{"id":47446,"date":"2025-07-24T09:58:55","date_gmt":"2025-07-24T07:58:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/demo.winalist.fr\/blog?p=47446"},"modified":"2025-07-30T10:46:25","modified_gmt":"2025-07-30T08:46:25","slug":"ravenna-things-to-do","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.winalist.com\/blog\/italy-wine-region\/emilia-romagna\/ravenna-things-to-do","title":{"rendered":"Best Things to Do in Ravenna Italy: Mosaics & History"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

From glittering mosaics to Dante\u2019s legacy and unforgettable bites, Ravenna<\/strong> 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\u2019re 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<\/a> wineries are the perfect excuse to swirl, sip, and stay a little longer. Get ready: Ravenna isn\u2019t just a stop, it\u2019s a story you\u2019ll want to take home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What are the best things to do in Ravenna?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Marvel at the mosaics in the Basilica of San Vitale<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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You can't visit Ravenna and skip the Basilica of San Vitale, it\u2019s basically the city\u2019s mic drop. Step inside and you\u2019re hit with a glittering wall of color, where Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora practically glow in gold. The mosaics here aren\u2019t just pretty, they\u2019re wild, otherworldly, and packed with stories that blend power, faith, and a whole lot of celestial flair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Visit the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Right next to San Vitale, you\u2019ll 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\u2019ll 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\u2019s one of those spots that sticks with you long after you\u2019ve left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Pay homage at Dante's Tomb and the Basilica of San Francesco<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Right next to the Basilica of San Francesco, you\u2019ll find Dante\u2019s tomb, a small, white stone chapel that keeps things simple yet meaningful. While it\u2019s famously tied to the poet\u2019s 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\u2019s more ornate landmarks. Even if you\u2019re not a Dante enthusiast, it\u2019s a peaceful detour that captures a softer side of the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Explore the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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In the heart of Ravenna, just steps from the Basilica of San Francesco, lies a humble but powerful tribute to Italy\u2019s most legendary poet. Dante\u2019s tomb isn\u2019t grand, but it hits you differently, quiet, timeless, and full of weight. Step inside, let the silence settle, and if you\u2019re curious, peek into the crypt below where water gently laps at its edges. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Stroll along the powerful streets<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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The historic center is where Ravenna really shows its charm. Think peaceful courtyards, buzzing little caf\u00e9s, and osterias where locals gather over plates of handmade pasta and regional wines. Between visits to ancient basilicas, you\u2019ll find boutique shops and quiet corners perfect for a break. And if you\u2019re around in summer, the Ravenna Festival brings music and performances to life all across the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Relax at Marina di Ravenna <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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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\u2019ve earned it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Take in the Spiritual Grandeur of Basilica di San Giovanni Evangelista<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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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\u2019ll still spot fragments of original mosaics shimmering in the soft light. It\u2019s a peaceful spot for a quiet pause, less crowded, more soulful, and perfect if you want a little beauty without the buzz.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Visit Ravenna\u2019s markets for local flavors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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For those interested in culinary experiences<\/strong>, head to Mercato Coperto in Ravenna<\/strong>. Sample freshly made piadina, aged Parmigiano, and wines from Emilia-Romagna<\/strong> estates. It\u2019s also great for picking up edible souvenirs that exemplify the best food<\/strong> in Northern Italy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What are the best things to do around Ravenna?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Relax on the shores of Cervia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Roughly 30 minutes south of Ravenna, Cervia<\/strong> 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\u2019s cultural buzz.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Discover the charming canals of Comacchio<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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About half an hour northeast of Ravenna, you\u2019ll find Comacchio<\/strong>, a laid-back lagoon town often dubbed the \u201cLittle Venice,\u201d minus the crowds. Picture peaceful canals, stone bridges, and slow afternoons by the water. It\u2019s the perfect escape when you need a break from Ravenna\u2019s buzzing historical scene. Stroll over the Trepponti Bridge, pop into the Basilica di San Cassiano, and don\u2019t leave without trying the local eel dishes that made this place famous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Craving a slower pace? It\u2019s time to visit Comacchio Italy<\/a>\u2019s underrated coastal charmer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Explore a hidden wine haven<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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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\u2019ll understand why this place turns wine lovers into regulars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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