Explore Ravenna, a hidden gem of Italy with 8 UNESCO World Heritage sites. This charming coastal town is a haven for art and architecture lovers, a seaside port with Christian mosaics, a majestic church, and a magnificent palace. Take a few days before your cruise to explore Ravenna, which was once the capital of the Western Roman Empire. In addition, you're close to Venice and Bologna, less than two and a half hours away. Enjoy stunning views from Asinelli Tower in Bologna, or wander through Venice's iconic St. Mark's Basilica. You can discover Venice's famous canals and Bologna's enchanting streets with a Ravenna cruise.
The saying goes, "When you visit Italy, you'll see how beautiful Europe is." To top it off, until you visit Ravenna, you won't know how friendly and good Italians are at cooking. The city of Ravenna is a testament to how amazing Italy is, no matter what you may have heard about other Italian towns. The splendor of Italian culture abounds in Ravenna, as do delicious Italian delicacies. Below are some highlights about Ravenna!
Venetian cuisine is renowned throughout the world as a foodie's paradise. A long lunch along the canal is so rewarding because of the unhurried pace of the restaurants and bars. The Italians eat dinner late in the evening, so you should do the same. Try pasta entrees and a plate of fresh Adriatic fish with a spritz or glass of wine. The Italians call raw fish crude if you feel adventurous. Italy has a coffee culture just as strong as Rome or Florence, and you shouldn't leave without trying an espresso or coffee for just a few euros. Coffee with milk is not allowed after 11 am. It is considered bad for digestion by the Italians.
Venetian geography and the peculiarities of its development over time are what make the city so photogenic. Historically, the area was dotted with winding streets built around canals and lagoons. The city became a cultural center and a trade hub during the Middle Ages thanks to its historic basilicas.
Venetian shopping spots include boutiques, artisanal goods, and high-end glassware. You can find various leather products in Venice, such as purses, belts, and more. Of course, the Grand Canal and the Bridge of Sighs are among Venice's tourist attractions.
Many civilizations have left their mark on Ravenna over the centuries, leaving a permanent mark on the city. Byzantine Empire, the Goth Kingdom under Theodoric, and the Western Roman Empire had their capital. There are eight UNESCO World Heritage sites in today's town, as well as other critical cultural monuments worth mentioning. The five most important things to see as a tourist!
With a history of 1,400 years, the Basilica di San Vitale is impressive enough. Despite that, it is extremely rare to see polished mosaics conveying the intended message that "this peace and stability was brought to you by your emperor and God." Among the scenes, you can see apostles, a lamb on the ceiling, a beardless Christ on blue earth, and the extravagant court of Emperor Justinian and Theodora (a Constantinople showgirl who manipulated her husband for power) in their lavish palaces. San Vitale represents the last of ancient Roman art during the Christian era. Aix-la-Chapelle, now today's Aachen, was built by Charlemagne as an inspiration for the Hagia Sophia by Constantinople, made 10 years later.
Ravenna's only UNESCO-cited attraction without any mosaics is Ravenna's only UNESCO-cited attraction without a single tessera. Theodoric built an early 6th-century two-story dome for himself at the north end of Via Roma. There is a single stone with a diameter of more than 10 meters weighing approximately 3,000 tons on top of this outstanding piece of late Roman architecture. Buses 5, 18, and 90 from the railway station can take you about 800 meters away.
With children, Ravenna's top thing to do is visit Italy's largest amusement park, covering 850,000 square meters. From thrilling rides for older children to slower rides for younger ones, this attraction has something for everyone. A park highlight is Eurowheel, Europe's second-largest Ferris wheel, measuring 90 meters. Ducati World is themed to the motorcycling brand. Inverted roller coaster, Katun also makes an appearance. Vertical, the world's tallest water coaster, is located adjacent to the 100,000-square-meter Mirabilandia Beach water park.
The small country of San Marino can be visited in Ravenna. A landlocked nation with a population of 33,200, this microstate is approximately an hour's drive south of Ravenna. This country has the highest per capita income in the world despite its size. San Marino is known for its towering Mount Titano and epic Guaita fortress, central to the country's attractions. Its cathedral, aerial tramway, and Palazzo Pubblico are other notable sites.
Cesenatico is an attractive resort town located approximately 34 minutes south of Ravenna. Those who visit this pleasant place will find a long golden beach filled with soft sand, sun loungers, and other amenities. There are a lot of restaurants, hotels, and amusements along the main promenade, along with resort establishments like Diamanti Beach Village and Bagno Marconi. The ornate Grand Hotel Cesenatico can be seen on Piazza Andrea Costa.
Ravenna's monsoon season occurs in July and August, so plan your trip accordingly. September is an excellent option if you prefer warmer temperatures. There are some good options for milder temperatures in April and May if you are looking for a slightly cooler climate. Due to Ravenna's less-than-popular location, the crowds are always less than in other tourist destinations.
