RAVENNA, Italy

Ravenna is one of the most unique and, historically and artistically, important towns of Italy. Last Capital (5th century) of the Western Roman Empire, it picked up the heritage of Rome and made the harbour of Class- the homeport of the entire fleet of the Eastern Mediterranean, thus assuming a leading role in the history of Europe. Ravenna subsequently became the Capital of the Goths under King Theodoric and then residence of the Byzantine exarchate. Ravenna was an important centre of medieval Italy.

There are a great number of splendid monuments that witness the glorious past of Ravenna as great political, commercial and cultural centre.

Ravenna inspired Dante (who is buried here), Boccaccio, Byron and Klint.

Nearby there are miles and miles of sandy beaches along the coast of the Adriatic Sea.

 Language: Italian

Currency: €uro

 DOCKING

Terminal Sapir, San Vitale Dock (about 4 miles, 6 km from downtown Ravenna)

 TO GET TO TOWN

There is public transport available, but the frequency is very low, such as to recommend the use of taxi. Radio-Taxi Tel. 0544 33888, or Rhaama Service (also for car hire) Tel. 0544 66666

 WHAT TO VISIT

Time and schedule permitting

  The Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, 5th century AD, with its mosaics, a model of perfection; the National Museum; the Basilica of San Vitale dating from 548 AD, one of the most beautiful churches in the world (mosaics, marbles), the Baptistery of the Arians, of gothic origin (late 5th century); the Cathedral and the Archbishop’s Museum (1733); the Church of San Francesco (5th century) where the funerals of Dante were held in 1321; Dante’s graveyard; the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo (6th century); the Rocca Brancaleone, fortress built by the Venetians in 15th century; the Mausoleum of Theodoric at the same time austere and grandiose; the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe (6th century), another of Ravenna’s marvels.

All monuments, exception made for the Mausoleum of Theodoric and the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe can be visited walking (one in town).

 SHOPPING

Italian style shopping is best in Via Cavour, Via Diaz, Via Cairoli and Via Mazzini

EATING OUT

In town you will find a great number of Restaurants and Ostarias to taste the excellent local fare.