Tourist information on Ravenna, Italy

Ravenna is a city in the Emilia-Romagna region of northeast Italy. Although it was once located on a coastal lagoon, it is now landlocked, linked to the Adriatic Sea by a canal. The capital of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century, and then important centres of the Ostrogoth Kingdom and Byzantine Empire, Ravenna is rich in history and architecture, and is particularly renowned for its ancient mosaics and early Christian monuments. It is one of the most charming cities in the region, a great location for sightseeing and shopping.

Ravenna existed long before it came under the control of the Romans in 89 BC, although its origins are shrouded in mystery. Most of the city consisted of houses built on islands in a marshy lagoon and was inhabited by Italic tribes and Etruscan settlers. Its position and natural defences made it of great strategic value to the Romans, and its harbour was an important centre for the Roman navy. As a defensive move against the prospect of attack from the Barbarians, the Emperor Honorius moved the capital of the Western Roman Empire to Ravenna in 402 AD. Ravenna remained the Roman capital until it was captured by the Ostrogoths in 479. In 540 AD, the Byzantines conquered the city and it became the seat of Byzantine government in Italy. Ravenna was subsequently taken by the Lombards in 751. After an attack by the Franks, Ravenna came under the control of the Papal States in 784. From 1440 to 1509. the city was part of the Republic of Venice and was caught up in the Italian wars. Shortly afterwards, it reverted to the Papal States and, three centuries later it became part of the united Kingdom of Italy in 1861.

The best place to start a tour of Ravenna is Piazza del Popolo, the main square at the heart of the historic city centre, which is a ten minute walk due west from the train station. The piazza is lined with terrace cafés and several impressive historic buildings, most notably the 15th century Palazzo Comunale (Town Hall). A short distance to the northwest is the Basilica of San Vitale, one of Ravenna's finest historical monuments, dating from the 6th century. Behind the fairly uninspiring brick exterior is an interior that is lavishly adorned with marbles and mosaics. Next to this is the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, whose exterior is covered in Byzantine mosaics. To the south is the Battistero Neoniano, a 5th century baptistery. Octagonal in shape with a high domed ceiling, its interior is a sumptuous feast of marbles, mosaics and carvings. Nearby is the Cappella Arcivescovile, situated on the Archbishop's Palace. Also known as the Chapel of St Andrew, this is the only Orthodox monument to be built during the reign of Theodoric. It has a marble vestibule and is richly decorated in mosaics.

Just south of the centre of Ravenna is another important landmark, the Tomba di Dante, the tomb of great medieval poet Dante Alighieri, who died in Ravenna in 1321. This is situated next to the Basilica di San Francesco (St Francis' Basilica), which contains the mosaics of the original church. Other sacred buildings that are worth visiting include: Spirito Santo, is a 5th century church noted for its 16th century portico with 5 arches; the 5th century church of St John the Evangelist, restored after being bombed in WWII; and the 16th century Basilica of Santa Maria in Porto, which has an ornately decorate façade and nave topped by a high cupola. Another church that is well worth seeing is the Basilica di Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, located in Classe about 6 km south of the city centre. Built in the 6th century, the church is dedicated to the patron saint of Ravenna, St. Apollinaris. It can be recognised by its round bell tower, a 10th century addition. Not only does the church offer an impressive collection of early Christian sarcophagi, it also has one of Ravenna's most famous mosaics, a frieze depicting a procession of martyrs and virgins leaving the city.

The 18th century church of Santa Eufemia leads to the Domus dei Tappeti di Pietra (House of the Stone Carpets), the main attraction of which is the recently uncovered Roman floor mosaics. The Rocca Brancaleone (Brancaleone Castle) was erected by the Venetians in the mid-15th century. Once an important part of Ravenna's defences, built into the city walls, it now serves as a public park. The Mausoleum of Theodoric (Mausoleo di Teodorico) is an immaculate white building, cylindrical in shape, which stands just outside the city walls. Built in 520, it houses the tomb of Theodoric the Great, the King of the Ostrogoths and ruler of Italy, who had his capital in Ravenna.

Ravenna has two museums of note. The Museo Nazionale (National Museum) is adjacent to the Basilica of San Vitale. Its diverse collection includes mosaics, furniture and artefacts from prehistoric times. The Museo d'Arte della Città di Ravenna (MAR) is Ravenna's principal art gallery and has a large collection of paintings and sculptures from the 14th to the 21st centuries. Its prize exhibit is a marble effigy of the knight Guidarello Guidarelli by Tullio Lombardo. There is also an exhibition of contemporary mosaics.

Ravenna's nearest airport is 20 km from the city at Forlì, and is operated by a few low cost airlines offering flights to a very limited number of European destinations. The airports at Bologna and Rimini are further away but cater for a much wider range of destinations. There is a rail service from Ravenna to Bologna, which has excellent connections with the rest of Italy. A bus service operates within Ravenna.