Summary
From Florence and Rome to Positano and Capri, Italy is home to many must-visit destinations. However, this beautiful European country also features several less-visited spots, ranging from charming hilltop villages to postcard-perfect coastal escapes. While Ravenna isn’t quite a hidden gem, it’s certainly not a requisite stop on most tourist routes either. This charming northeastern Italian city provides numerous reasons for travelers to take a detour from Bologna for a few days. Located close to the Adriatic coastline of Emilia-Romagna, the former capital of the Western Roman Empire brims with history and offers beautiful, diverse architecture that reflects the many groups that have occupied the city over the years. Besides UNESCO-listed monuments and eye-catching mosaics, visitors can look forward to genuine hospitality and superb food and wine.
Best Hotels in Ravenna
Casa Gugù
Situated in the city center close to the medieval leaning tower, Torre Civica, Casa Gugù derives its name from Countess Augusta Rasponi del Sale, known as Gugù, who lived in a nearby noble building and dedicated her life to helping people in need. It’s a wonderful bed-and-breakfast that’s completely renovated but still retains historical charm.
M Club
One of the top-rated places to stay in Ravenna, M Club bills itself as a deluxe B&B. Guests often remark about the hospitality and the charming mix of paintings, antiques, floral wallpaper, exposed ceiling beams, and family keepsakes. Conveniently located in the historic heart of Ravenna, M Club is just a stone’s throw from San Vitale Basilica and Galla Placidia.
Villa Santa Maria Foris
For a lovely stay in the center of Ravenna, Villa Santa Maria Foris is a boutique hotel with 11 individually designed rooms, decorated in an ornate style with chandeliers and exclusive fabrics, featuring a gorgeous leafy courtyard.
Hotel Palazzo Galletti Abbiosi
Tucked inside a historic noble residence opposite Basilica di Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, Hotel Palazzo Galletti Abbiosi stands out as a comfortable, convenient, and affordable overnight option in Ravenna. The courtyard, chapel, and beautiful ceilings with frescoes are particularly special.
Best Things to Do in Ravenna
Mausoleo di Galla Placidia
Of all the UNESCO-listed monuments in the city, Mausoleo di Galla Placidia should absolutely be at the top of your list. It’s a beautiful example of early Christian architecture: humble and simple on the outside but rich in ornamentation on the inside. Every centimeter of the interiors is adorned with precious mosaics illuminated by a mystical light that brings out the indigo shades of the starry sky of the entrance vault.
Dante’s Tomb
After many years of exile, Dante Alighieri arrived in Ravenna in 1318, where he composed “Paradiso,” the third and final part of his “Divine Comedy.” Rather than send his remains back to Florence upon his death, the Franciscan friars entombed him in a small mausoleum next to the Basilica of San Francesco.
Basilica di Sant’Apollinare Nuovo
Widely regarded as one of the most interesting churches in the region, Basilica di Sant’Apollinare Nuovo tells the story of a chaotic and turbulent history between the 5th and 6th centuries. Erected by Ostrogothic king Theodoric the Great in the 6th century, it was later converted into a Catholic church. Inside, visitors can find historic mosaics depicting religious scenes.
Basilica di San Vitale
As one of Ravenna’s most emblematic sites and a remarkable example of early Christian Byzantine art and architecture, the UNESCO-protected Basilica di San Vitale is a 6th-century church notable for its octagonal exterior and colorful mosaics that adorn the interior.
Dimensione Mosaico
Mosaics are a significant part of Ravenna’s artistic heritage, and visitors can learn about this long-standing tradition in a hands-on way. Classes at Dimensione Mosaico teach participants of all ages the proper techniques to create beautiful works of art.
Best Restaurants in Ravenna
Antica Trattoria al Gallo 1909
A long-standing, family-run culinary institution in Ravenna, Antica Trattoria al Gallo 1909 continues to draw crowds with its typical Romagna cuisine that celebrates local ingredients and offers a warm atmosphere infused with homespun hospitality and antique decor.
Osteria del Tempo Perso
The menu at Osteria del Tempo Perso changes every two months, reflecting seasonal dishes artfully prepared. The regional wines and cozy, romantic ambiance add even more local flavor to the dining experience.
Ca’ de Ven
“I never grow tired of dining at Ca’ de Ven,” raves a local guide. Set inside a 15th-century building with frescoed ceilings near Dante’s Tomb, the restaurant serves many traditional local recipes and makes an excellent piadina, the typical flatbread of Romagna.
L’Acciuga Osteria
L’Acciuga Osteria, located in the city center near Porta Adriana, is a delightful fish restaurant led by Chef Matteo Salbaroli. You can taste quality anchovies, and the catch of the day never fails to impress.
Trattoria Ristorante Al Rustichello
Bright yellow walls contribute to the cheerful atmosphere at Trattoria Ristorante Al Rustichello, a family-run favorite that has been around since 1987. The highlight of any meal here is the freshly made pasta served directly from the pan.
Best Wineries Near Ravenna
Tenuta Uccellina
Just a 25-minute drive outside the city is Tenuta Uccellina, a winery founded on the belief in the potential of traditional Romagna grapes. Hand-harvesting native vines and employing minimal-intervention winemaking techniques allow the magic of Mother Nature to shine through in each bottle.
Azienda Agricola Randi
Founded at the end of World War II, Azienda Agricola Randi has been a cornerstone winery in the region for decades. It now spans almost 63 hectares of vineyards, growing a variety of grapes including trebbiano, longanesi, malbo gentile, chardonnay, sauvignon, famoso, and centesimino.
Zinzani Vini
A bit further from Ravenna, Zinzani Vini is a family-run winery that invites visitors to tour the estate, learn about small-scale production methods, and enjoy winemaker-led tastings paired with local products like meat and cheese, all set against the backdrop of the rolling hills of Romagna.
How to Get There
Ravenna is located just over an hour outside of Bologna, the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region. Direct trains and buses run between the two cities; however, renting a car is advisable for those wishing to explore places outside the city, including the wineries mentioned above.
