All about the city of Ravenna in Italy. The name may not ring a bell immediately, but it is a destination that is well worth going off the beaten path for!

3. An Introduction to the City of Ravenna, Italy

4. Ravenna, Italy is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
It is sometimes referred to as Italy’s Byzantium.

5. It was once the capital of the Western Roman Empire until 476 A.D., and in 751 A.D., also became the capital of the Kingdom of the Lombards.

6. These days, Ravenna is mostly known for hosting the annual Ravenna Festival which is one of Italy’s most prominent events for classical music and theater.

7. It is also famous for being the place where the poet Dante is buried. He lived in Ravenna for 20 years, and it was also here that he wrote his masterpiece, the Divine Comedy.

8. The main stars of the show, however, would be the Byzantine and Christian mosaics that can be found at various locations within the city, all of which are considered the best outside of Istanbul.

9. The main points of interest in the city are, first and foremost, the World Heritage Sites:
•Baptistry of Neon
•Mausoleum of Galla Placidia
•Arian Baptistry
•Archiepiscopal Chapel
•Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo
•Mausoleum of Theoderic
•Basilica of San Vitale
•Basilica of Sant'Apollinare in Classe

10. All of these structures are at least 1500 years old, and each one of them contains beautiful and fantastic examples of Byzantine mosaics.

11. Other points of interest include:

12. The Ravenna National Museum
which houses 14th century frescoes as well as Roman and Byzantine artifacts

13. The Dante Museum
Features the role played in Dante’s life by the city of Ravenna, where the exiled poet spent his last days. Focus of the exhibition is the iconography of Dante, exemplified by busts, paintings, medals and icons

14. The Museo Arcivescovile di Ravenna
Where relics of early Christian Ravenna are preserved.

15. Teatro Alighieri, Palazzo Mauro de Andre, and the Basilicas
Where various cultural events such as theatrical shows and operas are staged.

16. For those who would like to do a bit of shopping, there is an antiques market held on the third weekend of every month.

17. Travelling to Ravenna

18. By Train:
Ravenna can be reached directly by train if you’re coming from either Bologna, Rimini, or Ferrara

19. It is also easily accessible by bus and by car.
By air, there is a small airport in the neighboring town of Forli, about 20 kilometers away from Ravenna

20. Take note if driving:
The city caters mostly to pedestrians, and a lot of the locals travel by bicycle or on foot. The city’s historic center is a pedestrian zone.

21. There is a combo-ticket available that grants you access to a majority of the attractions, so make sure to ask your travel agent or tour organizer about getting one for you.

22. Ravenna offers a respite and a refreshing change of pace for those who want to get away for a while, so the next time you plan your trip to Italy, try adding it to your list of places to go to!

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