Holiday in Ravenna

About Ravenna

Ravenna is the mosaic capital of the world — an unassuming city in Emilia-Romagna that hides the greatest early Christian and Byzantine mosaics of humanity behind plain brick facades. Eight buildings share the UNESCO World Heritage title, and anyone entering the Basilica of San Vitale for the first time experiences a breathtaking moment. The Basilica of San Vitale (547 AD) is the masterpiece of Byzantine art outside Istanbul: The octagonal nave is covered with mosaics depicting Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora in their court — purple robes, jewels, and a golden background in a detail fidelity that surpasses any painting. The Mausoleum of Galla Placidia (5th century) appears unremarkable from the outside, but inside lies perhaps the most beautiful room of Western art: A night blue starry sky made of golden mosaics arches over the visitor, with light filtering through alabaster windows in warm amber tones. Sant'Apollinare Nuovo preserves two parallel mosaic processions: a procession of 26 martyrs and 22 virgins — 1,500 years old and in a color intensity that regularly leaves visitors speechless. Dante's tomb: Dante Alighieri died in exile in Ravenna in 1321. Despite centuries of attempts by Florence to reclaim his remains, he rests here. Florence sends olive oil every year for the eternal lamp at the grave — a silent gesture of remorse.