Ravenna holds eight UNESCO World Heritage sites, all from the 5th and 6th centuries AD, showcasing the finest Byzantine mosaics outside Istanbul. The city was capital of the Western Roman Empire, the Ostrogothic Kingdom, and the Byzantine Exarchate, leaving behind a concentration of early Christian art unmatched in Western Europe. Beyond the mosaics, Ravenna offers a compact historic centre, sandy Adriatic beaches, and excellent Emilia-Romagna cuisine. See our weather by month guide for more details. See our neighborhood guide for more details. See our Ravenna travel tips guide for more details. For a complete overview, see our Ravenna travel guide.
UNESCO World Heritage Monuments
Basilica of San Vitale
The single most important monument in Ravenna, completed 547 AD. Interior covered in glittering gold mosaics depicting Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora with their courts. The apse mosaic of Christ seated on a blue globe is one of the most reproduced images of Byzantine art. Open daily 9:00 to 19:00 (March to October) and 9:00 to 17:30 (November to February). Combined ticket covering five monuments costs 10.50 euros (concessions 8.50 euros), valid 7 days. Via San Vitale 17, 5-minute walk from Piazza del Popolo.
Mausoleum of Galla Placidia
Directly behind San Vitale, this small cross-shaped chapel from 425 AD contains the oldest and arguably most beautiful mosaics in Ravenna. The deep blue ceiling with gold stars and the Good Shepherd depiction are breathtaking. Alabaster windows filter light to create an ethereal glow. Same hours and ticket as San Vitale. Entry limited to 5 minutes during peak hours to manage crowds.
Basilica of Sant Apollinare Nuovo
Built by Ostrogoth king Theodoric in the early 6th century as his palace chapel. The nave features two long mosaic processions: 22 virgins and 26 martyrs stretching the full length of the basilica walls. Via di Roma 53. Same combined ticket. Open 9:00 to 19:00 (summer), 9:00 to 17:30 (winter).
Baptistery of Neon
The city Orthodox baptistery, built around 400 AD, with a stunning dome mosaic depicting the baptism of Christ. Octagonal building, small but the mosaic work on the dome is among Ravenna finest. Located next to the Cathedral on Piazza Duomo. Same combined ticket. Wheelchair accessible via ramp.
Archbishop Chapel of St. Andrew
A tiny private chapel inside the Archbishop Museum (Museo Arcivescovile), built around 500 AD. Covered in gold mosaics depicting Christ as a warrior, a rare iconography. Museum also holds the ivory Throne of Maximian, a 6th-century masterpiece. Piazza Arcivescovado 1. Same combined ticket. Open 9:00 to 19:00 daily.
Mausoleum of Theodoric
Built 520 AD by Ostrogoth king Theodoric the Great as his own tomb. A massive stone structure with a 230-tonne monolithic dome roof. Located in a park about 1km northeast of the centre. Via delle Industrie 14. Separate ticket: 4 euros (concessions 2 euros). Open 8:30 to 19:00 (summer), 8:30 to 16:30 (winter). Closed Mondays.
Basilica of Sant Apollinare in Classe
Located 5km south of Ravenna in the suburb of Classe. Features an enormous apse mosaic with a jewel-encrusted cross and Sant Apollinare praying in a green meadow with twelve sheep. Less visited than city-centre monuments, making it more peaceful. Bus 4 from Ravenna station (roughly 1.50 euros each way, 15 minutes). Same combined ticket. Open 8:30 to 19:00 (summer), 8:30 to 17:00 (winter).
Other Attractions in Ravenna
Dante Alighieri Tomb
The great Italian poet died in Ravenna in 1321 and is buried here in a small neoclassical temple on Via Dante Alighieri. Free to view exterior. Small museum next door (Dante Museum, 3 euros) covers his life and works. The lamp inside the tomb burns olive oil donated by Florence each year as a gesture of reconciliation. Florence has been requesting his remains for centuries; Ravenna refuses.
Piazza del Popolo
The main square, built by Venetians in the 15th century. Two columns bear city patron saints St. Apollinaris and St. Vitalis. Palazzo Merlato (Town Hall) and 17th-century clock tower dominate. Surrounded by cafes with outdoor seating. Hosts Christmas market in December and cultural events year-round. Free, always open.
Ravenna Beaches
Ravenna has 35km of sandy Adriatic coastline with nine beach areas (lidi). Closest to centre: Marina di Ravenna (8km, bus 70 from station, 15 minutes). Beaches are wide, sandy, well-equipped with stabilimenti (private beach clubs) renting sun loungers and umbrellas for roughly 15 to 25 euros per day. Free public beaches between stabilimenti. Punta Marina and Lido Adriano are slightly further but less crowded. Beach season runs late May to mid-September. Water quality consistently rated excellent by EU standards.
TAMO Mosaic Museum
A modern museum dedicated entirely to mosaic art, housed in the former church of San Nicolo. Covers history, techniques, and contemporary applications from Roman floor mosaics to modern artistic works. Interactive displays show how Byzantine mosaics were made. Via Rondinelli 2. Entry 5 euros (concessions 3 euros). Open Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 to 18:30. Closed Mondays.
Arian Baptistery
Small 5th-century baptistery built by Arian Christians, with a dome mosaic showing baptism of Christ. Less ornate than Baptistery of Neon but historically significant. Piazzetta degli Ariani. Free entry. Open 8:30 to 19:00 (summer), 8:30 to 16:30 (winter).
