Ravenna, Italy: The Mosaic City In The Northeastern Italy

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Ravenna is called the ‘mosaic city’ because the walls of its churches are adorned with stunning 5th and 6th century mosaics. Dante has described these mosaics as a symphony of color in his Divine Comedy. This city is still one among the top producers of mosaics in Italy.

It is situated near the Adriatic Coast, in the Emilia Romagna region of northeastern Italy.

At first glance it looks much like any other Italian city with old streets, peaceful squares and fine shops, but the churches with their Byzantine domes still evoke its Eastern heritage.

This ancient city is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, many Roman sites, museums and Dante’s tomb. Much of its historic center is a pedestrian zone.

St Maria in Porto Basilica, Ravenna, Italy

The memories of a great past and the enticing remains lure hordes of visitors to explore this town.

A Little Bit Of History of Ravenna

This small city was the western capital of the Roman Empire when it fell in 476 AD. The city was an imperial port for the large naval fleet.

Piazza del Popolo – the central square in Ravenna

The Barbarians took it over from the Romans and in 540 AD it became the capital of the Byzantine Empire in Europe. It was during these periods the famous and fabulous mosaics of the city were created.

Ravenna was a light in Europe’s Dark Ages and it was a pinnacle of civilization during that age.

Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe

However, after two hundred years the Byzantines were kicked out by the Lombards, and the city lost its fame and melted into the backwaters of medieval Italy.

The Nave of Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, Ravenna, Italy - This basilica church dates back to the 6th century and it is known for its stunning mosaics. The church is one of the popular landmarks of the city and it is close to other interesting attractions of Ravenna.

The nave of Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo

It was once a lagoon city with canals crisscrossing the town.

During the 15th century when Venice ruled over it, the canals were covered and the Piazza del Popolo, the elegant central square, was built.

A new canal to reconnect the city to the sea was built in the 1700s.

Dante spent the last 20 years of his life here, after he was exiled from Florence in 1302.

Many cultural events are conducted in in this artistic city and a few among them are Alighieri and Rasi Theaters, Ravenna Festival, Mosaico di Notte and the Antiques Market.