About
Ravenna is a city in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy, and it is best known for its Byzantine mosaics. It also served as the capital of the Western Roman Empire, a fact that shapes much of what you will see as you walk its streets today.
What the visit offers
The mosaics are the reason most visitors come. They cover the walls and domes of the city's churches and monuments, and they are the main thread for anyone planning a trip here. Because the city's historic core is compact, you can reach many of its sites on foot, which makes the visit feel unhurried.
Ravenna's past as an imperial capital gives the city a layered character. Its monuments reflect the Roman period and the Byzantine centuries that followed, so a single day of looking can move you across more than one era.
Planning your trip
- Set aside time for the mosaics, which reward slow looking.
- Explore the old centre on foot, moving between sites at your own pace.
- Allow for a relaxed stay rather than a rushed stop, especially if you enjoy art and architecture.
Ravenna suits travellers interested in history, religious art and the quiet pleasures of a walkable Italian city. If that describes your interests, the city is a rewarding place to spend time.
