Ravenna sits a few miles inland from the Adriatic coast, its port linked to the historic center by a short transfer through flat countryside once crossed by Roman roads. The city served as capital of the Western Roman Empire and later the Byzantine Exarchate, a legacy still visible in its churches and mausoleums, many recognized for their extraordinary mosaic work dating to the fifth and sixth centuries.
Within the compact old town, travelers find the Basilica of San Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, and the tomb of Dante Alighieri, who spent his final years in the city. Quiet piazzas, brick medieval architecture, and unhurried streets give Ravenna a low-key character distinct from its more famous northern neighbor. The historic center rewards those willing to walk at an easy pace, its treasures often tucked behind understated facades rather than announced by grand approaches.
Step inside this octagonal sixth-century basilica to see shimmering gold and blue mosaics of Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora, among the finest Byzantine artwork outside Istanbul. Located a short walk from the old town center; arrive early to avoid tour groups.
Visit Dante's Tomb
Pay respects at the poet's simple neoclassical mausoleum near the Basilica of San Francesco, where he was laid to rest after exile from Florence. A quiet, unhurried stop that takes only minutes but anchors Ravenna's literary legacy.
Wander the Old Town's Piazzas
Stroll brick-lined lanes and quiet squares like Piazza del Popolo, pausing for coffee beneath medieval arcades. Ravenna's unhurried pace rewards slow exploration between its major monuments.
Cruise Lines That Call Here
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