Mediterranean · Italy
Ravenna Travel Guide
Ravenna is Italy's mosaic capital — home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites containing the finest Byzantine mosaics outside Istanbul. Once the capital of the Western Roman Empire and later the heart of Byzantine Italy, this small city punches extraordinarily above its weight in art and history.
How Do You Get from the Port to the City?
Porto Corsini is 15km from Ravenna's centre. Take the shuttle bus provided by the cruise line (usually free, 40 min) to Piazza Caduti in the heart of the city. Taxis cost 30-35 euro each way.
What Can You See in 6 Hours?
Basilica of San Vitale — The crown jewel of Ravenna. 6th-century Byzantine mosaics of Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora that are among the finest artworks in Western civilisation.
Mausoleum of Galla Placidia — A tiny, unassuming building with the most breathtaking mosaic ceiling you'll ever see. A starry night sky in deep blue and gold. Genuinely awe-inspiring.
Basilica di Sant'Apollinare Nuovo — A procession of mosaic saints marching along the nave walls. Commissioned by the Ostrogothic King Theoderic in the 6th century.
Dante's Tomb — The great poet died in exile in Ravenna in 1321. His small but dignified tomb is free to visit. Florence still wants his bones back.
Where Should You Eat in Ravenna?
Piadina: Romagna's signature flatbread, folded around prosciutto, squacquerone (soft cheese), and rocket. The ultimate Italian street food. Found everywhere for 4-6 euro.
Cappelletti: Small stuffed pasta in broth — the Romagnol answer to tortellini. The traditional Sunday dish, available daily at trattorias.
Passatelli: Pasta made from breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and eggs, served in broth. A unique Romagnol speciality.
Is Ravenna Worth Exploring Independently?
Ravenna's UNESCO sites are all within walking distance of each other in a compact, flat city centre. The combined ticket makes them affordable. Ship excursions charge a premium for a guided tour of sites you can walk between in 5 minutes. Go independently and spend the savings on piadina.
Useful Local Phrases
Buongiorno
Good morning
(bwon-JOR-noh)
Il conto, per favore
The bill, please
(eel KON-toh, pair fah-VOR-eh)
Quanto costa?
How much?
(KWAN-toh KOS-tah)
Grazie mille
Thank you very much
(GRAH-tsee-eh MEE-leh)
Local Tips
- •Buy the combined mosaic ticket (12.50 euro) — it covers the five main Byzantine sites and Ravenna's museum. Sold at any of the sites.
- •The Basilica of San Vitale and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia are the two must-sees. If time is limited, prioritise these.
- •Dante Alighieri is buried in Ravenna, not Florence. His modest tomb near the Basilica of San Francesco is free to visit.
- •Ravenna is flat and bikeable. Some shuttle services offer bike rentals at the drop-off point — a great way to cover more ground.