Is Ravenna worth visiting? Our First-Timers Guide to this Charming Italian City
Ravenna is beautiful, and believe us, as Italians, we are still wondering why it was our first time there and we haven’t discovered it before.
Yes, Ravenna is worth visiting, and most of the charm is because you’ll not expect much of a beauty.
It isn’t a surprise that it is a Unesco world heritage site, hosting the grave of Dante, one of the most esteemed Italian poets. Ravenna is also the best example of Byzantine architecture in Italy, ideal for a weekend that combines perfectly slow travel, culture, great food and outdoor experiences.
Suppose you are wondering whether to include or not Ravenna in your itinerary. In that case, this guide will convince you to do so.
Is Ravenna worth visiting?
Yes, Ravenna is worth visiting because is one of the most underrated cities in Italy. We were particularly fascinated by the architecture which blend seemlessy within the context of a old medieval town.
The tone of the buildings, roads and cute corners span within all the best of Italian architecture and epoque. Within few hundred meters we passed by Romans details to Medieval and Renaissance influence. Definitely Ravenna was one of the highlights of our Road trip in Emilia Romagna.
Best reasons to visit Ravenna
- It’s charming
- Less touristy than other cities
- More Art and sights (Some free)
- Food is great
- Life goes slow like in a small village
- Walkable city centre and old town
- Parking spot available in the centre(if you are on a road trip)
- Easy to reach by train from Bologna
- Two days are enough
FAQ | What is there to see in Ravenna?
Where is located Ravenna?
Ravenna is tucked away in Northeastern Italy, in the Emilia-Romagna region. It sits inland, not far from the Adriatic Coast, acting as a gateway between the seaside and the Apennine Mountains. The closest international airport is in Bologna, about 1.5 hours away by train or car. Stay at least one night in Bologna (read this guide for what to do in Bologna).
For first-timers coming from other popular Italian cities – Ravenna lies 50 minutes south of Venice, 2 hours north of Florence, and 4.5 hours north of Rome by train. Its location off most tourist trails adds to its understated charm, waiting to be uncovered by those venturing beyond Italy’s hotspots.
What is Special About Ravenna, Italy?
Ravenna attracts tourists because of its unique style. In our opinion Ravenna is nice exactly as walking through Via dei Fori Imperiali in Rome or the centre of Florence. Art and culture are everywhere and free, I will also add. With its otherworldly collection of 5th and 6th-century mosaics and beautifully preserved UNESCO monuments from past glorious eras, Ravenna is to be placed within the segment of hidden Italian Gems.
We didn’t expect to face so much beauty, admiring the Byzantine architecture, perfectly preserved, and once only experienced visiting St. Mark Cathedral in Venice.
To add more to the reasons why you should visit Ravenna is the fact that Emilia-Romagna’s mouthwatering cuisine is unique; it dragged us into vertigo trying to squeeze as much as possible in a 10-day itinerary.
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5 Reasons to visit Ravenna now!
Should the underrated Ravenna be on your itinerary? Yes, and for many reasons.
If you love history and have been to Florence and love it, well, Ravenna is the smaller version.
We define Ravenna as a hidden gem of well-trodden tourist trails. Overlooked for too long, this north-eastern Italian city overflowing with glittering mosaics, remnants of once great powers, delicious local cuisine, and laidback lifestyle deserves your attention.
A Hidden Gem in Italy’s Emilia-Romagna Region
As seasoned Italy travellers, we admit that Ravenna was never high on our list of must-visit destinations. We were wrong and understand that only while touring the fantastic Emilia Romagna for two weeks. From one small village to another. Well, the popular city in the region gets overlooked by tourists flocking to more famous neighbours like Venice, Florence, and Bologna.
However, we were curious about what charms this under-the-radar city held. After spending three lovely days exploring Ravenna, we can definitively say it is well worth a visit, especially for first-timers!
UNESCO World Heritage Site with Glittering Byzantine Mosaics
One thing that makes Ravenna worth visiting, is definitely, it’s artistic heritage. What drew us to Ravenna is its collection of early Christian mosaics found in several 5th and 6th-century churches and monuments, now protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
We were stunned by the incredibly detailed mosaics depicting Christian imagery and stories, with shimmering gold, blue, and green glass tiles. The mosaics at the Basilica of San Vitale and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia alone make Ravenna worth seeing!
Ravenna is easy to walk through
Another reason Ravenna delighted us is its small, walkable size. The major sights like the Basilica of San Vitale and Dante’s Tomb are all located within the historic city centre, surrounded by pedestrian streets lined with restaurants and shops.
We were able to visit all the UNESCO monuments and main piazzas easily in two days without feeling rushed. Ravenna is also flat, so not much of effort, however, the cobblestone streets require comfy shoes.
Sample Authentic Emilia-Romagna Cuisine
A key highlight during any trip to Italy is the food, and Ravenna did not disappoint! The city is located in a part of Emilia-Romagna region, which is known as the “Food Valley of Italy“. So, yes food makes Ravenna appealing too. While here you must sample dishes like cappelletti (pasta), piadina (filled flatbread), and squacquerone (soft cheese).
We had amazing meals at Osteria Passatelli, a cosy spot by the main square, serving homemade pasta and seafood. Then you must also pay a visit to Ca’ de Ven, a wine bar with an extensive regional wine list and cheese boards.
Plan off path day trips
While Ravenna itself deserves at least 2 days, we used it as a base to take some rewarding day trips in the area. We were on a 12 days itinerary, through some of the best cute villages in Emilia Romagna.
So drove another 30 minutes south of Ravenna to explore mosaic-filled Sant’Apollinare in Classe Basilica. Afterwards in the afternoon, we also drove an hour east to Urbino – a Renaissance gem and the birthplace of Raphael.
Bit uphill, but gorgeous village. Having a car allowed us to experience more of Emilia-Romagna’s history, art, food and wine!
Top 10 Things To Do in Ravenna
Trying to decide how to spend your time in Ravenna? Here are the 10 experiences we recommend no first-timer miss:
Where to Stay in Ravenna?
Ravenna has accommodation options ranging from budget hostels to luxury hotels. Don’t be discouraged by distances, afterall it is small, and everything is walkable. As first-timers, we enjoyed staying at Hotel Diana, a lovely 3-star hotel near Dante’s Tomb.
Our room had modern amenities, and we started each morning with an amazing breakfast spread. Hotel Diana also had private parking and bikes to rent, which made exploring easy!
It’s worth travelling to Ravenna
If you’re planning your first trip to Italy and debating whether to visit off-the-beaten-path Ravenna, we strongly recommend adding it to your itinerary! Between the dazzling UNESCO mosaics, walkable size, delicious Emilia-Romagna cuisine, and rewarding day trips, Ravenna charmed us more than we expected.
It serves as the perfect quiet counterpoint after hitting crowded tourist destinations like Rome or Venice. Ravenna may fly under the radar, but it delivers an authentic slice of Italian history, art, food and culture without the long lines and hordes of tourists. We’re already eager to return!