RAVENNA
A unique city in the world. Late capital of the Western Roman Empire in the V century
WHAT TO SEE
HISTORY
Ravenna collected the legacy of Rome and over the centuries has played a leading role in the history of Europe. It served as the capital of the Roman-Barbarian kingdom under Theodoric the Goth until it was re-conquered by the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire and later became the seat of the Exarchate.
MOSAICS
Handicraft shops preserve the tradition of mosaic decorations. They reproduce old masterpieces in mosaics as well as creating contemporary works of art. A visit to the permanent collection of contemporary mosaics in Loggetta Lombardesca is highly recommended to discover the art of modern mosaics.
CULTURE
Ravenna’s historic and artistic monuments are at the centre of a lively cultural scene, which teems with a rich calendar of outstanding exhibitions and concerts as well as drama, ballet and opera throughout the year. The hot summer hosts Maestro Riccardo Muti and Ravenna Festival, the international classical music gathering which takes place between June and July in some of the city’s most prestigious sites such as the Basilicas of San Vitale and Sant'Apollinare in Classe. From June to August Ravenna Bella di Sera features over 50 performances in evocative corners around the city centre. This includes late night shopping in the city centre and late opening of the Basilica of San Vitale on Friday nights. The Jazz Festival inside Rocca Brancaleone and the Organ Music Festival held in the Basilica of San Vitale in August are also worth mentioning.
TRADITION TASTES
Romagna is a land of great chefs and gourmets. The typical local cuisine is made of tasty, rural and healthy dishes. These are simple handmade recipes, smelling of steaming piadina bread with ham, with the strong taste of cheese matured in caves and with the tempting freshness of fish from the Adriatic. In Romagna, food is taken seriously and the pleasure of eating becomes part of local culture. The Romagna table is a carousel of aromas and flavours which is exciting and invigorating both for the body and the spirit.
MIRABILANDIA
Mirabilandia, the biggest amusement park in Italy, is just a few kilometres south of Ravenna, close to the most famous seaside resorts on the Adriatic coast. Entering Mirabilandia you’ll enjoy attractions, rides and shows of an international standard while relaxing surrounded by an enchanted atmosphere and flowers. The theme park has something to offer to people of all ages, teenagers and families.