City Guide
City of Romagna region, Ravenna is a place rich in history and art. In its past, it was the capital three times: of the Western Roman Empire, of the Ostrogoths Kingdom and of the Byzantine Exarchate. Thanks to these important vestiges, the complex of the first Christian monuments of Ravenna has been included, since 1996, in the list of Italian heritage sites of humanity by UNESCO.
Ravenna is a city rich also of sea and nature. Its emblematic landscapes are characterized by the greatest artistic heritage of the world immersed in natural resources of great charm. It’s possible to enjoy its beauties by bike, through a long system of cycle paths that soon will connect the cruise terminal to the city, and practicing outdoor sports.
The city is also well known for its food tradition, with some delicious specialties such as piadina and cappelletti, as well as for its beaches and night life.
Brisighella Village
Beautiful village dating back to the end of the thirteenth century, with fascinating history and rich architecture. On the hills above Brisighella, along the ridge of the Apennines, there are
FICO Eataly World
To learn the Italian culinary culture, immerse yourself in its heritage of traditions and crafts that make Italian food unique in the world, you cannot miss a visit to the
La Piallassa della Baiona
La Pialassa (or Piallassa) della Baiona is a protected natural area located in the Ravenna municipality, about 10 km north of the city. The lagoon is formed by a network
Mausoleum of Galla Placidia
The Mausoleum was erected in the mid-fifth century by emperor Honorius -who had transferred the Capital of the Western Empire from Milan to Ravenna – for his sister Galla Placidia.
Neonian or Orthodox Baptistery
It is one of the most ancient monuments of Ravenna, probably dating back to the beginning of the V century and later restored under the bishop Neone (450-475). Among the
Giardini Pensili
The Rasponi Crypt and and the Giardini Pensili (‘Roof gardens’) of the Provincia Palace are next Dante’s tomb. The oldest part of the architectural complex is the crypt, with a
Basilic of San Vitale
The octagonal church was built between 535 and 547 and it shows the influence of oriental art. The most famous mosaics celebrate the Emperors Justinian and Theodora with court men
Basilic of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo
This is the most prestigious arian church, erected by the ostrogoth king Theoderic next to his palace. It is called ‘Nuovo’ (New) to distinguish it from Sant’Apollinare in Classe, where
Mausoleum of Theodoric
The monument was built in 520 by Theoderic using Istrian stone, which makes it different from Ravenna brick buildings and more similar to Roman massive mausoleums. It was inscribed with
Brancaleone Fortress
It was built by Venetians in the mid-fifteenth century to strengthen the city’s defenses, it consists of a fortress, with imposing circular towers, and the citadel. It houses a beautiful
Arian Baptistery
This baptistery was erected during Theodoric’s reign, when Ravenna was the capital of the empire and the Arianism was the official religion of the court. Due to this heretical doctrine,
Piazza del Popolo
It is the main square of Ravenna, located right in the center of the town. You can admire Palazzo Comunale and the statues of the two patrons, Saint Apollinare and
Dante’s Tomb
The famous poet who celebrated Florence is actually buried in Ravenna, where he died of malaria during his exile (1318-1321). The neoclassical mausoleum was built at the end of the
Classe & Cervia – by car
DURATION 3 HOURS If you have a car, you can enrich your visit to Ravenna through itineraries that go beyond the wonderful natural areas that surround it. On this tour
Marina di Ravenna – Tour from Porto Corsini
DURATION 2 HOURS The area surrounding Porto Corsini is also full of interesting places: one of these is Marina di Ravenna, a beautiful seaside town where you can relax, play
Ravenna Mosaics
DURATION 3 HOURS In the heart of Ravenna, a journey that guides cruise passengers to discover the thousand facets of one of its greatest artistic treasures: the mosaic. The trip
Ravenna Past & Present
DURATION 2 HOURS A tour to discover Ravenna and its historical-architectural and naturalistic beauties. The trip estimated time does not include the transportation from the Cruise Terminal to Ravenna city
Cappelletti
Cappelletti are similar to Bologna-style tortellini but they are bigger and stuffed with cheese instead of meat.
Hand-Printed Fabrics
Fabrics realized using the traditional tools and different colours made of minerals. The decorations refer to the farming life.
Faenza Ceramics
Faenza majolica was invented in the XIV century. You can still find objects of daily use, design and works of art realised using this method. The “Ceramica artistica e tradizionale” (artistic and traditional ceramic) brand will help you recognize products made according to traditional techniques and styles.
Mosaics
This ancient art revives in Ravenna: you can buy unique handmade objects, characterized by the unmistakable colored tesserae.
Squacquerone Cheese
Typical pasteurized cow’s milk cheese with raw paste and extremely soft and creamy.
Piadina
Passatelli
Typical Wines
Among the typical wines: Albana, Trebbiano, Pinot, Sangiovese and Pagadebit.
Where to Buy
If you want to buy typical local products in Ravenna, we suggest you go to Piazza del Popolo and immerse yourself in its typical alleys, full of markets rich in handicrafts, food and local wines.
It is easy to find typical products even in supermarkets and at city InfoPoints you will receive al suggestions you may need.
Walking
Ravenna is on the routes of two major walking journeys: the “Cammino di Dante” from Florence to Ravenna (380km) and the “Via Romea Germanica” from Stade (Germany) to Rome (2.200km).