Best Things to Do in Ravenna Italy: Mosaics & History

From glittering mosaics to Dante’s legacy and unforgettable bites, Ravenna is the kind of place that sneaks up on you, in the best way. Tucked away in northeastern Emilia-Romagna, this former Roman capital is brimming with jaw-dropping churches, timeless street corners, and enough Byzantine sparkle to impress even the most seasoned traveler. if you’re wondering about the best things to do in Ravenna, the answer is: a little bit of everything. Walk through centuries-old basilicas, chase the poetry of Dante, or dive fork-first into regional cuisine that tastes like a slow Italian Sunday. And if wine is your love language, Emilia-Romagna wineries are the perfect excuse to swirl, sip, and stay a little longer. Get ready: Ravenna isn’t just a stop, it’s a story you’ll want to take home.

What are the best things to do in Ravenna?

Marvel at the mosaics in the Basilica of San Vitale

You can’t visit Ravenna and skip the Basilica of San Vitale, it’s basically the city’s mic drop. Step inside and you’re hit with a glittering wall of color, where Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora practically glow in gold. The mosaics here aren’t just pretty, they’re wild, otherworldly, and packed with stories that blend power, faith, and a whole lot of celestial flair.

Visit the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia

Right next to San Vitale, you’ll find a little treasure that feels straight out of a dream, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia. It may be small, but step inside and you’ll be floored by a sky of deep blue mosaics sprinkled with golden stars. The glow is unreal, almost like walking into a velvet night. Quiet, intimate, and full of soul, it’s one of those spots that sticks with you long after you’ve left.

Pay homage at Dante’s Tomb and the Basilica of San Francesco

Right next to the Basilica of San Francesco, you’ll find Dante’s tomb, a small, white stone chapel that keeps things simple yet meaningful. While it’s famously tied to the poet’s final chapter, the area around it invites more than just literary reflection. Between leafy paths, gentle silence, and a crypt quietly resting below the waterline, this spot feels like a little break from Ravenna’s more ornate landmarks. Even if you’re not a Dante enthusiast, it’s a peaceful detour that captures a softer side of the city.

Explore the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo

In the heart of Ravenna, just steps from the Basilica of San Francesco, lies a humble but powerful tribute to Italy’s most legendary poet. Dante’s tomb isn’t grand, but it hits you differently, quiet, timeless, and full of weight. Step inside, let the silence settle, and if you’re curious, peek into the crypt below where water gently laps at its edges.

Stroll along the powerful streets

The historic center is where Ravenna really shows its charm. Think peaceful courtyards, buzzing little cafés, and osterias where locals gather over plates of handmade pasta and regional wines. Between visits to ancient basilicas, you’ll find boutique shops and quiet corners perfect for a break. And if you’re around in summer, the Ravenna Festival brings music and performances to life all across the city.

Relax at Marina di Ravenna

Craving a little sea breeze with your culture trip? Marina di Ravenna is just a quick 20-minute escape from the city center, swapping mosaics for beach towels and basilicas for beachfront bars. Kick back on the Adriatic, dig into fresh seafood, and raise a glass of local Emilia-Romagna wine, you’ve earned it.

Take in the Spiritual Grandeur of Basilica di San Giovanni Evangelista

Tucked away in the quieter part of the city, this basilica traces its roots back to the 5th century and Empress Galla Placidia. Though rebuilt after WWII, you’ll still spot fragments of original mosaics shimmering in the soft light. It’s a peaceful spot for a quiet pause, less crowded, more soulful, and perfect if you want a little beauty without the buzz.

Visit Ravenna’s markets for local flavors

For those interested in culinary experiences, head to Mercato Coperto in Ravenna. Sample freshly made piadina, aged Parmigiano, and wines from Emilia-Romagna estates. It’s also great for picking up edible souvenirs that exemplify the best food in Northern Italy.

What are the best things to do around Ravenna?

Relax on the shores of Cervia

Roughly 30 minutes south of Ravenna, Cervia is a laid-back coastal town where salt meets sun. Once famous for its salt pans, this beachy gem is now loved for its relaxing vibe, clean beaches, and pine forest bike trails. Lounge by the sea, sip a spritz by the canal, or explore the nearby natural reserves. Cervia is your go-to for a chill day just beyond Ravenna’s cultural buzz.

Discover the charming canals of Comacchio

About half an hour northeast of Ravenna, you’ll find Comacchio, a laid-back lagoon town often dubbed the “Little Venice,” minus the crowds. Picture peaceful canals, stone bridges, and slow afternoons by the water. It’s the perfect escape when you need a break from Ravenna’s buzzing historical scene. Stroll over the Trepponti Bridge, pop into the Basilica di San Cassiano, and don’t leave without trying the local eel dishes that made this place famous.

Craving a slower pace? It’s time to visit Comacchio Italy’s underrated coastal charmer.

Explore a hidden wine haven

Nestled in the rolling hills of Romagna, this family-run winery is all about generous pours, homemade bread, and good company. At Casa di Noelia, wine tastings feel more like lunch with friends, think Sangiovese paired with local salami, pecorino, and fragrant olive oil straight from the grove. After a stroll through the vineyards or a peek into the old cellar tunnel, you’ll understand why this place turns wine lovers into regulars.

Good to Know before visiting Ravenna