Step into Ravenna, Italy's mosaic jewel on the Adriatic coast, where Byzantine brilliance meets Italian charm. This artistic treasure trove boasts some of the world's most spectacular ancient mosaics, set within a relaxed coastal city that offers authentic Italian experiences without the tourist crowds.
Ravenna captivates visitors with its extraordinary artistic legacy that rivals Rome and Florence, yet remains one of Italy's best-kept secrets. As you wander through this walkable city, you'll discover eight UNESCO World Heritage sites housing dazzling 5th and 6th-century mosaics that shimmer with gold and vibrant colors, telling stories that have endured for 1,500 years.
Artistic Wonders The Basilica of San Vitale showcases spectacular Byzantine mosaics depicting Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora, while the intimate Mausoleum of Galla Placidia offers a starry night ceiling that inspired Cole Porter to write 'Night and Day'.
Local Flavors Between sightseeing, savor Romagna cuisine at family-run trattorias serving piadina (flatbread) with soft squacquerone cheese, or indulge in fresh seafood paired with Sangiovese wines from nearby hills.
Beyond Mosaics Explore Dante's tomb, stroll through peaceful piazzas, or venture to nearby pine forests and beaches along the Adriatic. Ravenna offers the perfect blend of world-class art and authentic Italian lifestyle without the crowds of more famous destinations.
