Ever heard of Ravenna? If not, you’re missing out! This elegant town in Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region is home to the most stunning art in Europe. But Ravenna isn’t just about mosaics from the Byzantine period —there’s plenty to explore in a single day!
If you love art and discovering hidden gems, add Ravenna to your Italy trip. It’s one of Northern Italy’s most beautiful cities and a refreshing escape from busy Bologna.
What makes it so special?
Once the capital of the Western Roman Empire (AD 402), Ravenna is now famous worldwide for its early Christian and Byzantine mosaics. These masterpieces are the best surviving examples of this art form in Europe. With eight UNESCO-listed monuments, it’s the perfect day trip from Bologna.
Why go?
Ravenna mosaics are like nothing else in the world. They mix Western and Eastern styles, showcasing unmatched artistic skills and unbelievable details.
Ravenna has a high concentration of mosaics, earning its title ‘Capital of Mosaics’.
A CITY THAT SHAPED HISTORY
Did you know this city once linked Europe and the Eastern world? It gained power in the 1st century BC and served as the capital of the Western Roman Empire from AD 402 until its fall in 476. The Ostrogoths ruled next, and in AD 540, the Byzantine Emperor Justinian transformed Ravenna into a key city of the Byzantine Empire.
The best Ravenna mosaics
This city boasts eight UNESCO-listed treasures, each decorated with mind-blowing mosaics. They offer a comparison between classically inspired designs and later Byzantine motifs. The best part? Six of the eight monuments are in the city centre, all within walking distance. The last two are just a quick trip south, approximately 6 km away. We suggest you visit the famous attractions before exploring other places.
Warning: you might walk away with a sore neck from looking up!
TIP:
For the best experience, follow this walking plan, if you arrive from the train station: Start your tour at the Arian Baptistery, then visit:
- Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo
- Chapel of Sant’Andrea
- Baptistery of Neon
- Basilica of San Vitale
- Mausoleum of Galla Placidia
1. Arian Baptistery
Most visitors to Ravenna rush to its famous basilicas but one small building near the train station holds a secret most people miss. The Arian Baptistery is one of the city’s eight UNESCO monuments. It tells the story of a lost Arian Christian faith, which was an early branch of Christianity. Built between the late 5th century and the beginning of the 6th century by King Theodoric, this octagonal building once belonged to a larger complex.
Look closely—history is beneath your feet. The original floor of the Battistero degli Ariani lies over two meters underground, just like many ancient monuments in this city. Over the centuries, Ravenna rose as layers of history built up. Inside, only one decoration remains—but it’s breathtaking. The golden dome shows naked Jesus, standing in the waters of the River Jordan. Around him, the apostles form a perfect circle, their robes glowing against the background. But something is different. Unlike most Christian art, Jesus appears young, and beardless, showing him as an earthly and divine being. A dove above drizzles water on his head, symbolizing the Holy Spirit.
The Baptism of Christ took artists years to complete. When you look closely, you can spot different colours of stones, illustrating the grass at the feet of the apostles.
FUN FACT:
You’ll see a very similar mosaic later at the Baptistery of Neon, but there’s a twist. That one belongs to Orthodox Christianity, while this one represents the lost Arian religion. This design decoration of the Arian Baptistery shows the religion of Theodoric’s court. King Theodoric, an Arian, built this baptistery as a political statement, only Christians constructed baptisteries.
GOOD TO KNOW:
You can find the Arian Baptistery in a small square next to the old Arian cathedral of Santo Spirito. As of March 2025, a ticket to the Arian Baptistery costs just €2. Buy it from the vending machine next to the entrance.
2. Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo
Don’t confuse the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo with the Basilica of Sant’ Apollinare Classe, which you can find about 6 km from the city.
At first glance, the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo looks like a simple brick church near the train station. Few realize this stunning 6th-century church hides a dramatic religious transformation. King Theodoric the Great built it as an Arian church dedicated to Christ the Redeemer but when the Byzantines took over, they converted it into a Catholic church. Emperor Justinian I rededicated it to St Martin of Tours. Over time, its name changed too. The church got its current name after the first bishop of Ravenna in the half of the 9th century. This happened when the locals moved the body of Saint Apollinare here from its former location in the Basilica of Sant’ Apollinare Classe.
WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL?
Visiting the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo is one of the best things to do in Ravenna because this church holds some of the best Ravenna mosaics. According to UNESCO, the mosaics retain a traditional Roman style that shows a strong Byzantine influence. Built as a Palatine chapel, the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo is one of the most important buildings from the period of crucial cultural significance in European religious art.
When you step inside, you’ll see two long side walls covered in beautiful mosaics, divided into three sections. They date back to approximately 500 (under the Arian king Theodoric) and circa 560 (under Catholic administration). The top row shows scenes from Christ’s life and the middle depicts Saints and Prophets. The lower section portrays ships in the nearby Roman port of Classis on the left. The right side shows Ravenna with its churches and Theodoric’s Palace.
HIDDEN DETAILS:
This basilica has an exciting history and has been altered over time. If you look closely at the columns, you’ll notice something strange—arms and hands floating in midair. These were once parts of illustrations representing praying Goths and Theodoric’s court. When the Byzantines took over, they erased anything connected to Arian Christianity and scenes expressing the king’s glory.
HISTORIC FIRST:
Some art historians believe this church contains the first image of Satan in Western art. Find the blue angel standing behind three goats on the left side of Jesus. Also, don’t miss see illustrations of young and beardless Jesus on the left side (eastern origin). When you look on the other side, you can spot there the bearded Christ. It was a symbol of human pain. This is typical of Western culture, where Romans used to grow a beard as a sign of mourning.
The three Wise Men.
TIP:
Before leaving, visit the cloister and first-floor exhibits, where you can learn how Ravenna mosaics were made.
GOOD TO KNOW:
You can find the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo in the eastern part of the old historic town.
- OPENING TIMES: Daily from 9 AM to 7PM (from 8th March to 2nd November 2025), 10 AM – 5 PM (3rd November 2025 – the beginning of March 2026)
- ADMISSION FEE: The basilica is included in the UNESCO combination ticket (€10.50, valid for 7 days, as of March 2025). The other monuments you can visit are the Basilica San Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia (€ 2 charge), and the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo. The Neonian Baptistery and the Archbishop’s Chapel are also included in your combination ticket.
Buy tickets online or at one of two ticket offices—one next to the basilica and another in the Archiepiscopal Museum.
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3. Archbishop’s Chapel
Another site included in your combination ticket is the Archbishop’s Chapel, hidden inside the Archbishop’s Palace. This 5th-century treasure is often overlooked, but it holds some of the most meaningful Ravenna mosaics.
St Andrew Chapel
This tiny Greek-cross-shaped chapel with marble on its lower walls is the only existing chapel of the early Christian era that still stands without major damage. Built during Theodoric’s rule when Arianism controlled the city, the St Andrew Chapel was a private oratory for Catholic bishops. The only orthodox monument built during Theodoric’s reign boasts mosaics, that send a clear anti-Arian message.
In the hall, you’ll see Christ portrayed as a warrior, standing on a lion and a snake—a symbol of victory over evil. A young Christ on a gold background carries a cross on his right shoulder with the words: ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life.’
The other mosaic depicts Jesus, birds, and illustrations of Martyrs. It also contains images of Saints, which underlines the Catholic orthodoxy. This was a direct challenge to Arian beliefs. Other paintings in the chapel date back to the 16th century.
MORE TO SEE:
The small museum inside the Archbishop’s Palace holds a rich collection of Treasures of the Cathedral. The highlights are an Eastern calendar in marble, a silver cross, and the ivory throne of Maximilian, all dating to the 6th century. There is also a small art gallery with works dating between 1500 – 1800.
GOOD TO KNOW:
The Archbishop’s Chapel follows the same opening hours as the other monuments in the city. You can only visit it with a combination ticket, as of March 2025.
4. Baptistery of Neon
Right next to the Archbishop’s Palace, you’ll find the best-preserved Early Christian baptistery in the world. The Baptistery of Neon has been standing here for over 1,500 years. It got its name after the bishop who most likely commissioned its decoration, including mosaics. Built in the late 400s, this octagonal brick building stood near a Roman bath complex. Similarly, like the other baptisteries from this period, it was attached to a church, which no longer exists. Like the Arian Baptistery, its floor lies 3 meters below today’s ground level.
There are other baptisteries from the IV and V centuries in the world. But only the basement or the outside walls survive.
A TRUE SURVIVOR:
This UNESCO-listed site is also the oldest building in Ravenna, surviving from the final years of the Western Roman Empire. The orthodox Baptistery of Neon is 50 years older than the Arian Baptistery and is also richer in decoration.
the Baptism in the River Jordan
The main reason tourists flock here is not the marble baptismal font, but its gorgeous multi-coloured mosaics in the cupola. The Baptism of Christ in the River Jordan takes centre stage. It features Jesus in the River Jordan with John the Baptist, and it is nearly identical to the one in the Arian Baptistery. A ring of twelve apostles, dressed in tunics and cloaks, circles above, set against a deep blue background. An outer ring of mosaics features detailed classical Roman architecture, a rare Greco-Roman influences in a city famous for Byzantine mosaics.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Tickets sell out fast – you must pre-book your ticket days in advance. As of March 2025, a €2 extra charge applies, and entry is only possible with a combination ticket.
5. Mausoleum of Galla Placidia
From the outside, you might walk past this small, simple brick building without a second glance. But step inside, and you’ll see one of the most breathtaking Ravenna mosaics in the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia. This UNESCO-listed site dates back to between 425 and 450 AD, the last years of the Western Roman Empire. It’s the earliest and best preserved of all mosaic monuments still standing. The mosaics inside the mausoleum are so perfectly preserved that they still glow as they did 1,500 years ago.
Who Was Galla Placidia?
She wasn’t just any Roman empress but a powerful woman, sister of Western Roman Emperor Honorius. Galla Placidia married Emperor Constantius II. After his death, she ruled the Western Roman Empire as regent for her son and played a key role in shaping its final years.
Despite its name, this was never her resting place—she died in Rome.
WHY YOU MUST SEE IT:
Marble covers the lower walls of the mausoleum. The upper part and the ceiling has breathtaking mosaics, representing the victory of eternal life over death. The entire vault glows with golden stars on a deep blue sky, surrounding a shining gold Latin cross.
The north entrance mosaic depicts a young, beardless Christ who appears as the shepherd, guiding his flock. In other mosaics, you can spot the apostles, and the Garden of Eden, which fill the walls. Two doves and deer drink from a pond, symbolizing eternal life. There are also the apostles and powerful symbols of faith. A lion represents Saint Mark, an ox characterizes Saint Luke, a man illustrates Saint Matthew and an eagle depicts Saint John.
GOOD TO KNOW:
- Located near Basilica di San Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia allows visits to only a few visitors at a time. They are limited to only 5 minutes.
- Pre-book your tickets with a time slot in advance, as it is one of the most popular attractions in Ravenna. As of March 2025, a €2 extra charge applies. Entry to the mausoleum of Galla Placidia is only possible with a combination ticket.
6. Basilica of San Vitale
If you visit only one church in the city, it has to be this one. From the outside, the octagonal Basilica of San Vitale looks simple but prepare for a breathtaking surprise. Its plain brick walls give no hint of what’s inside. The moment you step through the doors, a golden glow surrounds you.
Visiting the Basilica of San Vitale is one of the best things to do in Ravenna. Built in the first half of the 6th century, this church is almost 1500 years old. But despite its age, its mosaics shine as if they were placed yesterday. San Vitale is from the time of the reign of Emperor Justinian and testifies to the greatness of his empire. It’s the only major church from his time, that survived visually intact. No wonder UNESCO calls the Basilica of San Vitale one of the greatest Byzantine monuments in the world.
The mosaics in the Basilica of San Vitale are some of the best examples of early Christian Byzantine art and architecture in Western Europe. The highlights are decorations in the presbytery and choir.
WHAT TO SEE INSIDE:
Apart from a few centuries-old Baroque frescoes added to the dome, the entire decoration inside of San Vitale is in mosaics. The decorations on the side and end walls of the church tell powerful biblical stories from the New and Old Testament. A labyrinth on the floor is a symbol of sin and the path of the soul towards purification. The highlights are, however, three main mosaics, which tell the story of faith and power. Christ the Redeemer and the panels with Justinian and Theodora are the largest and best-preserved mosaics outside Istanbul.
CHRIST THE REDEEMER
Above the altar, Christ the Redeemer sits on a blue globe, symbolizing his rule over the universe. Next to him are two angles, a bishop with a model of the church and San Vitale.
DID YOU KNOW?
Justinian the Great was one of the most powerful Byzantine emperors of the Eastern Roman Empire. He ruled for 38 years and worked tirelessly to expand the Byzantine Empire. But his wife, Theodora, was anything but royal. A Byzantine empress, a wife and one of the chief advisers of Justinian the Great came from the lowest ranks of society. She was the daughter of a prostitute and worked as an actress before catching the eye of Justinian. Her profession was so shameful that emperors were forbidden by law from marrying one. But Justinian broke the rules, rewrote the laws, made Theodora his wife, and ruled an empire by her side.
Mosaic of Justinian
JUSTINIAN AND THEODORA’S PANELS
The most famous mosaics in Ravenna are the panels of Justinian and Theodora, standing in their royal robes. They both wear halos around their heads, testifying to their role in the divine. A panel of Justinian I on the left and the second panel of his wife, Theodora, on the right date back to 547. You can find them at the apse side walls of San Vitale.
The mosaic of Emperor Justinian surrounded by his court has a gold background. The panel depicts the king, dressed in a royal robe, the bishop of the city and two priests (on the right side). It also portrays the bodyguards, a general who won much of Italy back from Germanic people, and an adviser (on the left).
On the opposite wall, the panel shows Empress Theodora with a golden halo, surrounded by a group of court women. She holds a golden Eucharistic cup and wears jewellery (pearls symbolizing purity).
GOOD TO KNOW:
If you plan to visit San Vitale, book a combination ticket in advance. The basilica follows the same schedule as other UNESCO-listed monuments, and trust us, this is one place you cannot miss.
7. Basilica of Sant’ Apollinare in Classe
The Basilica of Sant’ Apollinare in Classe, built in the 6th century, lies 8 km from Ravenna in the town of Classe. It was dedicated to the city’s first bishop, Sant’Apollinare, and once held his remains. In the 9th century, they moved them to the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo. Over time, the basilica became one of the greatest monuments of Byzantine art. Today, it’s an outstanding example of the early Christian basilica and one of the eight UNESCO sites in Ravena.
One of the most breathtaking sights is the mosaic of a saint standing among 12 sheep in a lush green field. Look up, and you will see a large disc with a golden cross and 99 stars. The three lambs next to it represent the saints Peter, James, and John. The basilica also features stunning mosaics of Emperor Constantine IV and biblical figures like Abel and Abraham. Throughout the church, ancient sarcophagi tell the forgotten stories of bishops who shaped history.
GOOD TO KNOW:
- Getting here is simple. Take bus number 4 from the opposite Ravenna’s train station, drive, or catch a local train toward Rimini (first stop).
- OPENING TIMES: Monday – Saturday 8.30 AM – 7.30 PM, Sunday 1.30 PM until 7.30 PM.
- As of March 2025, entry to the Sant’ Apollinare in Classe is free on the first Sunday of the month. Tickets cost €5 on other days. If you plan to visit more historical sites in Classe, purchase a combined ticket. Check their official website for the combinations.
Now you know where to find the best Ravenna mosaics!
Other things to do in Ravenna
8. Mausoleum of Theodoric
The Mausoleum of Theodoric, found inside Parco di Teodorico, is one of the most unusual UNESCO sites in Italy. Built in AD 520, this two-story tomb is the only remaining burial site of a barbarian king from this era. Unlike other Ravenna landmarks, it has no mosaics, but it remains one of the best things to do in Ravenna. Why? Because it is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. According to ICOMOS, its design has no connection to Roman or Byzantine styles. The builders also used opus quadratum, a lost technique abandoned four centuries earlier.
The most mind-blowing fact? The roof is a single 300-ton slab of Istrian stone, measuring 10 meters across. It came from a quarry 400 km (249 mi) away, and yet, to this day, no one knows how it was transported or lifted. The 3D model also suggests it even aligns with key astrological events within the astrological year.
GOOD TO KNOW:
- If you visit the Mausoleum of Theodoric, be prepared for a walk. It stands 800 meters from the city centre.
- As of March 2025, entry costs €4, and it is free on the first Sunday of the month. Unlike most sites, it isn’t part of the usual combined ticket. Instead, get a special ticket for €10, which includes the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe and the National Museum of Ravenna.
9. Basilica di San Francesco
The Basilica di San Francesco has played a key role in history—Dante Alighieri’s funeral took place here. But the real wonder lies under the altar. Most people visit the city for its stunning art, but what if we told you that some of the most unique ones are underwater? This 5th-century church may not be as grand as others in the city, but it hides a breathtaking secret below its altar. A 10th-century crypt is permanently underwater, revealing Ravenna mosaics from the original church.
Insert €1 into the light switch to illuminate the crypt and see the Greek and Latin inscriptions on the floor. Depending on rainfall, the height of the water changes, making each visit unique.
GOOD TO KNOW:
The Basilica di San Francesco lies between the Neon Baptistery and the Basilica di Sant’Apollinare Nuovo. Entry is completely free, as of March 2025.
10. National Museum of Ravenna
If you want to understand the city’s rich history beyond its famous churches, visit the National Museum of Ravenna. This incredible museum holds artefacts from eight UNESCO sites, making it one of the best things to do in Ravenna. The museum boasts a large collection of archaeological findings from various periods. The highlights are marble capitals, sarcophagi covered in intricate carving and weapons from the Ostrogoth Kingdom. Preparatory drawings for the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe give a behind-the-scenes look, showing how artists planned these masterpieces. Don’t miss the remains of the Porta Aurea from 44 AD, which once stood as the city’s great southern gateway. It stood for over 1,500 years before its demolition in the 16th century.
GOOD TO KNOW:
The museum is inside the cloisters of the old Benedictine monastery next to San Vitale. As of March 2025, entry is €6, or get a combined ticket for €10 for more savings. The special ticket includes the Mausoleum of Theodoric and the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe.
11. Piazza del Popolo
This lively gathering place dates back to the late 13th century and sits within walking distance of Basilica di San Francesco and Basilica di Sant’Apollinare Nuovo. Piazza del Popolo doesn’t just hold cafés and shops—it tells a story of power and change.
When Venice ruled this city in the 15th century, the Venetians left their mark by placing two grand columns in the square, just like in Piazza San Marco in Venice. One column holds a statue of Saint Apollinaris, Ravenna’s patron saint. The other one had the lion of Saint Mark, Venice’s symbol of power. However, when Venetian rule ended in the 16th century, the locals demolished the Lion of St. Mark. Today, Piazza del Popolo remains the city’s beating heart. Whether you’re looking for beautiful architecture or restaurants with plenty of outdoor seating, it’s the perfect place to relax and feel the city’s true spirit.
12. Classis Museum
If you plan to visit Sant’Apollinare in Classe, don’t miss the Classis Museum, located just a few hundred meters away. Both attractions are about 6 km from the city and offer a journey into the past. This museum, housed in a former sugar factory, tells the story of Ravenna from its earliest days to the year 1000. You’ll see ancient statues, memorial stones, and even a floor mosaic from Theodoric’s legendary palace.
GOOD TO KNOW:
As of March 2025, an entry ticket costs 8 euros, and an audio guide is available for 2 euros. You can also get a combo ticket for 9 euros to explore a nearby basilica or the ancient port of Classe. The museum is open daily between 10 AM and 5 PM, except on December 25, 2025.
13. Tomb of Dante
Did you know that Florence still supplies the oil for the lamp burning in Dante’s tomb? The famous poet Dante Alighieri spent his last years in this city, dying here in 1321. He changed the world with his Divine Comedy, which describes his journey through Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise. Dante helped to unify the Italian language. Before that, Italians from different regions struggled to understand each other.
The Tomb of Dante is one of the quirkiest sites to visit. The small marble mausoleum, next to the Basilica of San Francesco, holds his real bones— something Florence fought to reclaim for centuries.
The battle for Dante’s remains was dramatic. For centuries, Florence tried to steal Dante back. When Pope Leo X demanded his return, Franciscan monks hid his bones inside the convent walls. They stayed hidden for centuries until workers accidentally found them during the renovation works in the 19th century. During World War II, locals hid them again to keep them safe from bombing.
14. Church of Sant’ Eufemia
Most people walk past the Church of Sant’ Eufemia on Via Barbiani without realizing what’s beneath it. This small ordinary-looking church hides one of the greatest recent archaeological discoveries in Italy.
The current 18th-century church stands on the site of the first-ever church in this city and the Po Valley. Inside, there are three altars – one main and two side altars. Beneath one altar lies a well, where legend says St. Apollinaris baptized the first Christians.
But the biggest surprise came three meters underground. During the construction of a parking lot, workers discovered Domus of the Stone Carpets by accident. This massive underground archaeological site is a lost world of ancient mosaic floors. Critic Federico Zeri renamed it Domus of the Stone Carpets because its floors look like luxurious stone carpets. This luxurious Roman-Byzantine complex dating from the 1st to 6th century AD has 14 rooms. Each room boasts breathtaking mosaic floors, including a 6th-century Byzantine palace.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Sant’ Eufemia is free to enter, but visiting Domus of the Stone Carpets costs 6 euros (as of March 2025). The church is open from 10 AM to 5 PM.
15. A day trip to San Marino
What if we told you that one of the world’s smallest countries is just one hour from here? Yes, San Marino—a tiny country older than most nations on Earth—is the perfect day trip from Ravenna.
San Marino is the world’s oldest surviving republic. A country inside Italy survived wars, empires, and revolutions—yet remains independent. San Marino’s capital crowns Mount Titano, home to three well-preserved medieval fortresses—Guaita, Cesta, and Montale. Walking through the city’s narrow streets feels like stepping back into the Middle Ages. This UNESCO-listed country has a rich history, and gorgeous medieval streets, and offers duty-free shopping. It is a day trip you will never forget!
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Now you know what the best things to do in Ravenna are!
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Last updated: 24/03/2025