G is equal to Italy. What is worth seeing in Ravenna? Beach holiday in Ravenna

We'll tell you how to spend time in Italian Ravenna, what interesting places to see, what to eat and where to relax on the beach.

Ravenna in Italian Emilia-Romagna is a dream city for lovers of art and history. It became famous mainly for its outstanding gastronomy, mosaics and proximity to the Adriatic Riviera. At different times, the Ostrogoths, Romans, Lombards and Byzantines ruled here. And Ravenna itself seemed to turn into one big mosaic, made up of many elements - its history was so rich. What can you see in the city today, what will delight you with the local cuisine and how to spend your time after the excursions?

What to see

You should start exploring the city by visiting the early Christian mausoleum of Galla Placidia. It was built in the 5th century and houses the city's most ancient mosaics. Their subjects reflect Roman and Hellenistic traditions. Despite the difference in styles, the mosaics combine harmoniously. Three sarcophagi can also be seen in the mausoleum. One of them belongs to Galla Placidia, the daughter of the Roman emperor and queen of the Visigoths.

No less significant mosaics are kept by the Orthodox Baptistery. This is the oldest building in the city, the walls and vaults of which are decorated with Byzantine mosaics, compositions depicting apostles, prophets and floral ornaments. It is also worth visiting the Basilica of San Vitale. It began to be built in the 6th century, and until the 17th century the basilica was modified and rebuilt. Initially, San Vitale was a modest building. Now it also looks restrained, but the interior decoration is impressive. The vaults of the basilica are decorated with Byzantine mosaics. They depict Old Testament scenes and early Christian subjects.

Be sure to visit Dante's tomb. The architecture of the 18th century tomb itself is interesting: it is designed in a neoclassical style, and above the urn there is a 15th century bas-relief. Near the mausoleum there is the Dante Museum.

It is worth continuing your acquaintance with history in the city National Museum. His collection reflects all stages of the city's history. Here you can see church utensils, mosaics, coins, frescoes, early Christian sarcophagi and sculptures, magnificent ivory works, medieval armor and icons.

Excursions

The best way getting to know Ravenna means taking the help of a local resident who will help you look at the city from a completely different perspective and tell you something you wouldn’t know on your own.

This is exactly the kind of excursion Daria offers! She has lived in Ravenna for several years and knows all its secrets. In her excursion “The Mosaic Secret of Ravenna” Daria makes you fall in love with this amazing city and shows it through the eyes of a resident.

What to try from food

Traveling here is a reason to taste best dishes Emilia-Romagna. If we talk about fast food, local trattorias and pizzerias offer all types of pizza. The basis of the cuisine is lamb and pork, grilled fish, all kinds of seafood and cheeses. In any restaurant you can order a tardur dish - this is a soup made from meat broth and egg paste. Tortelloni is no less popular. This is an analogue of dumplings stuffed with cheese, vegetables, herbs or cottage cheese.

Hunters for unusual taste sensations should try frog soup. This signature dish has been used for centuries as a cure for many ailments. And those with a sweet tooth will love grape jam. According to the old recipe, grape syrup, orange zest, almonds and musk are added to it.

Where to relax in the city

An alternative to an excursion holiday is the beach. The city is located 10 kilometers from the Adriatic coast. Its coastline stretches for 35 kilometers and is famous for its sandy beaches. You can choose a resort to suit your taste. For example, Porto Corsini is a calm and picturesque place for a family holiday. In addition to beaches, it is known for lush pine groves, fish restaurants and thermal springs. You can go windsurfing or go cycling in the idyllic surroundings. The Marina Romea resort will also delight you with the presence of a pine grove stretching along the coast.

If you want to have entertainment options at hand during your holiday at sea, you should relax in Marina di Ravenna. This town is famous for its spacious beaches with fine sand and natural beauty - it is surrounded by pine forests. During the day you can go horseback riding, at night you can have fun in the bar. And for those who want to explore other corners of Italy, there is a modern port.

Small Ravenna occupies a worthy place among the “star” cities of Italy. Its uniqueness, Byzantine flavor of attractions, subdued deep solidity and beauty are especially appreciated by true connoisseurs of Italy. A city with a population of only 360 thousand people has on its territory 8 sites recognized by UNESCO as the heritage of all mankind. Hundreds of thousands of tourists from all over the world come here to see the beautiful man-made monuments of the past.

Surprisingly, this city has always been revered by poets for centuries. In times of ups and downs, prosperity and destruction. Dante also likened it to a “symphony of light.” Although Dante can be understood, because his beloved lived in this city. For her sake he left Florence. The most life-affirming part of the Divine Comedy, “Paradise,” was created in Ravenna.

There are other versions of the poet’s special relationship to the city. But be that as it may: he is buried here. The tomb of the great poet is revered on a par with religious shrines.

And Lord Byron also rushed to Ravenna after his beloved. The result of this romantic story is the creation of a whole cycle of magnificent poems and talented dramatic works. Our great compatriot Alexander Blok also dedicated poems to this city.

Port far from the sea

When Emperor Octavian Augustus began building a port to protect Roman settlements in the 1st century AD, it seemed reasonable. Convenient location provided excellent conditions for protection from the sea. But the treachery of the Po River and underground waters gradually nullified the city planner’s plans. A Byzantine explorer and historian who arrived here in the 4th century saw “apple trees instead of masts” on the site of the port city.

Time continued to run, Ravenna developed. In the 5th – 8th centuries it was the capital of the Western Roman Empire. In the next spirals of history, oblivion and loss of prestigious status awaited her. But the legacy remained of beautiful monuments of artistic creativity and architecture. These sights are the pride of modern Ravenna.

The Adriatic Sea is currently quite far from the city - 10 kilometers. This did not interfere with the creation of excellent beaches. You can get to them quickly and comfortably. An important “plus” of a sea holiday in Ravenna is the pine forest near the coast.

Ravenna is the recognized "capital of mosaic" in Italy. Famous temples, mausoleums, cathedrals, and landmarks of the city were created during the times of early Christian and Byzantine influence on its history. In the 6th century, Byzantium had enormous political weight in the world. It was Ravenna that was the seat of the exarch - the representative of the Byzantine emperor.

The city has always been famous for its mosaic production and the artistic talents of mosaic artists. Therefore, foreign influence did not lead to the loss of our own traditions. Thanks to Byzantine influence, a magnificent symbiosis of the best achievements of both cultures occurred. That is why the mosaics decorating the historical buildings of Ravenna are not only not inferior, but sometimes even superior to the sights of Constantinople in terms of artistic value. The monuments of mosaic art in Ravenna are recognized as unsurpassed throughout the world.

The mosaics are based on simple glass, which is quite economical to produce. But adding various amounts of gold, copper, and mercury to the glass melt turns ordinary material into magically colorful pieces of smalt. The play of light on their surface creates incredible shades.

The peculiarity of Byzantine mosaics is the amazing golden background. The arrangement of pieces of smalt relative to each other gives rise to a stunning play of light. Are the rays of the sun, the reflections of candles, or the lunar haze falling on the images? The fascinating paintings delight not only specialists, but also people far from art.

This landmark of the city of Ravenna, included in the UNESCO list, is famous for housing the most ancient mosaics in the world. Anyone who has at least once visited the vaults of the amazing temple is amazed by the contrast of the external and internal decoration. The Mausoleum of Galla Placidia is an ascetic, gloomy building with a cubic dome. Brick, modestly decorated with vertical protrusions in the shape of arches.

But inside, an incredible sight awaits those entering! The lower part of the attraction is decorated with transparent marble, creating a feeling of airy weightlessness. The dome in rich blue and gold tones is like the firmament of heaven. Against this background, the depicted figures of Orthodox saints and archangels seem to float. Eight hundred golden stars surround a golden cross in the center of the dome. The increasing scale - a traditional Byzantine technique - enhances the visual effect.

The Mausoleum of Galla Placidia owes its existence to an extraordinary woman - the daughter of the Roman Emperor Theodosius the Great. She was brought up in Constantinople. Then she returned to her father in Ravenna, bringing Byzantine craftsmen with her. History has preserved legends about her difficult fate: she was forced into marriage twice, was captured by barbarians, and was regent of Ravenna with her young son. She was buried in Rome. But the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia is a worthy monument in her honor.

The eight Orthodox apostles, depicted along the perimeter of the dome, create a sense of movement with their gestures and turns of their heads. Christ in the image of the Good Shepherd seems to be looking at those entering from the walls of the vault. But despite the external diversity of the plots, all mosaics organically create a holistic perception.

Another attraction of the historical relics are the marble sarcophagi, which keep their secrets. For example, in one of them, during research, the remains of a man and a woman were discovered. Although the inscription corresponds to a different burial.

The Mausoleum of Galla Placidia is so interesting that thousands of tourists strive to visit it every day. We even had to introduce a rule not to stay in the room for more than five minutes. And what is the result? Those interested stand in line to visit several times.

Secrets of the Arean Religion

The secrets of the Arian religion are kept by the Church of San Vitale in Ravenna. And this is the only city on Earth in which you can see Christ in the form of a warrior or a teenager. Even in the early Christian period, the Arian branch of Orthodox movements was declared heretical. But in the artistic and historical works of the “capital of mosaics” evidence of Arianism was preserved.

Thus, the Arians believed that Christ was baptized as a teenager. And this fact is reflected in the plot on the dome of the cathedral. Meticulous tourists are also surprised by the “horned” figure nearby. But, according to the beliefs of the Arians, this is just the spirit of the Jordan River. The appearance of the cathedral is colorfully and objectively described by the poet:

A fabulous octagonal temple. The outside is scorched.
The relief of the buttresses rested against the stone of the Latin tombstones.
The sinful soul will be filled in the darkness with the joy of color.
Thousand-year-old smalt glows like a wonderful mosaic.

Material evidence of the Arians is the Mausoleum of Theodoric the Great. He was the king of the Arians. The Orthodox Church declared him a barbarian. But in popular memory, Theodoric remained the protector and patron of Ravenna. Theodoric's Mausoleum is a revered landmark of the city.

The Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, like many other historical tombs, does not contain the remains of the one who gave it its name. But the Mausoleum of Theodoric the Great fully corresponds to its purpose. The ashes of the founder rest in it.

There is an interesting legend associated with this. According to legend, a fortune teller predicted the future ruler of Ravenna would die from lightning. Therefore, Theodoric had a special attitude towards this natural phenomenon. During the construction of the Mausoleum, a huge round monolith was used as a roof. And during a thunderstorm, it was in this room that the king of the barbarians hid. But powerful lightning still split the stone and killed Theodoric. Here he was buried in a dark red sarcophagus.

The Mausoleum of Theodoric, as well as the Arian Baptistery, are striking attractions of the city. The Arian Baptistery was made unique by the unsuccessful attempts of Orthodox Christians to destroy the signs of Arianism in its subjects. Thus, the teenage Christ on the dome mosaics was artificially “aged” to the required 30 years. But they left him naked, which is unusual for Orthodox subjects.

When Arianism was declared heretical at the famous Council of Nicaea in 561, they tried to rename the Arian Baptistery the Oratorio of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Alas, this artificial measure could not change the true status of the structure.

During World War II, the building was bombed, but despite its centuries of age, it survived. Unfortunately, many unique mosaics and sights were then irretrievably lost. Subsequently, the Arian Baptistery was restored. Many unique mosaic frescoes were brought back almost from oblivion.

Now the historical masterpiece adequately represents Ravenna as one of the most interesting cities in Italy.

Everything that is momentary, everything that is perishable,
Buried you for centuries.
You sleep like a baby, Ravenna,
Sleepy eternity is in your hands.
A. Blok, “Ravenna”

Ravenna - millennia of history

It is believed that these lands were originally owned by the Etruscans, and perhaps the Umbrians, due to the proximity of their territories. The name of this important Italian most likely goes back to the Latin root rava-, which in the Umbrian dialect means “ravine washed by streams of water” or “canal, swamp” and the addition of the Etruscan ending -enna. Since prehistoric times, the natural landscape of these places has been distinguished by many streams carrying their waters into the Adriatic Sea, forming swamps and lagoons right up to the mouth of the Po River.

In the 2nd century BC. all the lands of the Padan plain were captured and colonized by the Romans.

Due to the specifics of the local landscape, swamps and many small river streams, these lands were accessible only from the sea. That is why the Emperor of the Roman Empire Octavian Augustus ordered the deployment of a navy here and the construction of a military port. Drainage and reclamation work was carried out and a military port was built Classis. According to the description of the historian Pliny the Elder, the military port accommodated 250 ships and 10,000 sailors to control the northern waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

Over time, a city grew around the port. During the Roman Empire, thanks to its port, Ravenna became an important point for the commercial movement of goods throughout the Mediterranean.

The last emperor of a unified Roman Empire died in 395. Theodosius the Great. After his death, the empire was divided into western and eastern, and his sons Arcadius and Honorius received parts of the empire. Arcadius was proclaimed emperor of the East, Constantinople as the capital, and Honorius with his capital in Milan of the West. In 402, after the siege of Milan by the Visigoths, the Western Roman Emperor Honorius moved the capital to Ravenna.

Ravenna became the permanent residence of the emperor, and therefore acquired great importance as the political, economic and cultural center of the empire. During this period, the city experiences a construction boom, although due to siltation of rivers and lagoons, the port becomes underused and loses its importance.

The fate of the Western Empire was decided in Ravenna. In 476, its last emperor, Romulus Augustulus, was deposed by the leader of the German mercenaries, Odoacer. That was the end of the story Ancient Rome, although the story of Ravenna does not end there. In 493, after a long siege, the city was conquered by the Ostrogoths Theodoric, and five years later the Byzantine Emperor Anastasius recognized him as king and ruler of Italy with his capital in Ravenna. Ravenna was recaptured in 540 Justinian and incorporated into Byzantium.

About two hundred years passed and again Ravenna found itself at the center of historical events. The city was conquered by the Lombards. In 751, by order of the king of the Franks Pepin the Short Ravenna came under the control of the Pope, but received autocephaly and became the residence of the kings. The archbishops of Ravenna received generous gifts from the emperors of the Saxon dynasty and were used in open clashes with the Popes. During this period, the city was gradually ravaged: many mosaics, marble decorations, friezes and sculptures disappeared, and the port of Classis was completely forgotten, looted and abandoned.

During the Middle Ages, Ravenna came under the control of the archbishops, and later into the hands of noble aristocratic families. One of them was the family yes Polenta. With this family the great Florentine found his last sad refuge. poet Dante Alighieri. He died of malaria and was buried in Ravenna.

In the middle of the 15th century, Ravenna was subordinated to the Venetian Republic and was under its rule until 1509. At the same time, many palaces in the Venetian style were built in the city center, and the famous fortress was erected to defend the city Brancaleone(photo on the left - click). When Julius II ascended the papal throne, he conquered the entire Romagna. Ravenna has since vegetated quietly for the next 350 years. The city gradually sank into water due to the swampiness of the surrounding fields, until in May 1636 the sea flooded the very center. Dad got involved Clement XII Corsini. New drainage and reclamation works were carried out, canals were laid, a pier was built, a new Cathedral was built, and Dante’s tomb was reconstructed. In 1861, Ravenna became part of the Kingdom of a united Italy. After the Second World War, Ravenna was awarded the title of City of Honor and awarded the Gold Medal for courage and military valor in the War of Liberation - for the sacrifices of its people and participation in the guerrilla struggle during the Second World War.

Ravenna in the radiance of mosaics and ancient monuments - attractions

Ravenna boasts monuments and buildings from the early Christian period, as well as Byzantine architecture and beautiful mosaics. In 1996, the following objects were included in the composition UNESCO World Heritage Site:

Basilica of San Vitale and Mausoleum of Galla Placidia

Outwardly, they look very modest. Simple brick structures, like all the other Byzantine buildings in the city. But once you cross their threshold, the reason for their worldwide fame becomes obvious. characterized by an octagonal shape and emphasizes the influence of Constantinople. Founder of the basilica, bishop Ecclesius, visited there and could admire the beauty of the majestic Church of Hagia Sophia. In the apse, the basilicas shine with their unique beauty of mosaics.

The structure of the building is complex, it is topped with a faceted drum, on which a dome with a diameter of 16 meters rests with the help of eight central supports. Thanks to the supporting pillars, a rounded structure is formed inside the temple, on the second tier of which there are choirs. The entire structure seems magical due to the elaborate, unique lighting and decoration.

Inside Mausoleum of Galla Placidia , deepened by 1.5 meters due to the raising of the cultural layer over the centuries, except for the marble plinth of the early 20th century, everything has been preserved in the form in which it was conceived and implemented in the 5th century. The earliest Ravenna mosaics cover the inner surface of the mausoleum, where golden light penetrates through windows made of alabaster, which creates an extraordinary atmosphere. For the first few minutes, you need to be in semi-darkness so that your eyes get used to it, and then you can see and appreciate the unique mosaics, their decor and colors. It is better that the front door remains closed: then not a single detail will escape and the real masterpiece of the Mausoleum above the front door will become obvious - the image of Christ in the robe of the Good Shepherd.

The mausoleum is built in the shape of a cross: the dome in the center is supported by sails, and the branches of the cross connect the vaults. Mosaics cover the entire interior space and are distinguished by their rare beauty and splendor. They contain different plots, but organically form one whole.

Italian mosaicists loved few, thick and deep colors - blue, green and wine red. Extraordinarily and somehow incomprehensibly deep, very dark blue on the ceiling of the mausoleum of Galla Placidia. Depending on the play of light penetrating here through the small windows, it amazingly and unexpectedly shimmers with greenish, purple, and crimson shades.

Russian art critic Pavel Muratov - about the mausoleum of Galla Placidia.

Inside the mausoleum there are four sarcophagi. It is not established exactly who they belong to. And although Galla Placidia herself built the mausoleum for herself and her family, it is known that she died in Rome in 450 and was buried in the family tomb of Emperor Theodosius - Santa Petronila in Rome. Researchers claim that her ashes were transferred to Ravenna later. For a long time The mausoleum was a chapel-oratory dedicated to Saint Lawrence, who was deeply revered in the family of Galla Placidia.

Information for visitors

A sign at the entrance warns of a 5-minute stay. Entry fee: €9.50 full price; reduced price € 8.50. The ticket is valid for 7 days and also allows you to visit the Basilica of Sant'Apollinarius Nuovo, the Orthodox Baptistery and the Archbishop's Museum.

Via S. Vitale, 17 ( 400 meters from Piazza del Popolo, a short walk in the pedestrian area, nearest parking in Largo Justiniana). Inquiries: +39 0544 541688. Open: 01/11 to 28/02 daily from 09:30 to 17:00; from 01/03 to 31/03 - daily, from 09.00 to 17.30; from 01/04 to 30/09 daily, from 09.00 to 19.00; from 01/10 to 31/10 from 09.00 to 17.30.
The Basilica of San Vitale and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia are closed on 25/12.

The Baptistery (photo left) is the oldest surviving building in the city and the most significant monument of Byzantine mosaics. The octagonal shape reminds us of Byzantine influence. Appearance made of brickwork and unadorned. Archaeologists claim that the baptistery was erected on the foundation of ancient Roman baths of the 4th–5th centuries, and the time of its construction is associated with the reign of Bishop Ursus. The baptistery received a different name from Bishop Neon; it was he who ordered the craftsmen to decorate the interior with amazing mosaics in the period from 451 to 475.

It can be seen that the current cultural layer is three meters higher than the original one, and this makes us think about the past. Entering inside, we see columns of the Ionic order in the window openings, mosaics and images of prophets on bas-reliefs. All interior decoration was supposed to emphasize that baptism is one of the first sacraments of Christianity. And in the center there is an octagonal font made of porphyry and marble. The font was redone in the 16th century, but the original 5th century pulpit, carved from a single piece of marble, remains.

The mosaic under the dome reproduces the biblical story on the themes of the Baptism of Christ and the Heavenly Jerusalem, as set out in the last book of the Revelation of John the Theologian. Above the arches of the first tier there is a floral ornament in the form of acanthus spirals on a blue background and images of prophets, and between the arches there are candelabra, thrones and a bishop's throne.

Orthodox Baptistery - photo

Information for visitors

Address: Via Baptistery, 1 ( 300 meters from Piazza del Popolo, Piazza Kennedy). Telephone: +39 0544 541688. Baptistery open 01/11 - 28/02 from 10:00 to 17:00; 01/03 - 31/03 from 09.30 to 17.30; 01/04 - 30/09 from 09.00 to 19.00; 01/10 - 31/10 from 09.30 to 17.30. Closed 25/12 and 1/1. Entry fee: €9.50 full price; €8.50 discounted. The ticket is valid for 7 days and also allows you to visit the Basilica of Sant'Apollinarius Nuovo, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, the Basilica of San Vitale and the Archbishop's Museum.

Where to stay in Ravenna

Basilica of Sant'Apolinare in Classe (outside the city walls)

The basilica (on the left - click) was built in 549 over the tomb of St. Apolinarius, the first bishop of Ravenna. The construction of the Basilica of St. Apolinarius began on the initiative of Bishop Ursinus at the expense of the Greek merchant Julian Argentarius. The main relic of the basilica is the relics of St. Apolinarius. He is venerated as a holy martyr. During times of danger of ruin and enemy raids in the 9th century, the relics of the saint were transferred inside the city walls, to the Basilica of Sant'Apolinare Nuovo. In 1748, the saint’s relics were transferred to their original burial place and placed in the central altar.

In the apse conch, the basilica is decorated with the latest Ravenna mosaics from the period of Emperor Justinian the Great. They miraculously survived the sack of Ravenna by the Venetians in 1449. Mosaic masters used smalt, colored glass, gold and semi-precious stones, but marble was used for faces and clothes, so the shapes appear flatter.

How to read Mosaic? The mosaic tells about the Biblical event of the Transfiguration of the Lord, he is personified in the mosaic as a Cross decorated with precious stones, and at the intersection of the cross a medallion with the face of Christ is visible. Peter, John and James, present at this event, are depicted as lambs standing at a distance. In heaven are the prophets Elijah and Moses, who speak about the death of Christ. And at the very top is the blessing right hand of God the Father. The scene is depicted in the Garden of Eden, in the center - Saint Apolinarius and 12 sheep, which are a symbolic image of the apostles.

It is noteworthy that in 1001, Emperor Otto III spent Lent in a monastery built next to the basilica: the emperor, expelled from Rome, was deeply worried about the collapse of his plan to restore the Roman Empire. His mentor was the hermit Romuald of Ravenna, who convinced the emperor to enter a monastery. His prophecy was this: “If you go to Rome, you will no longer see Ravenna.” But the emperor began to prepare a campaign against Rome and... died the following year, 1002. A plaque in the left nave of the basilica commemorates this event.

Mosaic portraits of the great bishops of Ravenna are placed between the windows of the apse, and on the side walls shine mosaics on the themes of the Old Testament and the Granting of Privileges to the Church of Ravenna. In the side naves there are medieval sarcophagi where the bishops of Ravenna are buried. The sarcophagi are perfectly preserved; on them you can read about the history of the basilica, as well as admire their unusual decor.

Information for visitors

Address: Via Romea Sud Classe ( short trip by bus or car 8 km. south of Ravenna). Telephone +39 0544 473569. Monday to Saturday open from 8:30 to 19:30, Sunday morning Mass from 08:00 to 10:00: visiting is suspended and opens from 13:00 to 19:30. Entrance fee: €5 full ticket; €2.50 discounted.

In the Emilia-Romagna region, this is the brightest pearl. It seems like a simple structure, but no, it bears the imprints of hundreds, or even thousands of years. And if stones could speak, in Ravenna they would narrate the events they witnessed. They probably have something to remember, for example, about recent years Western Roman Empire, when Ravenna was the capital of the greatest state that soon fell...

The famous Ravenna mosaics tell their own stories. The most colorful, the most skillful, the largest - any of the superlatives apply to this type of art in Ravenna. The most famous one decorates the Basilica of San Vitale and is reproduced on souvenir products.

The city is actively developing in our time. It's popular now beach resort, and nearby a modern amusement park, Mirabilandia, has been built with roller coasters, a Ferris wheel, attractions, various performances, and laser shows. By the way, the largest in Italy. So listening to the stories of the past can be a good way to relax in the present.

Flights to Ravenna

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How to get to Ravenna

By plane

The closest major airport to Ravenna with regular flights is Bologna. You can also travel by plane to Rimini or Venice, from where you can get to final destination by ground transport.

By train

There is a regional train from Bologna. The journey will take 1 hour 20 minutes. Some trains stop at Faenza or Portomaggiore, where you will have to change trains. When traveling from Rome, most likely, after 4 hours of travel you will have to make a transfer to Bologna. The same route is from Milan (3 hours). From Rimini you will drive to the sound of wheels for about an hour.

By bus

Bus service is provided by ATM.

By car

The distance between Bologna and Ravenna is 80 km, the journey will take you just over an hour. Budget €5 for road tax. From Rome to Ravenna 380 km, which can be covered in 4.5 hours, the tax will be 4 €. Between Ravenna and Milan is about 290 km. The road will take 3 hours and will be the most expensive - taxes will “eat up” an additional 19 €. The A14 highway leads to Ravenna.

By sea

The port of Ravenna is one of the twenty most significant in all of Italy. Many cruise companies begin their routes here: Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises go to Greece, Cyprus and Turkey. A ferry service connects Ravenna with Sicily (Catania).

Hotels in Ravenna

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There are about a hundred hotels in Ravenna to suit every taste and budget; all you have to do is choose the one that suits the purpose of your trip. If the task is to inspect as much as possible large number historical attractions, it is better to settle in the city center. Then the minimum cost of living will be from 70-80 € per day for double occupancy (Hotel Centrale Byron 3*, R&B Casa Aurora) and a little more expensive (La Reunion 4*, Best Western Hotel Bisanzio 4*, etc.). If distance doesn't matter to you of great importance, you can find a place to stay for the night for 45-50 €. At the same time, the quality will not necessarily suffer (B&B Al Borgo, Hotel B&B Ravenna 3*, etc.)

If you wish, you can stay in hotels on the coast, however, in this case the budget for accommodation can be safely multiplied by one and a half, or even two. The most modest options will cost 80-100 € for two.

Shopping in Ravenna

Ravenna doesn't have as many shops as Rimini or Bologna, but it also has places to stay - from a few euros to six figures.

Designer shops are mainly located on Via Cavour. In the historical center, on any street you will find a souvenir shop, grocery supermarket or shoe boutique. The main food market, Mercato Comunale, is located in Piazza Andrea Costa and is usually open until lunch every day except Sunday.

The main souvenir products are any product with a mosaic design. Traditional magnets, leather bags, T-shirts and, of course, ceramics can be decorated in the Ravenna style.

Try to bring Ravenna delicacies back to your homeland: caramelized figs with Squacquerone cheese, typical of the region. It would be a good idea to have a bottle of local Sangiovese wine in your luggage on the way back.

Beach holiday in Ravenna

The seaside resort of Marina di Ravenna is valued both among its own Italians and among foreign tourists. Modern beach areas are located next to the historical monuments of the city. Most beaches are sandy, clean and well maintained.

The most modern - Lido Adriano - is designed for a youth audience, for whom the sea, sun and sand are not enough for complete happiness, and also active sports. Punta Marina Terme is more suitable for a family holiday; it is quieter there due to cottage buildings surrounded by pine trees. More sedate and wealthy people also come here, mainly for thalassotherapy. The center is located on the beach itself.

Ravenna is a fairly small city in the province, located approximately 10 kilometers from the Adriatic coast. Until the first time I visited there, I knew that Ravenna is famous among tourists all over the world for its mosaics. This fact, as well as the advice of many friends, convinced me that I needed to go to Ravenna! I hope the story below will help me convince you too :)

I would advise going to Ravenna for at least 2-3 days, so that you have time to leisurely see all the sights (and there are plenty of them), walk around the city and visit the coast.

How to get there

The most convenient way to get to Ravenna from Russia is by plane. If you want to visit it as part of a trip to Italy, road and rail connections are also well developed, and getting to the city will not be difficult at all. That is, in general, it is most convenient to get there by land or air transport. This is exactly what I advise. Because despite the fact that Ravenna is only a few kilometers from the Adriatic Sea, there is no large port there and cannot be reached by ferry.

By plane

If you search the Internet for information about Ravenna airport, you will immediately see that it is there, but you cannot fly there from Russia (even with a transfer it will not work), since it serves a very small number of flights.

Therefore, it is most convenient to fly from Russia to one of the nearest cities that have international airports: namely from Bologna. There is also an airport in Rimini, but currently there are no tickets from Moscow and St. Petersburg to get there. Therefore, let's consider Bologna as the most convenient option.

Bologna

Bologna, the provincial capital, is approximately 80 km from Ravenna and can be easily reached by train. A ticket to Bologna can be quite inexpensive - with Alitalia it costs about 150 EUR (9,500 RUB), although with a transfer in Rome. Travel time is 6–7 hours. But Alitalia also has direct flights, just like Aeroflot. Their travel time is the same - 3 hours 30 minutes, but they will cost more: 305 EUR (19,400 RUB) and 261 EUR (16,600 RUB), respectively. There are no direct flights from St. Petersburg, but with a transfer in Amsterdam you can fly with KLM. The minimum travel time is 6.5 hours and the flight will cost 230 EUR (14,500 RUB). You can also fly Alitalia with a transfer in Moscow. The travel time will be the same, but may cost a little more - 250 EUR (15,700 RUB). You can find flight options for your dates.

I will tell you more about how to get from Bologna to Ravenna by train in the corresponding section below.

By train

In general, railway transport between large and small cities is well developed. The station is a 7-10 minute walk from the city center, where all trains arrive (including the train from Bologna). From Bologna Airport you can take a train with a change in the center of Bologna. Trains to Ravenna run frequently, approximately every hour, a ticket costs 7.35 EUR and travel time is 1 hour 20 minutes. This is a train a la “electric train”, and the price is always the same, so you don’t need to buy a ticket in advance. But if you are coming from Milan, Rome or another city that is quite far from Ravenna, I advise you to buy a ticket online in advance on the Tren Italia website, it will cost less. For example, the price of a ticket from Milan starts from 20 EUR, from Rome - from 32, from Naples - from 43.

The train station is very close to the center, literally 7-10 minutes on foot. As a guide, on the map below I have highlighted the path from the station to one of the central squares of Ravenna - Piazza del Popolo.

By bus

I doubt that you will decide to go to Ravenna from Russia by bus :) But, if Ravenna is part of your tour of Europe, the bus is the most economical way to get there.

In Europe, the bus company Flixbus is now very popular; travel on their buses will cost only a few euros. Moreover, the buses are very comfortable, with air conditioning, toilets and even free Wi-Fi.

You can get to Ravenna from Verona (the journey will cost only 5 EUR), Rome (9 EUR), Milan (also 9 EUR) and other cities in Italy and Switzerland. There is no need to buy a ticket in advance to save money. Usually they are always available, and their price does not change. But just in case, the availability of tickets and the exact schedule can be checked with the company.

Buses do not arrive in the city center; from there it is no longer possible to walk to the same Piazza del Popolo. But you can take bus number 1 directly to the center or take bus number 80 to the train station. The ticket can be purchased directly from the driver, or at any tobacco store (look for the Tabacchina sign), the cost is the same everywhere - 1.30 EUR.

By car

Getting from Russia to Ravenna by car is not an easy task. This is a minimum of 2600–2900 kilometers (depending on the chosen route), toll roads and crossing borders between countries. And the time of the latter is unpredictable; in my experience, the queues between Belarus and Poland were simply gigantic.

Before you go on such a long journey, keep in mind that this is 1-2 nights on the road. Again, depending on how much time you spent in line at the border, if you stood for a couple of hours, you can get by with one night in a hotel, but if you stood somewhere for 15, that’s a completely different matter.

Below, as an example, I attach a map of the route – Ravenna.

In my opinion, the game is worth the candle only if you are planning a large and long European tour, which will also include a thorough trip to Italy.

It’s another matter if you rented a car in Italy (read about the features of car rental in the article below). In this case, getting to Ravenna will not be difficult for you.

From the north of Italy you can get there along the E35 highway (in Italian, autostrada), which then turns into E45. As you can see on the map below, it is convenient to get there from Bologna, Milan, Turin, Verona and Florence, if we talk about the northern part of the country.

You can also drive along the Adriatic coast from Venice on the SS309 highway. This is not a highway like the E35, but you can see plenty of beauty.

By ferry

The port in Ravenna is very small; ferries do not arrive there. But you can rent a boat for further travel along the Adriatic.

Clue:

Ravenna - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow 1

Kazan 1

Samara 2

Ekaterinburg 3

Novosibirsk 5

Vladivostok 8

When is the season? When is the best time to go

Ravenna is located in a province in northern Italy. In general, this region has enough warm winters: The temperature fluctuates around zero degrees. While in summer it is hot, especially in July-August.

If you are going to go to Ravenna to see the sights, and not for a beach holiday on the Adriatic coast (which is located 10 km from the city), then I would recommend the months from October to June. At this time, the weather remains more or less comfortable for long walks. I was in Ravenna even in December, and although it was cool outside, I wasn’t frozen at all.

But for a beach holiday, of course, July, August and the first half of September are most suitable, but at this time there are the most tourists (Italians themselves traditionally have vacations in August). Prices may become slightly higher, but most often this applies to coastal cities; Ravenna is still located a little further away.

Ravenna in summer

As I wrote above, July and August are ideal months for a beach holiday, but for sightseeing I would not recommend going in the summer. In my opinion, it is too hot there, the temperature reaches 30 degrees, and there are more tourists. Therefore, June, in my opinion, is not suitable at all: the weather is hot, while the sea water is still cold :)

Ravenna in autumn

One of my favorite times of year to visit Ravenna and Italy in general. If in the first half of September it is still hot and there are quite a lot of tourists, then from the end of the month until mid-October it is still very warm outside, but there are much fewer people. If you wish, you can even swim :) But it still depends on the specific season and the degree of your hardening.

In addition, in the fall the harvest is underway, so in Emilia-Romagna (where, in my opinion, the most delicious things are always served and sold), a feast begins! The freshest vegetables and fruits for every taste.

Ravenna in spring

From the beginning of March it is already very warm and pleasant outside, so I definitely recommend going to Ravenna in the spring. I always liked it :)

Everything quickly turns green, it’s nice to walk around the city and the coast after a long Russian winter. There are very few tourists, so be prepared for a quiet and relaxing holiday.

Ravenna in winter

Despite the proximity of the Adriatic Sea, do not be afraid and feel free to travel to Ravenna in winter, if the opportunity arises. Temperatures rarely drop below zero, but in the evening it becomes quite cold. There are, of course, cloudy and rainy days, but there are also warm and sunny days. Snow does not happen often and does not last long (the photo below is a rare exception). If you are visiting in December, I can assure you that the city will be beautifully decorated, but rather discreetly. In Italy they do not decorate as massively as in Germany or Switzerland. I personally especially like Ravenna before Christmas. A Christmas tree is installed in Piazza del Popolo, and a Christmas market opens where they sell Christmas tree decorations, desserts and hot mulled wine. There are also concerts and performances by local sports, dance and choral groups.

Ravenna - weather by month

Clue:

Ravenna - weather by month

Districts. Where is the best place to live?

Ravenna is a very small town and quite calm. Therefore, there is no big difference in which part you will live.

Relatively inexpensive accommodation can be found in the very center, so when I traveled, I stayed there. A night in a small Bed&Breakfast will cost about 35 EUR per person. You can book on, but you can check if there are better prices somewhere.

Outside the area indicated on the map you can find apartments (hotels, as you can see, are still located in the very center). You can use it to search. And if suddenly you find an apartment that you really like, but it is located a little further away, don’t worry, feel free to book, since Ravenna is still a small city and it will be easy to get there :)

What are the prices for holidays?

Ravenna is a fairly touristic city, but nevertheless relatively inexpensive.

If we talk about accommodation, in the center you can find many small hotels where they will feed you a delicious breakfast and rent a bicycle for free. And all this for 35 EUR per night.

To have a tasty lunch or dinner, I advise you to get a little away from the tourist streets (read about them below). The cost of the dish will be 2-3 EUR less, and it will not be heated/defrosted food. And the cuisine of Emilia-Romagna is known throughout Italy and you should not miss the opportunity to get to know it.

Clue:

Cost of food, accommodation, transportation and other things

Currency: Euro, € US Dollar, $ Russian Ruble, Rub

Main attractions. What to see

Throughout the world, Ravenna is famous for its Byzantine and Aryan mosaics. I think if you are deliberately planning to visit it, you are well aware of this. Therefore, be prepared for the fact that most attractions will be associated with mosaics. You can purchase a single ticket to view the main mosaics - for an adult it will cost 9.5 EUR and is sold at the ticket office near the Basilica of San Vitale. The ticket gives you the opportunity to see the following attractions (I will tell you more about each of them below).

I wrote the names in Italian in brackets so that when you arrive in Ravenna it will be easier for you to navigate :).

There really is a lot to see, and if you are in Ravenna for 1-2 days, I advise you to familiarize yourself with the opening hours of each of the attractions in advance so as not to miss anything. And, to be honest, these are not all the interesting places in Ravenna that are worth visiting.

Top 5

The attractions included in the ticket, which I wrote about above, are under the protection of UNESCO. I can’t help but agree with their beauty and significance, that’s why I’ll highlight them as the TOP 5 of Ravenna :)

• Basilica of San Vitale from the 6th century- one of the main churches of Ravenna with Byzantine mosaics. The building certainly deserves attention both outside and inside, as the vault is lined with marble mosaics. I spent more than one hour there!
  Address: Via San Vitale, 17.

• Basilica of San Apollinare Nuovo- another important church of Ravenna with very beautiful mosaics dedicated to scenes from the New Testament, saints, angels and prophets.
  Address: Via di Roma, 53.

• Neonian Baptistery(or otherwise Orthodox) - the oldest building in Ravenna - is also famous for its mosaics. But even without them, it’s generally very beautiful inside.
  Address: Piazza Duomo, 1.

• Archbishop's Chapel was built in the 5th-6th centuries, while museum was founded only in the 17th century. In addition to religious subjects, the mosaic of the chapel is famous for its patterns of nature and birds.
  Address: Piazza Arcivescovado, 1.

• Mausoleum of Galla Placidia- don’t be confused by the small size of the building, don’t be disappointed ahead of time, because this is where the oldest mosaics of Ravenna are located. Pay attention to the mosaic of the night sky, it is mesmerizing :)
  Address: Via Giuliano Argentario, 17.

Beaches. Which ones are better

The distance of just 10 km from the Adriatic Sea makes Ravenna very attractive for tourists who come to the sea. And vice versa. At any time of the year, in sunny weather, it is pleasant to stroll along the coast. In general, in summer this area is very touristic, well developed and there are many tourists there. In the cold season there are practically no people there, and you can calmly walk along the sandy beach almost alone.

I will highlight several good beaches near the city:

• Punta Marina- the closest of them to Ravenna is only 9 km away. You can get there by bus No. 70, which departs from the railway station and takes only 20 minutes. The ticket will cost 2.30 EUR. But my favorite form of transport is still a bicycle. It will be very hot in the summer, but at other times of the year it is the best option in my opinion :) And since Ravenna is a city of pedestrians and cyclists, the likelihood that your hotel will have one for rent is high. In summer, you can rent an umbrella and sun lounger on the beach, and there are many cafes and food trucks.

Below is a map of how to get from Ravenna to Punta Marina. The remaining beaches are located slightly north and south along the coast:

• Marina di Ravenna- if you take the 70 bus further, you will get to this beautiful beach, where you can also rent everything you need. The journey will take half an hour.
• Lido Adriano- also a good beach, fully equipped during the season. You can also get there from the railway station by bus No. 80. The beach is located a little further from the city and the travel time is 30 minutes.

• Marina di Ravenna;
• Porto Corsini;
• Marina Romea;
• Lido di Dante;
• Lido di Classe.

Churches and temples. Which ones are worth visiting?

In addition to the basils that I listed above, in my opinion, the following deserve attention:

• Church San Giovanni Evangelista- the first attraction you will see if you arrive by train, as it is located right on the way from the railway station to the city center. Previously, its walls were also decorated with mosaics, but after the bombing during the Second World War, only a few fragments have reached us. Admission is free.
  Admission is free.
  Address: Piazzale Anita Garibaldi.

• Ravenna Cathedral (Duomo di Ravenna)- despite the fact that this is the main temple of the city, it is one of the newest (18th century), since the previous cathedral was destroyed and this one was built in its place. But some interior elements remained from the ancient temple inside. But, nevertheless, this is one of the few churches in Ravenna where there are no mosaics! Maybe that's why there's free entry?
  Address: Piazza Duomo.

• Baptistery of Ariana looks like Neonian from the outside. It has no other decorations other than the mosaics that adorn its dome. But it’s still worth visiting, because in Ravenna every mosaic is unique :) Entrance costs 1 EUR.
  Address: Piazzetta degli Ariani.

• Basilica of Sant'Apollinare in Classe (Sant "Apollinare in Classe) was built in the 16th century on the burial site of one of the city's bishops. Here you can see the latest mosaics. The church is not in the city center, so it makes sense to go to it (which is about 5 km from the center) only if you have enough time in Ravenna. Otherwise, I advise you to concentrate on other attractions. The entrance ticket will cost 3 EUR.
  Address: Via Romea Sud, 224.

Museums. Which ones are worth visiting?

If, after visiting the mosaics and cathedrals, you still have time in the city, I advise you to visit the following museums:

• IN Ravenna Museum of Art (Museo d'Arte della città di Ravenna) There is both a permanent exhibition - objects of medieval and modern art, and temporary exhibitions. It is better to check the schedule of the latter in advance on the museum’s website. An adult ticket will cost 3 EUR, a reduced ticket will cost 2 EUR.

Address: Via di Roma.

• MuseumDanteAlighieri- it presents exhibits related to the writer’s work. Also nearby is Dante's grave Admission for an adult costs 3 EUR, for children, students and pensioners - 2. Please note that it is closed on Mondays.

Address: Via Dante, 3.

• Domus dei Tappeti di Pietra- a complex of buildings in which you can also admire unique mosaics (the complex has 14 halls and 3 courtyards!). This is one of the main archaeological finds in Italy for last decades. The cost of a full ticket is 4 EUR, a reduced ticket is 3.

Address: Via Gian Battista Barbiani, 16.

Parks

In my opinion, the Adriatic coast is better suited for walking (as soon as you leave the city, you will immediately see the unimaginable nature of Emilia-Romagna), but there are a couple of parks in the city. Although I wouldn't call it that green.

• Giardini Pubblici- a park in the historical center of the city. It’s quite small, but it’s nice to take a walk there and spend a little time in the fresh air between exploring the mosaics and sights of the city. There are playgrounds for children.
  Entrance to the park is free, but note that it closes at sunset.

Address: Viale Santi Baldini, 4.

• Parco regionale del Delta del Po- this is not just a park, but rather a nature reserve not far from the city. If the weather permits, you can walk there all day! An excellent option if you want to not only see the city, but also the beautiful nature of the region.

Address: C.so G.Mazzini, 200–44022 Comacchio, Ferrara. From the train station you can take bus number 4, the journey time is approximately 30 minutes.

Tourist streets

I can honestly say that it is difficult to single out any specific tourist streets in Ravenna. In my opinion, the historical center of the city is one long street :) The center is almost entirely pedestrian, consisting of small and not so small streets, courtyards and squares. Therefore, to get to know the city, it is best to just walk in the center wherever your eyes look, and you will still see all the sights one way or another. Or you can do the same route by bicycle.

Just in case, on the map I marked the busiest streets of the center: via Camillo Benso Cavour, via Mentana, via Mario Gordini, via Angelo Mariani, via Corrado Ricci.

What to see in 1 day

If you came to Ravenna for just 1 day, I’ll say right away that you will have a desire to return :). Because it’s unrealistic to get to know this city properly in just a day! In order to have time to see the main things as quickly as possible, I advise you to visit the main mosaics (see the section “TOP 5 attractions”). This will take the entire daylight hours. So immediately upon arrival in Ravenna, go to the ticket office to buy a ticket so you can see as many mosaics as possible.

• 10:00 - buy a subscription and immediately go to the Basilica of San Vitale;
• 11:30 - The Mausoleum of Galla Placidia is very close, go straight to it;
• 12:30 - walk a little to the center to the Neonian Baptistery and go into it;
• 13:30 - then go to the Archbishop's Chapel, which is literally around the corner;
• 14:30 - dinner. Try not to have lunch later, because then in restaurants the kitchen may be closed until the evening;
• 15:30 - walk a little more through the old center of Ravenna to the Basilica of San Apollinare Nuovo;
• 16:30 - and now that all the main attractions have been examined, slowly look at the ancient buildings of the city, Piazza del Popolo, Dante’s tomb;
• 18:00 - a time when most restaurants are not yet serving dinner, so during this short break you can go to the hotel and take a breather;
• 20:00 - be sure to look at the historical center in the evening, and go to a local restaurant or Enoteca, where you will be treated to typical dishes of the region and local wines.

The day will fly by completely unnoticed!

What to see in the area

If you have some time left, that's great because there are many must-see places in the Emilia-Romagna region.

Adriatic

For example, what I like most is to rent a bicycle in Ravenna (you can ask for them at your hotel or guest house) and go along Via Adolfo Bellucci to ADryatic coast. In clear weather, this walk will be a pleasure even in the cold season. I pedal for 9 kilometers, enjoying the beautiful fields of Emilia-Romagna. There are special parking lots on the coast where you can leave your bike and go on foot for a walk along the embankment (or swim, if you come in the warmer months).

Bologna (80 km)

Speaking about traveling through this region of Italy, one cannot fail to mention Bologna- its capital, which is located only 80 km from Ravenna. You can spend several days in this medieval city at once. For me, in its beauty and atmosphere it is on a par with Rome and Venice. Medieval cathedrals, open galleries, oldest university Universita degli studi di Bologna - you should set aside at least 2-3 days to explore them. I wrote above about how to get to Bologna in the “Transport: by train” section.

Ferrara (80 km)

The city is located at approximately the same distance from Ravenna Ferrara. Like Ravenna and, it is under the patronage of UNESCO, from which you can immediately understand that there is something to see there: medieval cathedrals, palaces and houses, the world's oldest wine bar Al Brindisi, opened in 1435, and, of course, the unique kitchen. You can get there from Ravenna by train, the journey takes about an hour.

San Marino (65 km)

Ferragosto

A holiday in honor of the end of the main agricultural work of the season. Traditionally celebrated on August 15th. In Ravenna and on the beaches there is live music, processions, fireworks and numerous celebrations. The restaurants serve the freshest food.

Safety. What to watch out for

In general, I can say that Ravenna is a fairly calm city, there is no mafia, I can’t say anything about any dangerous areas. The city is small, the locals more or less know each other, so all parts of the city are quite safe.

As elsewhere, in tourist places I would advise you not to walk with an open bag and not to put your wallet in your trouser pocket. That's all :)

Things to do

Emilia-Romagna is quite a touristy province, with its famous beaches and Adriatic coast attracting people from all over the world, so there is plenty to do in the city and suburbs. Especially in season. I am sure you will find something to your liking - shopping, relaxing on the beach, boat/ship trips, restaurants, bars and dancing.

Shopping and shops

Ravenna, of course, is not the main shopping center, let alone Italy, or even Emilia-Romagna, but the main shops are there. There are no boutiques there, but you will find mass-market stores on tourist streets (you can see them on the map above). For example, Calzedonia, Intimissimi, Zara, Bottega Verde, Pandora, Sephora.

A little further from the center you will find the Centro Commerciale Le Maioliche shopping center, where again shops of the same segment are presented. It is located at the following address: Via Bisaura, 1/3 - 48018 Faenza - Ravenna.

Early January and July are my favorite times to shop because there are sales and you can get great deals on things with 30% to 50% off.

If you are looking for more expensive stores, then I would still advise going to Bologna, you can find almost everything there.

Bars. Where to go

Before dinner, usually around 6 p.m., aperitivo starts in Italian bars. You order a cocktail (traditionally this could be an Aperol or Campari Spritz), which you are served with appetizers. Typically these are chips, nuts and olives, but there can also be mini bruschettas. There are even bars where they offer a whole buffet of snacks as an aperitivo. This is exactly what I go to Italian bars for:) But it’s also possible to have something to drink there after dinner.

Depending on the abundance of snacks, the price varies from 5 to 10 EUR on average.

Unfortunately, there are not many bars in Ravenna; there are more of them on the coast. But even if you see the sign Aperitivo in a restaurant, feel free to go in and try it. Just if you see the Bar sign, don’t be confused; in Italy, such places serve coffee with croissants in the morning, and not cocktails in the evening!

I will list a few good bars in Ravenna and on the coast, which I also advise you to check out (they usually close around 12):

• Bagno Giada. Address: Viale Petrarca Pedonale Sud;
• Fargo. Address: Vicolo Padenna;
• La Baia dei Pirati. Address: Piazza A Saffi, 6;
• Cavour Bar. Address: Via Camillo Benso Cavour, 51.

Clubs and nightlife

In Italy it is difficult to find a nightclub in our understanding. Italians love to talk and eat too much to go to discos where this is impossible :)

Therefore, I would rather call the nightclubs in Ravenna disco bars. That is, in the evening you can go there for an aperitivo, drink cocktails and stay dancing. Of course, there are more such places on the coast, where parties are constantly held on weekends in the summer (they are usually closed out of season). In terms of prices, they usually do not differ from bars: depending on the level of the establishment, a cocktail costs 5–10 EUR.

There is also an entrance fee, which usually costs up to 10 EUR. There is no particular dress code, but you can’t wear flip-flops, swimsuits, sneakers or trainers to clubs.

Of the most interesting places, I can recommend you the following:

• Fellini scalinocinque. Address: Piazza John Fitzgerald Kennedy, 15;
• BBK. Address: Viale C. Colombo, N171;
• Bar Noi & Marilyn. Address: Viale petrarca 452.

How to get around the city

As you already understand, Ravenna is a very small city, and it is a city of pedestrians and cyclists. In general, the center and the main areas close to it can be reached on foot. Therefore, in 90% of cases you will not need transport.

Only if you decide to get to the coast :).

Taxi. What features exist

I'm not sure you'll need a taxi in Ravenna.

Traveling 80 kilometers from the airport to Ravenna is completely unprofitable. In my opinion, it’s only convenient to take a taxi to the coast. The main thing is to look for an official taxi, usually these are white cars with tariffs written on them and a meter.

This always surprises me, but Uber in Italy usually costs more than a standard taxi, so to save money, I don’t recommend using it there.

Buses

If you want to get to the Adriatic Sea, above I tell you in detail which bus you can take and from where. A bus ticket can be purchased from the driver or at a tobacco shop (look for a sign that says Tabacchina). It will cost the same there. There’s just always a chance that the driver will run out of tickets, after all, we’re in Italy :)

Transport rental

If you are planning a further trip to Italy or just want to take a ride along the Adriatic coast (and it is most convenient to do this by car), then in Ravenna there are offices of the main international companies for car rental (Europcar, Avis, Hertz). I would advise using them, as they provide more comprehensive insurance. There are local companies, but they have limited hours (close early and often take lunch breaks) and usually only have one office. Therefore, it is more convenient to use the services of Europcar, Avis or Hertz, since you can rent a car in Ravenna and return it, for example, in Bologna or Milan. You can compare prices from different rental companies.

From the documents you will need international law and a credit card with sufficient funds, since such companies usually freeze the deposit in the amount of 1000–1500 EUR (the exact figure depends on the car model).

A liter of gasoline will cost 1.2–1.3 EUR/liter.

If you are going to Emilia-Romagna during the season, I advise you to book a car on the website in advance, since there are a lot of tourists and the most inexpensive and high-quality cars are quickly sold out.

The most unexpected thing for me when driving in Italy is the small streets. Therefore, I do not recommend renting a large car, it is better to rent a small one so that you can drive everywhere comfortably: Fiat 500, small Volkswagen or Audi.

In Italy, it is officially legal to drive after one glass of wine or a small glass of beer. But I don’t advise you to do this anyway.

Friends, you often ask, so we remind you! 😉

Flights- you can compare prices from all airlines and agencies!

Hotels- don’t forget to check prices from booking sites! Don't overpay. This !

Car rental- also an aggregation of prices from all rental companies, all in one place, let's go!

Anything to add?