Things to do in Ravenna

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Ravenna Travel Guide

Ravenna which includes a church or cathedral, heritage architecture and interior views

Ravenna showing a garden, cycling and a church or cathedral

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Top places to visit

1. Mirabilandia

With its range of roller coasters and themed worlds, Mirabilandia is a limitless playground for children of all ages. The theme park, which has a vast water world section, features some of the most exhilarating rides in Europe. Provide a thrilling time for your kids at the shows and rides of one of Italy’s largest amusement parks.

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An inverted roller coaster, a tower drop and one of Europe’s largest houses of horrors are among the highlights in the themed worlds of this amusement park.

2. Basilica of San Vitale

Eastern art blends with Catholic tradition in the Basilica of San Vitale, considered one of the most important destinations for early Christian art in the country. This octagonal church in central Ravenna is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors come from around the world to see its stunning mosaics, cavernous interior and the maze depicted on the church floor. Join a guided tour of the Basilica of San Vitale to learn about its history or attend a musical event to hear the church’s heavenly acoustics.

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Basilica of San Vitale showing a church or cathedral

3. Mausoleum of Galla Placidia

The sister of Roman Emperor Honorius built the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia as her final resting place during the second quarter of the 5th century. Yet Galla Placidia’s body was never returned to Ravenna. She was instead buried in Rome in A.D. 450. Today, the small building is open to the public and features one of the most breathtaking interiors in the city.

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Mausoleum of Galla Placidia showing heritage elements, a cemetery and interior views

4. Dante Alighieri's Tomb

Visit Dante Alighieri’s Tomb to learn about how the Florentine poet’s politics led him to spend his final years in Ravenna. Dante Alighieri, considered among the most notable Italian writers in history, was buried in the city. Today visitors travel from around the world to pay tribute at his tomb. Visit Dante Alighieri’s Tomb to hold your own tribute, reflect in the peaceful atmosphere, admire the neoclassical monument and see the urn containing the epitaph written by Bernardo Canaccio.

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Dante Alighieri\'s Tomb featuring street scenes

5. Ravenna Cathedral

With its blue-green dome and majestic façade, the Ravenna Cathedral is one of the city’s crowning jewels. The current incarnation dates back to 1734, although churches have stood on this spot since the 4th century. Pass through the arched portico and gaze at the opulent religious decorations in the interior.

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Standing between two plazas, this 18th-century Baroque cathedral has an imposing façade and myriad religious artworks. Check out the historic relics in the museum.

6. Mausoleum of Theodoric

The Mausoleum of Theodoric is a structure of intriguing architectural design, divided into two decagonal layers. It was built in the 6th century by the Ostrogothic King Theodoric the Great, whose remains were initially entombed within, before later being removed.

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Admire the fascinating geometric proportions of this ancient tomb that was fit for a king and view the picturesque park from the balcony.

7. Piazza del Popolo

Bordered by the town hall and Baroque church, the Piazza del Popolo is the principal square in Ravenna. It was constructed beside a former canal by the Venetians in the 15th century. Admire the pair of columns topped by statues of saints, similar to the design of Venice’s Piazza San Marco.

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Sculpted saints rise from the cobbles of this central plaza whose historic buildings provide a window into its Venetian past.

8. Basilica of Sant' Apollinare Nuovo

A fascinating history and a collection of impressive mosaic walls draw visitors to the Basilica of Sant’ Apollinare Nuovo. This large church is among the oldest religious sites in Ravenna and belonged to a number of religions before it was consecrated as part of the Catholic Church. The basilica is one of many UNESCO World Heritage listed sites in Ravenna. View the art inside, considered to be some of the most important in the area.

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Basilica of Sant\' Apollinare Nuovo featuring heritage architecture and heritage elements

9. Arian Baptistry

Constructed in the 5th century by King Theodoric the Great, the Arian Baptistery offers a glimpse into the past. It is famous for the shimmering mosaics of biblical scenes that decorate the interior walls. Capture photos of the octagonal building, with the adjacent Spirito Santo Church providing a backdrop.

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Inspect the colorful domed mosaic of Christ to learn about the religious philosophies of the Arians and their king in this baptismal structure.

What to do in Ravenna

Popular places to visit

Mirabilandia

An inverted roller coaster, a tower drop and one of Europe’s largest houses of horrors are among the highlights in the themed worlds of this amusement park.

Basilica of San Vitale

Listen to opera, join a historical tour or admire breathtaking 6th-century mosaics at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Mausoleum of Galla Placidia

While Galla Placidia’s body was never actually laid to rest in this mausoleum, it attracts visitors for its stunning mosaics and reliefs.

Dante Alighieri's Tomb

Pay your respects to one of Italy’s most accomplished poets at a charming tribute located at the final resting place of Dante Alighieri.

Ravenna Cathedral

Standing between two plazas, this 18th-century Baroque cathedral has an imposing façade and myriad religious artworks. Check out the historic relics in the museum.