Ravenna: The Complete Guide

Situated on the eastern coast of Italy, nestled between San Marino and Bologna, Ravenna serves as the capital of the Ravenna province and stands as one of the larger cities in the Emilia-Romagna region. Throughout its illustrious history, Ravenna has held a position of great importance under various empires, including serving as the capital of the Western Roman Empire and later becoming the capital of the Kingdom of the Ostrogoths.
Due to this rich historical legacy, Ravenna boasts an abundance of remarkable ancient structures and has earned recognition with several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The city is particularly renowned for its well-preserved Byzantine-era architecture and mosaics, making it a focal point for cultural enthusiasts. Additionally, its proximity to Bologna, Florence, and the Adriatic Sea, along with access to splendid coastal resorts, ensures that Ravenna remains a highly sought-after destination for tourists, offering a wealth of captivating attractions.
In the heart of the city, visitors can explore an array of ornate churches and basilicas, stroll through impressive squares, and even pay homage at the tomb of the legendary writer Dante Alighieri. Furthermore, the Ravenna Marina presents an enticing coastal retreat, providing an opportunity to unwind and bask in the radiant Adriatic sun.
TIP: If you are visiting Ravenna for just a day and want to make the most of your visit, you may want to consider taking a walking tour with a local guide.
This is one of the most complete and best-rated city tours that covers Ravenna’s UNESCO Monuments and Mosaics in about 3 hours.
If you prefer exploring at your own pace read our Complete Guide to Ravenna’ eight UNESCO Mosaic sites!.
Visiting Ravenna for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Ravenna on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!
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17 Best places to See in Ravenna
This complete guide to Ravenna not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.
This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Ravenna and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!
Basilica di San Giovanni Evangelista

Location: Basilica di San Giovanni Evangelista, Viale Luigi Carlo Farini, Ravenna, Province of Ravenna, Italy | Hours: FROM 1st APRIL: From Tuesday to Sunday: 10.00 am – 1.00 pm / 3.00 pm – 6.00 pmSPECIAL OPENINGS Monday 10th and 24th April, 1st May: 10.00 am – 1.00 pm / 3.00 pm – 6.00 pm | Price: Free | Distance: 0.1km
Visiting Basilica di San Giovanni Evangelista
Arian Baptistery (Battistero degli Ariani)

Location: Arian Baptistery, Piazzetta degli Ariani, Ravenna, Province of Ravenna, Italy | Hours: From Monday to Friday: 9 am – 12 pm Saturdays and Sundays: 9 am – 12 pm / 2 pm – 5 pm | Price: €3 | Website | Distance: 0.1km
Visiting Arian Baptistery (Battistero degli Ariani)
Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo

Location: Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, Via di Roma, Ravenna, Province of Ravenna, Italy | Hours: Every day: 9 am – 7 pm | Price: €10.50 | Website | Distance: 0.2km
Visiting Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo
Museo Dante, Ravenna

Location: Museo Dante, Via Dante Alighieri, Ravenna, Province of Ravenna, Italy | Hours: From Tuesday to Sunday: 10 am – 5.30 pm | Price: € 6 | Distance: 0.3km
Visiting Museo Dante, Ravenna
Piazza del Popolo, Ravenna

Location: Piazza del Popolo, Piazza del Popolo, Ravenna Province of Ravenna, Italy | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free | Distance: 0.3km
Visiting Piazza del Popolo, Ravenna
Basilica of San Francesco, Ravenna

Location: Basilica of Saint Francis, Piazza San Francesco, Ravenna, Province of Ravenna, Italy | Hours: Monday to Friday: 7 am – 12 pm and 3 pm – 6 pm Saturdays and Sundays: 7 am – 6.30 pm | Price: Free | Distance: 0.3km
Visiting Basilica of San Francesco, Ravenna
Dante Alighieri’s Tomb

Location: Dante Alighieri's tomb, Via Dante Alighieri, Ravenna, Province of Ravenna, Italy | Hours: From 1st November to 31st March Every day: 10 am – 6 pmFrom 1st April to 31st October Every day: 10 am – 7 pm1st January: 1 pm – 6 pm | Price: Free | Website | Distance: 0.3km
Visiting Dante Alighieri’s Tomb
Ravenna Art Museum (MAR)

Location: MAR - Museo d’Arte della Città di Ravenna, Via di Roma, Ravenna, Province of Ravenna, Italy | Hours: Tuesday - Saturday: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday and holydays: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. closed on Monday | Price: €6 | Website | Distance: 0.5km
Visiting Ravenna Art Museum (MAR)
Battistero Neoniano (o degli Ortodossi)

Location: Battistero Neoniano (o degli Ortodossi), Piazza Arcivescovado, Ravenna, Province of Ravenna, Italy | Hours: Until 3rd March Every day: 10 am – 5 pmFrom 4th March to 1st November Every day: 9 am – 7 pm | Price: €10.50 - The combined ticket includes the entry to Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, Neonian Baptistery (**), Basilica of San Vitale, Mausoleum of Galla Placidia (**) and Archiepiscopal Museum and Chapel. | Website | Distance: 0.6km
Visiting Battistero Neoniano (o degli Ortodossi)
Archbishop's Museum, Ravenna

Location: P.za Arcivescovado, 1, 48121 Ravenna RA, Italy | Hours: Every day: 9.00-19.00 | Price: €10.50 - The ticket is cumulative only and includes: the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, the Neonian Baptistery (**), the Basilica of San Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia (**), the Museum and the Archbishop's Chapel. | Distance: 0.6km
Visiting Archbishop's Museum, Ravenna
Archbishop's Chapel of St. Andrew

Location: Archbishop's Chapel of St. Andrew, Piazza Arcivescovado, Ravenna, Province of Ravenna, Italy | Hours: Every day: 9.00 – 19.00 | Price: €10.50 - The ticket is cumulative only and includes: the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, the Neonian Baptistery (**), the Basilica of San Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia (**), the Museum and the Archbishop's Chapel. | Website | Distance: 0.6km
Visiting Archbishop's Chapel of St. Andrew
National Museum of Ravenna

Location: National Museum of Ravenna, Via San Vitale, Ravenna, Province of Ravenna, Italy | Hours: Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 8.30 am – 7.30 pm Wednesday: 2 pm – 7.30 pm Saturday and Sunday: 8.30 am – 2 pmEvery 1st Sunday of the month: 8.30 am – 7.30 pm (free admission) | Price: €7 | Website | Distance: 0.6km
Visiting National Museum of Ravenna
Basilica of San Vitale

Location: Basilica of San Vitale, Via San Vitale, Ravenna, Province of Ravenna, Italy | Hours: Every day: 9 am – 7 pm | Price: € 10.50 | Website | Distance: 0.6km
Visiting Basilica of San Vitale
Mausoleum of Galla Placidia

Location: Mausoleo di Galla Placidia, Via San Vitale, Ravenna, Province of Ravenna, Italy | Hours: March to November: Every day 9.00-19.00 last entry 18.45 November to March: Every day 10.00-17.00 last entry 16.45 | Price: €10.50 | Website | Distance: 0.6km
Visiting Mausoleum of Galla Placidia
Domus dei Tappeti di Pietra (House of the Stone Carpets)

Location: Chiesa di Sant'Eufemia-Domus dei Tappeti di Pietra Via Gian Battista Barbiani, 16 48121 Ravenna RA Italy | Hours: Every day: 10 am – 6.30 pm | Price: €4 | Website | Distance: 0.7km
Visiting Domus dei Tappeti di Pietra (House of the Stone Carpets)
Mausoleum of Theodoric

Location: Mausoleum of Theodoric, Via delle Industrie, Ravenna, Province of Ravenna, Italy | Hours: From Monday to Thursday 8.30am - 1.30pm (last entry at 1pm). From Friday to Sunday 8.30am - 7pm (last entry 6.30pm) | Price: €5.00 | Website | Distance: 0.9km
Visiting Mausoleum of Theodoric
Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe

Location: Basilica di Sant'Apollinare in Classe, Via Romea Sud, Classe, Province of Ravenna, Italy | Hours: From Monday to Saturday: 8.30 am – 7.30 pm Sundays and holidays: 1.30 pm – 7.30 pmLast admission: 30 minutes before closing time. | Price: €5 | Website | Combo Tickets for Classis Museum and Santa Apollinare Cathedral | Distance: 4.8km
Visiting Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe
Best Time to Visit Ravenna
The best time to visit Ravenna, Italy, depends on your preferences for weather, crowds, and activities. Here’s a breakdown of the seasons:
- Spring (March to May): Spring is a beautiful time to visit Ravenna when the weather starts to warm up, and the city’s gardens and parks burst into bloom. Temperatures are pleasant, making it ideal for exploring outdoor attractions like the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Ravenna’s ancient mosaics and historical monuments. Spring also sees fewer tourists compared to the summer months, allowing for a more relaxed experience.
- Summer (June to August): Summer is the peak tourist season in Ravenna, characterized by warm temperatures and sunny days. This is the best time for beachgoers, as Ravenna is located near the Adriatic Sea, offering opportunities for sunbathing and swimming. However, the city can get crowded during this time, especially in July and August, and accommodation prices may be higher. If you don’t mind the crowds and enjoy lively atmospheres, summer can still be a great time to visit.
- Fall (September to November): Fall is another excellent time to visit Ravenna, as the weather remains pleasant, and the summer crowds begin to thin out. This season is perfect for exploring the city’s cultural attractions, such as its historic churches, mausoleums, and museums, without the long lines. Fall also brings harvest festivals and culinary events, allowing visitors to indulge in delicious local cuisine and wines.
- Winter (December to February): Winter in Ravenna is relatively mild compared to other parts of Europe, with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing. While the weather may be cooler and occasional rainfall is possible, winter still offers opportunities to explore the city’s indoor attractions, including its Byzantine mosaics and art galleries, without the crowds. Additionally, winter is a great time to experience Ravenna’s festive atmosphere, with Christmas markets and seasonal events taking place throughout the city.
Ultimately, the best time to visit Ravenna depends on your preferences for weather, activities, and crowds. Whether you prefer the lively atmosphere of summer or the peaceful ambiance of the shoulder seasons, Ravenna offers something for every traveler throughout the year.
Average Temperatures in Ravenna
- January 11°C 52°F 6
- February 13°C 55°F 10
- March 15°C 59°F 7
- April 18°C 65°F 7
- May 25°C 76°F 11
- June 28°C 82°F 6
- July 31°C 87°F 7
- August 30°C 87°F 6
- September 27°C 80°F 10
- October 22°C 72°F 8
- November 16°C 61°F 11
- December 11°C 51°F 7
How to get to Ravenna
Getting to Ravenna by Plane
The nearest airport to Ravenna is located in Forlì. Ryanair operates flights to this airport, which they refer to as Bologna Forlì, from the UK and Ireland. During the summer, there may be direct bus connections from the airport to Ravenna. Alternatively, you can take the shuttle bus to Forlì station and transfer there to another bus operated by the same company, ATR, which will transport you to Ravenna. For detailed timetables and information, you can visit ATR’s website (please check the links panel for their website). Keep in mind that taking the train is also an option, although it may take longer, as you’ll likely need to change at Faenza or Castel Bolognese. Other nearby airports that can be used to access Ravenna include Bologna and Rimini.
Getting to Ravenna by Train
Ravenna is situated on a relatively slow railway line from Bologna, with regional train travel taking about an hour and twenty minutes. Bologna offers good connections with the Italian rail network. Trains traveling from Bologna continue south to Rimini and other coastal resorts. As your train approaches Ravenna from the direction of Bologna, you’ll be able to spot the Mausoleum of Theodoric on the left, a white cylindrical tomb. When arriving in Ravenna by train, you can easily walk into the historic centre, which is approximately a ten-minute walk. Just cross the road outside the railway station and head straight along Viale Farini and then Via Diaz until you reach Piazza del Popolo. The tourist information office is located a few minutes further, to the right, and it is well-signposted.
Getting Around Ravenna
Ravenna’s bus services are operated by ATM (please refer to the links panel for timetables). At the time of writing, an urban bus ticket costs €1 and is valid for an hour. You can purchase tickets in advance at news kiosks or bars and validate them in the machine when you board the bus.
Local residents in Ravenna often use bicycles to navigate the city, making use of the cobbled pedestrianized streets and cycle lanes for longer trips. The tourist information office offers bicycles that can be borrowed free of charge. Additionally, there is a bike rental office just outside the railway station on the left, which also serves as a left luggage office.