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Tired of the “big three”… Rome, Florence, Venice? Ravenna, known for its fabulous Byzantine mosaics, is a hidden gem not to be missed.
Start your morning with a quick visit to Dante’s marble tomb, which is located off Piazza Garibaldi. The tomb isn’t as interesting as the history of the poet yet still worth a stop. Then visit the Church of San Francesco. Due to the weight of the church, and the fact that the city is built on a reclaimed lagoon, the once above water-level crypt of Bishop San Neone is now submerged. You can peer down into the water and see gold fish swimming between sections of mosaic pavements!
Saving some of the top sights for last, visit the Basilica di San Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, the Battistero degli Ortodossi, and the Duomo. Better yet, spread the visits over a few days and enjoy the leisurely pace of this beautiful small town on the Adriatic coast.
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Woot! Go Monica! Great note and photos as always!
I totally agree with this post. Ravenna is really worth a visit. I spent one day in the city about 10 years ago and really enjoyed it. Mosaics in Ravenna’s basilicas and baptisteries are so beautiful!
I most definitely agree–Visit Ravenna!
WE were there on a tour, it’s beautiful
We were told that his is where lasagna was invented
We enjoyed the best lasagna there.
Thanks! Isn’t is great to be able to visit a place that isn’t on the top 10 list of cities to visit? It’s a great town and I hope others get there to enjoy the great sights Ravenna has to offer. Monica
I agree completely with the promo for Ravenna. It is a striking city that is quite manageable as far as getting around. You can rent a bicycle and ride to almost all of the places mentioned in the note. The mosaics are stunning to see and ones gets a different feel of Italy (more Easter Orthodox) than the Western Roman Catholic big three cities.
Incredibly beautiful mosaics… Thanks for this note…
I’m finding out that more towns are offing bikes to rent, which would be great in Ravenna. It’s small enough to get around and if I remember correctly, the roads are easy to navigate.
I waited twenty years to see the mosaics of Ravenna. To this day, one of my favorite trips ever. Great article!
Susan,
I’m glad you enjoyed the article. The mosaics are fabulous!!
Did you travel to Ravenna?
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Thanks for the interesting journal notes and photos. I will be on a cruise next year and Ravenna is one of the ports of call. Hope I enjoy my one day there.
I enjoyed Ravenna much more than Venice. The people and mosaics were wonderful. Can’t wait to return to this lovely city again!