Situated along Italy’s Adriatic Coast in the Emilia Romagna region, Ravenna is an often-overlooked location for travelers. But there is much to discover in this history-laden town, from Roman and Byzantine structures to art and culture to crypts, libraries with cats, and adventures galore. Find your home base via Azzurro Club (check for seaside locations, so you can have the best of history, culture, and beaches), and then get ready to explore!

First, dig into history

Ravenna has 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites (!). The city was the capital of the Western Roman Empire (AD 402-3), the home of Emperor Theodoric (AD 493-526), and the capital of the Byzantine Empire (AD 553-751). All of this means that the city is rich in beautiful, important buildings. Be sure to make time to visit the heritage sites, to explore the extraordinary art, architecture, and more. 

The eight sites are the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, the Neonian Baptistery, the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, the Arian Baptistery, the Archiepiscopal Chapel, the Mausoleum of Theodoric, the Church of San Vitale, and the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare in Classe.

Flooded Crypts?

At the Basilica de San Francesco, a UNESCO protected landmark, head down to the basement, where a flooded crypt may spook you out. You can also visit the Rasponi crypt, which features a slew of mosaics.

Photo Wikimedia Commons: Hajotthu

Dante

Dante chose well for a location after exile. Settling into Ravenna at the end of his life, he finished Paradiso here. You can see his tomb (free to enter) as well as explore the Dante Museum (nominal fee), which showcases the role the city played in Dante’s life and work. Both are located in the Zona del Silenzio (area of silence), an “area of quietness and respect that encompasses the places of Dante in Ravenna.”

Library!

I will always find a library and spend time there, on my travels. Ravenna’s Istituzione Biblioteca Classense is an extraordinary library that has a copy of the first book printed in Italy (1465) and one of eleven surviving copies of Aristophane’s comedies, beautiful paintings and frescoes, the Dante Hall, free wifi, and CATS!

Photo Wikimedia Commons: Nitto1

Theatre

Theatre is important in Ravenna – and you’ll find two excellent theatres here. Try to catch a play or concert – one of my favorite things to do, when we travel.

The Teatro Alighieri is an opera house that opened in 1852. The season, which runs from November to April, offers several operas each year. And, of course, in the summer, you can see an opera here as part of the Ravenna Festival, one of Europe’s most important music festivals. Check the website for scheduled events in a variety of performance types and venues.

Photo Wikimedia Commons: Robertakool

At the Teatro Rasi, you’ll find an ancient church that has had many careers, from a church to a riding school (with equestrian shows!) to a school (Called the Non-SCuola, Not a School) to a theatre, today. See a performance of one of Dante’s plays, or attend a musical event as part of the Ravenna Festival.

Photo Wikimedia Commons: Incola

Eat well in Ravenna

There are culinary tours, plenty of restaurants, and, of course, a covered market where you can buy cheese, bread, fruit, salumi, and more – picnic time! 

Photo Wikimedia Commons: MOs810

People watch

Of course, as with any place in Italy, one of the best things to do is settle down in a piazza, have a coffee or meal at an outdoor restaurant, and people watch. The Piazza del Popolo is the center of Ravenna, and offers much in terms of walking on the pedestrian streets that meander off it, shopping, eating, and people watching.

Ride a bike

Did you know that many Italian cities have a free bike program? Stop in at one of the Tourist Information Centres (Piazza San Francesco or Via delle Industrie) to get a key to use one of the yellow bikes located at bike racks throughout town. Ride away, all day, for free! 

Hit the beach

Naturally, being along the Adriatic Coast, there will be beaches galore. If you are a disabled traveler, take note of the BEST program, which works to make beaches accessible to everyone (thank you!).

Photo Wikimedia Commons: Pimlico27

Photo Wikimedia Commons: Leila.bb

Family activities

There is an amusement park in the area (Mirabilandia), Italy in Miniature, aquariums, a Safari Adventure, butterfly house, and waterparks. Your kids will be happy!

What are your favorite places and things to do in and around Ravenna?