The splendid city of Ravenna is situated just a few kilometres from the famous beaches of the Adriatic and only one hour by car from Rosolina Mare, two hours from Venice and Florence and four hours from Rome.
This peaceful town, boasts a glorious imperial past. As Rome's power declined, Ravenna was made the last capital of the Roman Empire in the West (AD 402), then the seat of the Ostrogothic king Theodoric (early 6th century) and later still, capital of the Byzantine Exarchate (6th-8th C. A.D.)
Justly named the "Byzantium of the West", Ravenna still today preserves the traces of its noble past.
The sober exteriors of its religious buildings belie the wonderful Early-Christian and Byzantine mosaics adorning their walls and vaults which are acclaimed as the finest in Europe. In 1997 these perfectly preserved mosaic decorations gained Ravenna a place in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The beauty of the city is also to be found in the evocative old centre which is closed to traffic and vibrant with local colour and life. The square with its open air cafes, the passing of hundreds of bicycles, the market, the elegant shop windows all contribute to a relaxed atmosphere and the slower pace of bygone days.
For a complete visit to Ravenna we suggest a full-day tour (to a maximum of 6-7 hours) which will enable you to fully appreciate the splendours of our art and history: the visit will include the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, the Orthodox Baptistry (5th century) the Archiepiscopal Museum housing the renowned 6th century ivory throne, the Gothic Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo and the Arian Baptistry (early 6th century), the two splendid Byzantine churches of San Vitale and Sant'Apollinare in Classe (6th century).
All these marvels can be seen simply by taking a stroll through the centre of Ravenna and a short trip to S. Apollinare in Classe, just 4 km. away.
During our walk in the pedestrian area you will have a chance to step into a mosaic workshop, have a pause for coffee in the main square and visit the Tomb of Dante Alighieri, Italy's most distinguished poet, who died here in 1321.