Ravenna
1,500-year-old Byzantine mosaics so vivid they steal your breath—the greatest in the Western world.
About Ravenna
Ravenna is a quiet, bicycle-friendly city that guards some of the most extraordinary art in the world. As capital of the Western Roman Empire, then the Ostrogothic Kingdom, and finally the Byzantine Exarchate, it accumulated a collection of 5th and 6th-century mosaics that are unmatched anywhere on Earth—eight of its monuments are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, the Basilica of San Vitale, and Sant'Apollinare Nuovo contain mosaic masterpieces of gold, blue, and green that look as fresh as the day they were set. Beyond the mosaics, Dante Alighieri spent his final years here, and his tomb remains a pilgrimage site for literature lovers.
Best Time to Visit
April to June or September to October. Summer can be hot, but the mosaic interiors are cool. The Ravenna Festival (June-July) brings world-class music and dance. The nearby beaches are pleasant from June to September.
Local Tips
- See Galla Placidia first thing.
The tiny Mausoleum of Galla Placidia has Ravenna's most intimate mosaics—a midnight-blue ceiling of gold stars. A local will send you at opening time when the light is perfect and the crowds haven't arrived.
- Cycle between the sites.
Ravenna is flat and compact—the perfect cycling city. A local can plan a bike route connecting all eight UNESCO sites with the best lunch stop in between and Dante's tomb for a quiet moment.
- Visit Sant'Apollinare in Classe.
Just outside the city, this 6th-century basilica has a stunning apse mosaic of a green paradise. A local will tell you it's less visited than the city sites but equally magnificent—and worth the short ride.
(the local lens)
Meet the Local Experts
Your on-the-ground insiders. The ones who know the enduring favourites, the quiet corners and what’s worth your time.
Francesca
Bologna, Ravenna +6
👋 Hi, nice to meet you! My name is Francesca, I'm 28 years old and I live in a small town in the province of Ravenna. I speak English and French. 🎨 I'm an art expert because of my two degrees in Cultural Heritage and Visual Arts at the University of Bologna, where I've lived during my studies. This is the main city I chose to speak about in this platform because I've lived it with a student life's eyes (so pubs, restaurants, places to have fun, listen to some music, dance...) but also because I love art through that part of me too (museums, art galleries, history, traditions, culture...). ✈️ After University I've decided to take a break and I've moved to Canada where I've lived for more than one year, then I came back to become a Travel Designer thanks to a course in Milan. 🧳 This year I've also got the certification to be a Tour Leader with the goal to go with families, groups of friends or couples during their travels to show them more than they expect!
Lucrezia
Bologna, Modena +4
Ciao! I’m Lucrezia, a 21-year-old working student from Northern Italy and with a big passion for travelling and discovering new cultures. While I've explored different parts of the world, my heart always brings me back to Italy - its landscape, traditions and food. I have a deep love for nature, the outdoors, and sports, but I also enjoy good food and the small pleasures of everyday life. From scenic hikes and peaceful walks, to local cafés and hidden gems, I love sharing authentic experiences that make you feel truly connected to a place. Travelling with awareness and respect for the places you visit is something I deeply value, and I’d love to be your local reference to experience Italy in that same mindful and genuine way.
Isadora
Bologna, Modena +3
5.0(2)Born and raised in Bologna (with a few adventurous years spent in the United Kingdom and travelling all aorund the world), I know my region inside out, from the iconic landmarks you absolutely shouldn’t miss to the hidden corners most visitors walk straight past. I also know how tricky it can be to find the right balance: you want to see the highlights, of cours, but you also want to experience something real, personal, and memorable. That’s exactly where I come in. After several years working as an event producer in Bologna and abroad, I learned how to design experiences: atmosphere, storytelling, timing, emotion, those are the “secret ingredients” I would like to bring to your vacation. Combining your passions and mine to build something that fits you perfectly — like a tailor-made experience. Art, wine, food, history, contemporary culture… we can mix and match to create something that feels natural, inspiring, and very “you”. As a licensed local guide, I know what people look for when visiting my region, so you won’t miss the essentials. But we’ll also go beyond them, discovering the local scene in a way that feels authentic and, possibly, slightly unexpected.
Barbara
Rome, Cinque Terre +13
As a certified Tour Leader, I've had the incredible privilege of guiding groups from all over the world across Italy and Europe. I adore my country, and over the years, I've realized that my favorite role is being a bridge between travelers and the true soul of a place. Today, I invite you to experience this through my eyes. Whether you need a customized itinerary for your trip or a cultural deep-dive anywhere in Italy, I am here to help you live the best experience of your vacation. I’m waiting for you! Let’s plan something beautiful together.