Ravenna

Country: Italy · Region: Adriatic · Currency: Euro

Ravenna is a charming small town in Emilia-Romagna famous for its UNESCO World Heritage early Christian monuments and exceptional mosaics. One of Italy's top twenty ports, it offers a walkable old town with a delightful atmosphere and rich Byzantine art history.

Top sights

Basilica di San Vitale, Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, Basilica di Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, Battistero Neoniano, Mausoleum of Theoderic the Great, Domus dei Tappeti di Pietra

Things to do

Basilica di San Vitale: Massive 6th-century church built in 547 with mosaics throughout, considered a major monument in Western art history.
Mausoleum of Galla Placidia: Cross-shaped 5th-century structure housing three sarcophagi, including that of Galla Placidia, a powerful sister of the Roman Emperor Honorius.
Battistero Neoniano: The oldest building in Ravenna, built around 430 with notable ceiling mosaics in the Orthodox Baptistry.
Domus dei Tappeti di Pietra: Underground archaeological site with excavated Roman and Byzantine buildings featuring splendid polychrome mosaic floors covering 14 rooms.

Where to eat

Ristorante Al Passatore: Located opposite Palazzo di Teodorico, offers an excellent example of a typical Romagnolo menu at local prices.
Osteria Del Tempo Perso: Located just around the corner from Hotel Bisanzio in the town center.

Bars and nightlife

Main square cafe: Serves excellent cappuccino for about €2.

Weather in Ravenna by month

Averages from 2015 to 2024, not a forecast. Within about two weeks of a date, the live forecast above is the one to trust.

Month	Average high	Average low	Rainfall	Wet days
January	48°F	36°F	1.6 in	6
February	52°F	39°F	2.7 in	9
March	57°F	42°F	2.1 in	8
April	63°F	48°F	1.9 in	8
May	70°F	57°F	3.2 in	11
June	81°F	66°F	1.9 in	7
July	85°F	71°F	1.6 in	6
August	85°F	70°F	2.1 in	6
September	77°F	63°F	3.0 in	8
October	68°F	55°F	2.8 in	9
November	58°F	46°F	3.2 in	10
December	50°F	38°F	2.3 in	9

Getting around

The old town is mainly pedestrian; walk to explore cafes, bars, and mosaic monuments within the compact historic center.

What to eat

Enjoy inexpensive Italian fare at small pizzerias and trattorias; a typical pizza and beer meal costs €10-15, or visit the self-service cafe in the central market for lunches at €7.50-10.

Tips

Book time slots online ahead of arrival for popular UNESCO sites like Mausoleum of Galla Placidia and Battistero Neoniano during high season, and note that shops close for siesta from approximately 12:30 to 16:00.