of seeing them in person. Pictures simply don’t do them justice – you have to experience them yourself!
Basilica of San Vitale
This extraordinary octagonal basilica is Ravenna’s masterpiece. As you step inside, your eyes are immediately drawn upward to the mesmerizing mosaics covering the apse (the curved section at the back of the church, where the altar sits). The most famous panels depict Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora, surrounded by their court, elegantly dressed in imperial robes. The attention to detail is incredible – from jewel-studded crowns to the folds of fabric. The basilica’s unusual shape, combined with the spectacular use of light and colour, creates an almost hypnotic effect.
Mausoleum of Galla Placidia
From the outside, this small brick building looks rather modest, but stepping inside feels like entering a jewellery box. The interior is covered with deep blue mosaics dotted with golden stars – one of the oldest intact mosaic interiors in Ravenna.
Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo
This long, airy basilica offers a fascinating visual journey through early Christianity. Along the walls runs a series of mosaics showing rows of saints, martyrs, and biblical scenes, all moving in ceremonial procession. Crane your neck back to admire the dazzling golden ceiling – it catches the light beautifully and adds a real sense of warmth and grandeur to the space.
Museo e Cappella Arcivescovile
Often overlooked, this museum is well worth visiting. It houses religious artefacts, early Christian art, and mosaic fragments. The highlight is the Chapel of St Andrew, an intimate space completely covered in mosaics – far less crowded than the major basilicas but just as impressive.
Battistero Neoniano
One of Ravenna’s oldest surviving buildings, this baptistery features a breathtaking mosaic dome depicting the Baptism of Christ. Apostles circle the scene, their robes flowing in rhythmic patterns. The light filtering in highlights the golden details, creating a peaceful and contemplative space.
Battistero degli Ariani
Built by the Ostrogoths in the 6th century, this baptistery reflects Ravenna’s layered religious history. The mosaic dome is simpler but still striking, with Christ being baptised by John the Baptist, surrounded by the apostles. Its quieter atmosphere makes it a lovely contrast to the busier sites.
Dante’s Tomb
Dante’s Tomb is a small neoclassical monument built in 1781 to honour Italy’s greatest poet. Nestled in the quiet “Zone of Silence” beside the Basilica of San Francesco, Dante’s Tomb is less about grandeur and more about intimacy and reverence. It’s free to enter, and offers visitors the chance for quiet reflection on Dante’s legacy and the enduring influence of his words.
Entrance Tickets & Guided Tours
Ravenna offers a combined ticket for major UNESCO sites (San Vitale, Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, Galla Placidia, Neoniano and Arcivescovile), which is cheaper than paying for each site individually.
According to Ravenna’s official tourism site, there are different combined tickets depending on the sites you want to visit.
- €10.50 – Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo & Basilica of San Vitale
- €12.50 – Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, Basilica of San Vitale, Mausoleum of Galla Placidia & Neonian Baptistery
- €14.50 – Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, Basilica of San Vitale, Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, Neonian Baptistery & Archiepiscopal Museum and Chapel of St. Andrew
Tickets can be booked online or bought on-site the day of the visit, at the ticket office of each monumental area. Reduced and free admission is available, so double-check if you are eligible.
Joining A Guided Tour vs Exploring Independently
My family and I explored Ravenna independently, reading the display boards and blog posts to enhance our understanding of the historical sites. You can also download free PDF maps (available in multiple languages), which showcase different aspects of the city, from the classic sights to local street art, maritime routes and attractions and family-friendly activities.
If you want deeper historical context – especially the Byzantine and early Christian symbolism woven through the mosaics – I suggest joining an organised tour.
Tours can range around €25-€30 including entrance and guide, often lasting ~2-3 hours. Many start near San Vitale or from the tourist office.
Where and What to Eat in Ravenna
Ravenna is located in Emilia-Romagna, widely regarded as Italy’s greatest food region, so eating well here is almost guaranteed. Expect rich pasta dishes, fresh Adriatic seafood, and exceptional local wines.
Here are some regional dishes to try while you’re in Ravenna:
- Piadina Romagnola – This local flatbread is the ultimate street food. Slightly crispy on the outside and soft inside, it’s typically filled with squacquerone cheese, prosciutto crudo, rocket, or grilled vegetables. You’ll find tiny piadina shops all over town, and it makes a perfect quick lunch while sightseeing.
- Cappelletti in Brodo – Small stuffed pasta parcels served in a rich meat broth. Comforting, warming, and especially popular in cooler months, this dish is a regional classic you’ll find in traditional trattorias.
- Adriatic Seafood – Being close to the coast means fresh fish and shellfish are staples. Look for grilled sea bream, mussels in white wine, and seafood risotto featuring the catch of the day.
- Passatelli – A unique local pasta made from breadcrumbs, eggs, and Parmesan, served in broth or sometimes with seafood. It’s hearty, flavourful, and unlike anything you’ll find elsewhere in Italy.
We enjoyed our seafood lunch at Fish Market – Pescheria Gastronomia & Bottega con Cucina, which is an affordable local spot. If you’d like a more traditional sit-down lunch, check out Trattoria La Rustica and Osteria al Paiolo. Both of these restaurants are well-reviewed for their classic Romagnol dishes (meaning from the Romagna region), slow-cooked meat, handmade pasta, and authentic regional cooking.
If you’d like a quick lunch on the go, order one of Ravenna’s must-try piadinas at La Piadina del Melarancio and Profumo di Piadina. If you need some more ideas, check out this free map of Ravenna’s culinary highlights.
I hope that this blog post has convinced you to add Ravenna to your Emilia-Romagna itinerary. With its dazzling mosaics, walkable streets, and hearty cuisine, it’s a perfect stop between Italy’s larger cities. A guided tour enriches the experience, but even wandering on your own, Ravenna’s timeless beauty speaks for itself.
Planning your trip to Emilia-Romagna? Check out my 7-day Emilia-Romagna itinerary which includes Bologna, Modena, Ravenna and Padua (which isn’t technically in Emilia-Romagna but it’s such a great city, I had to include it!)
Ciao for now
Izzie, the Curious Sparrow