The city of Ravenna has ancient origins and an extremely rich history. Founded by pre-Italian populations, it was subsequently subjected to the Roman Empire, and then became the capital of the Western Roman Empire in 402 AD.
As the capital, Ravenna lived long golden years, during which it was decorated with splendid palaces and extraordinary buildings, as well as with basilicas and prestigious churches. It became so luxurious that it was later elected the capital of the Ostrogothic Kingdom and the Byzantine Empire.
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After some years under Venetian domination, it became part of the Church State and then of the Kingdom of Italy. A period of crisis followed, from which Ravenna managed to recover thanks to the intense work of recovery and agricultural reclamation, becoming the flourishing city that is still today.
What to see in Ravenna
Ravenna is a classic historical city, rich in evidence from three different empires. Its mosaics are the most famous in the world and many of its monuments have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. On the occasion of a visit to the city here is what you should not miss:
Piazza del Popolo and historic center
The main square of Ravenna is Piazza del Popolo, the starting point for a trip to discover the main attractions of the city. The square dates back to the thirteenth century and houses some of the most beautiful historic buildings in the city.
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Cathedral or Basilica Ursiana
Ravenna Cathedral, also known as Basilica Ursiana, is quite recent, since it was rebuilt between 1734 and 1745 exactly where, at the end of the fourth century, Bishop Urso had built the Cathedral Church of the city.
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National Museum of Ravenna
The National Museum of Ravenna is part of the larger monumental complex of San Vitale and contains a large number of archaeological finds, such as sepulchral steles and Roman epigraphs. Among the best known, certainly the Cross of San Vitale declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Fonte: dal web
Basilica of San Vitale
The Basilica of San Vitale is among the most important places of worship in Ravenna and among the most important monuments of early Christian Italian art. It became part of the UNESCO World Heritage List, and is striking for its Roman style mixed with the typically Byzantine. Together with the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, the church of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, Sant’Apollinare in Classe and the Neonian baptistery it has some of the most interesting mosaics for which the city is famous.
Fonte: dal web
Mausoleum of Galla Placidia
The Mausoleum of Galla Placidia owes its name to the empress who commissioned its construction in the fifth century, probably as a funeral building or chapel. If externally it can appear with a simple and modest building, inside it emanates beauty from every corner through the mosaics from which a splendid golden light filters.
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Rocca Brancaleone
The Rocca Brancaleone is a fortress built in the fifteenth century a few steps from the center. Surrounded by a large park, it hosts every summer jazz concerts and outdoor cinema. And it is here that, since 1990, the Ravenna Festival has been held.
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Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe
Among the most important places of Ravenna is undoubtedly the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe, dedicated to the first bishop of the city. Considered the largest example of an early Christian basilica, its interior is rich in mosaics from the Byzantine era. The apse mosaic stands out, in the center of which is the figure of Sant’Apollinare.
Fonte: dal web
Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo
The Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo is also extremely important for the city of Ravenna, since it has kept the remains of the bishop since they were rescued from the raids carried out in the basilica of Classe. As in other churches in the city, this is also rich in mosaics of inestimable value.
Fonte: dal web
Mausoleum of Theodoric
The Mausoleum of Theodoric, made of white stone, is a tribute to the king of the Ostrogoths and king of Rome. The interior is quite bare, the light that can filter is very little and there is still a porphyry tank where – probably – was buried initially Theodoric himself. His remains were later removed.
Fonte: dal web
Baptistery of the Aryans
The Arian Baptistery was built in the 5th century, has an octagonal shape and a height of 2.3 meters. Although the ancient decorations are no longer visible, it is fully part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Dante’s tomb
The famous poet Dante Alighieri spent the last years of his life in Ravenna, therefore he was buried here, precisely in the Basilica of San Francesco. His tomb has become a true National Monument.
Fonte: dal web
Palace of Theodoric
As king, Theodoric also had a palace that can still be admired and visited today. Divided into two parts, one upper and the other lower, it houses a large number of mosaics dating back to the time of its domination.
Fonte: dal web
Archbishop’s Museum
Another religious place is the Archbishop’s Museum, the first diocesan museum founded in Italy. The internal exhibition is divided into four rooms that host, among other things, the ivory chair of Massimiano and the Chapel of Sant’Andrea, among the UNESCO heritage.
Fonte: dal web
Neonian Baptistery
The Neonian Baptistery is one of the oldest monuments in Ravenna: also known as the Orthodox Baptistery, it has an octagonal structure and a dome entirely decorated with mosaics. Among the very first visitors, it is impossible not to mention Carl Gustav Jung, one of the fathers of psychoanalysis.
Fonte: dal web
Mirabilandia
Finally, it is right to leave some space for fun and go to Mirabilandia, among the most famous amusement parks in Italy. On its surface of 850mila square meters, Mirabilandia offers an area with rides of all kinds and offers visitors games and shows not to be missed. The advice is to book your tickets in advance so you don’t miss a similar experience, especially if you are traveling with your little ones.
Fonte: mirabilandia.it
Fonte: dal web
