Ravenna on the map of the Roman Empire. History of art. Mosaics of Ravenna - video

Being a hardened and harsh people, they never looked for easy ways - including when building their cities. Plain? In no case. An archipelago of small, half-submerged islands cut by natural channels? Yes! Moreover, the close proximity of the coast created excellent preconditions for creating a fleet. Who would have thought that after tens of centuries the situation would change completely, and Ravenna - a city that was created as a military port - would amaze not with the power of warships, but with unique examples of early Christian art.

Ravenna, like , saw the light of day on marshy lands and in sea lagoons - to this day, many of the city's buildings contain the remains of those same wooden piles in their foundations. However, centuries passed as usual, and the ambitious plans of the Romans - who themselves no longer remained as such - sank into oblivion along with the wooden foundations of the houses. The land slowly regained its position, and by today the distance from the city to the sea is already 7 kilometers. However, during its heyday, Ravenna was considered one of the most impregnable cities, and therefore existed as the capital of the Western Roman Empire from the 5th to the 8th century AD. Later, the city fell into decline, experiencing some recovery only during the Renaissance - Dante himself spent the last years of his life here. And in 1860, Ravenna became part of the Italian kingdom, and from this period continues to live quietly and peacefully according to its own special laws of hospitality of small Italian towns.

The first impression when meeting Ravenna, I must say, is not one of the most charming to the soul and eyes. The sea of ​​sweet speeches about the concentration of cultural and historical monuments, going beyond all reasonable limits, at first glance is absolutely not confirmed. A noisy station, unremarkable street development, the bustle of most European cities... However, it is worth moderating your ardor and looking at Ravenna a little differently, not from the generally accepted tourist point of view. Only then, immersed headlong in the local atmosphere, will you be able to discover Ravenna with a capital “R” - a majestic city in the distant past, the capital of a dead empire, whose ghost haunts historians to this day.

The thing is that Ravenna is not nearly as luxurious as its sister Venice, located a little further north along the same Adriatic coast. When Ravenna was going through hard times, the city treasury did not have enough money for marble to decorate the buildings - which, in a sense, preserved it in its original form for future generations. Built of brick, it was not subject to the dismantling of valuable stones when cathedrals and palaces had to be built or restored in Milan or Rome. Therefore, local attractions really bear the imprint of the Middle Ages - a “dark” time, which, according to generally accepted opinion, reeks of something scary and gloomy. And although there is no smoke without fire (remember the Holy Inquisition), having visited Ravenna, you will understand that even such an era leaves behind something beautiful in history.

Ravenna street on a rainy day. Photo moitury.ru

In order to appreciate all this beauty with your own eyes, you need to be mentally prepared. When going on vacation to Ravenna, you need to clearly understand that this is not a party place, and you are coming here to touch eternity.

Of course, it is best to go to the opening of Ravenna by personal car. For travelers, the option is available to rent a car. By ordering a car in advance, while still at home, you can save a lot. “Italy in Russian” advises you to turn to the services of the popular giant service Rentalcars, multifunctional and simple, which will allow you to choose the most suitable car at home and receive it immediately upon arrival in Italy.
For those who are accustomed to convenience, we recommend ordering a taxi in Ravenna with a Russian-speaking driver. You can select and order a taxi through convenient service Kiwitaxi: You just need to choose where you are from and where you need to go. Here you can order a transfer from any airport in Italy. At the specified time, in the specified place, your personal driver will be waiting for you with a sign with your name.

It is best to start with the Church of St. Vitaly - perhaps the most interesting building in the city, founded in the 6th century. This brick octagon may look a little cumbersome. However, once you go inside, you will definitely never see anything like this in your life... The dome is supported by eight internal columns, around which there is a two-story walkway. On the vault there is a unique mosaic with biblical motifs. Between the pillars there are two-story arcades curved towards the walls of the structure. This technique amazingly increases the internal space. It becomes completely incomprehensible to the human eye how so many interior details could fit into not the largest room. According to legend, this is where the ashes of St. Vitaly are located - the Alexandrian monk earned money through hard work, after which he went to a brothel. But not at all for what many thought - he gave what he received to fallen women so that they could improve their financial condition and no longer engage in their craft. When the monk died, dozens of former harlots came to honor his memory - after which all the residents of the city were convinced of the greatness of Vitaly’s spirit. Here, nearby, is also National Museum, which houses an extensive collection of coins from the Roman period, contains unique examples of ivory carvings and ancient weapons. Across the road you can see a real monument from the 5th century - the mausoleum of Galla Placidia, a Roman princess. And although most historians are sure that Galla’s ashes are not here, this makes the appearance of the structure no less impressive. Carl Gustav Jung shared the same opinion. The great psychoanalyst was generally delighted with Ravenna - in no small part because of her mosaics, in which he saw a dialogue between the conscious and the unconscious. And he even wrote several works based on the “strange experience of Ravenna”.

The historic center of Ravenna is literally imbued with the spirit of the early Middle Ages - squat, powerful buildings stand out against the backdrop of small residential houses painted in soft colors, shops and cafes. For example, the Baptistery of Neoniano in Piazza Duomo. Among all the buildings that are decorated with Byzantine mosaics, this is the oldest. Countless baptism ceremonies for city residents were held here - you can personally examine the amazing ancient marble font. Nearby is the Archbishop's Palace, on the ground floor of which there is a museum of the same name. The most amazing and ancient exhibits (6th century) are the “Throne of Maximian”, made entirely of ivory and the silver Greek “Cross of St. Agnell”.

Baptistery of Neoniano. Photo artclassic.edu.ru

Well, now it’s time to head to the local cult site - the tomb of the great Dante Alighieri, Tomba di Dante. Marble walls and the image of the poet on the pulpit became the hallmark of Ravenna in . The mausoleum was erected in the 15th century, only a century and a half after the death of the author of the Divine Comedy. Florence, where the poet was born, came to its senses a century later and began to demand the release of Dante’s remains. Ravenna - first of all the Franciscan monks - stood their ground and did everything not to give in. As a result, although the poet was not elevated to the rank of saint, the worship of his talent is quite comparable. Down the street are several ancient crypts with mosaic floors. Local enterprising citizens have turned this feature into a good source of income. In these crypts, due to their location, the floors are constantly flooded with water. For the opportunity to look at the mosaic floors of the lower floor, with goldfish swimming in the background, you will have to pay half a euro.

Dante's Tomb is one of the cult places of Ravenna. Photo: saga.ua

Ravenna would not be the “sister” of Venice if it were not for water. Despite the fact that the sea is quite distant from the city, no one has canceled the groundwater. They form entire lakes here, and the deep basements of many old houses are constantly filled with water. Oddly enough, this circumstance does not harm the condition of the structures at all; on the contrary, experts say that drainage marshy places could cause great damage to the architectural fund. The water level in the basements of buildings ranges from 30 to 130 centimeters, and pumps for pumping are located only in the Church of St. Vitaly. In general, it is quite original to see, for example, in the Church of San Francesco, a kind of “aquarium”.

The same "aquarium". Photo panoramio.com

There is also a special attraction in Ravenna - the tomb of Theodoric. This building does not look like any of the many architectural monuments of the city. White, impregnable, in addition to its menacing appearance, it is also surrounded by a fence and automatic ticket control. The inspiration for this (not the fences and controls, but the monumental exterior) was the Ostrogoth king Theodoric. Following the principle of the Egyptian pharaohs, the royal person decided to last refuge do not delay, and build it during your lifetime. This is perhaps the only building in the city built not from baked bricks, but from limestone - hence the white color, which is unusual for Ravenna. And the characteristics of the structure are also unique in their own way. Just look at the roof of the tomb alone - a huge stone slab, specially brought from the other side of the Adriatic Sea, from Istria. A block with a diameter of 10.5 m and a height of 2.5 m was transported suspended between two ships. After this fact, the scale of the work becomes clear, which confirms the already proven truth: Italian architects are among the best in history.

Theodoric's tomb illuminated by the setting sun. Photo photo.tut.ua

The only - and quite significant - disappointment awaits in Ravenna those who wish to view the city's sights from the highest points. Despite the fact that there are quite a lot of campanillas (i.e. towers) in the city, they are closed to tourist visits. So you will have to look for other ways, fully using your own imagination.

Today's Ravenna is practically no different from other small towns in the Italian North: the center is filled with offices and shops, schools, kindergartens and other infrastructure are located outside the historical part. There is not much greenery here - the exception is the city park and the boulevard next to the station. However, there is no point in belittling the dignity of the city either. There are small joys here, unique only to Ravenna. Evening walks along the atmospheric ancient streets, an obligatory cup of strong coffee, a visit to miniature squares where small flower and vegetable markets operate - contemplation of modern Ravenna brings no less pleasure than the great past of this city.

Everything that is momentary, everything that is perishable,
Buried you for centuries.
You sleep like a baby, Ravenna,
Sleepy eternity is in your hands.
A. Blok, “Ravenna”

Ravenna - millennia of history

It is believed that these lands were originally owned by the Etruscans, and perhaps the Umbrians, due to the proximity of their territories. The name of this important Italian most likely goes back to the Latin root rava-, which in the Umbrian dialect means “ravine washed by streams of water” or “canal, swamp” and the addition of the Etruscan ending -enna. Since prehistoric times, the natural landscape of these places has been distinguished by many streams carrying their waters into the Adriatic Sea, forming swamps and lagoons right up to the mouth of the Po River.

In the 2nd century BC. all the lands of the Padan plain were captured and colonized by the Romans.

Due to the specifics of the local landscape, swampiness and many small river flows, these lands were accessible only from the sea. That is why the Emperor of the Roman Empire Octavian Augustus ordered the deployment of a navy here and the construction of a military port. Drainage and reclamation work was carried out and a military port was built Classis. According to the description of the historian Pliny the Elder, the military port accommodated 250 ships and 10,000 sailors to control the northern waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

Over time, a city grew around the port. During the Roman Empire, thanks to its port, Ravenna became an important point for the commercial movement of goods throughout the Mediterranean.

The last emperor of a unified Roman Empire died in 395. Theodosius the Great. After his death, the empire was divided into western and eastern, and his sons Arcadius and Honorius received parts of the empire. Arcadius was proclaimed emperor of the East, Constantinople as the capital, and Honorius with his capital in Milan of the West. In 402, after the siege of Milan by the Visigoths, the Western Roman Emperor Honorius moved the capital to Ravenna.

Ravenna became the permanent residence of the emperor, and therefore acquired great importance as the political, economic and cultural center of the empire. During this period, the city experiences a construction boom, although due to siltation of rivers and lagoons, the port becomes underused and loses its importance.

The fate of the Western Empire was decided in Ravenna. In 476, its last emperor, Romulus Augustulus, was deposed by the leader of the German mercenaries, Odoacer. That was the end of the story Ancient Rome, although the story of Ravenna does not end there. In 493, after a long siege, the city was conquered by the Ostrogoths Theodoric, and five years later the Byzantine Emperor Anastasius recognized him as king and ruler of Italy with his capital in Ravenna. Ravenna was recaptured in 540 Justinian and incorporated into Byzantium.

About two hundred years passed and again Ravenna found itself at the center of historical events. The city was conquered by the Lombards. In 751, by order of the king of the Franks Pepin the Short Ravenna came under the control of the Pope, but received autocephaly and became the residence of the kings. The archbishops of Ravenna received generous gifts from the emperors of the Saxon dynasty and were used in open clashes with the Popes. During this period, the city was gradually ravaged: many mosaics, marble decorations, friezes and sculptures disappeared, and the port of Classis was completely forgotten, looted and abandoned.

During the Middle Ages, Ravenna came under the control of the archbishops, and later into the hands of noble aristocratic families. One of them was the family yes Polenta. With this family the great Florentine found his last sad refuge. poet Dante Alighieri. He died of malaria and was buried in Ravenna.

In the middle of the 15th century, Ravenna was subordinated to the Venetian Republic and was under its rule until 1509. At the same time, many palaces in the Venetian style were built in the city center, and the famous fortress was erected to defend the city Brancaleone(photo on the left - click). When Julius II ascended the papal throne, he conquered the entire Romagna. Ravenna has since vegetated quietly for the next 350 years. The city gradually sank into water due to the swampiness of the surrounding fields, until in May 1636 the sea flooded the very center. Dad got involved Clement XII Corsini. New drainage and reclamation works were carried out, canals were laid, a pier was built, a new Cathedral and Dante's tomb was reconstructed. In 1861, Ravenna became part of the Kingdom of a united Italy. After the Second World War, Ravenna was awarded the title of City of Honor and awarded the Gold Medal for courage and military valor in the War of Liberation - for the sacrifices of its people and participation in the guerrilla struggle during the Second World War.

Ravenna in the radiance of mosaics and ancient monuments - attractions

Ravenna boasts monuments and buildings from the early Christian period, as well as Byzantine architecture and beautiful mosaics. In 1996, the following objects were included in the composition World Heritage UNESCO:

Basilica of San Vitale and Mausoleum of Galla Placidia

Outwardly, they look very modest. Simple brick structures, like all the other Byzantine buildings in the city. But once you cross their threshold, the reason for their worldwide fame becomes obvious. characterized by an octagonal shape and emphasizes the influence of Constantinople. Founder of the basilica, bishop Ecclesius, visited there and could admire the beauty of the majestic Church of Hagia Sophia. In the apse, the basilicas shine with their unique beauty of mosaics.

The structure of the building is complex, it is topped with a faceted drum, on which a dome with a diameter of 16 meters rests with the help of eight central supports. Thanks to the supporting pillars, a round structure is formed inside the temple, on the second tier of which there are choirs. The entire structure seems magical due to the elaborate, unique lighting and decoration.

Inside Mausoleum of Galla Placidia , deepened by 1.5 meters due to the raising of the cultural layer over the centuries, except for the marble plinth of the early 20th century, everything has been preserved in the form in which it was conceived and implemented in the 5th century. The earliest Ravenna mosaics cover the inner surface of the mausoleum, where golden light penetrates through windows made of alabaster, which creates an extraordinary atmosphere. For the first few minutes, you need to be in semi-darkness so that your eyes get used to it, and then you can see and appreciate the unique mosaics, their decor and colors. It is better that the front door remains closed: then not a single detail will escape and the real masterpiece of the Mausoleum above the front door will become obvious - the image of Christ in the robe of the Good Shepherd.

The mausoleum is built in the shape of a cross: the dome in the center is supported by sails, and the branches of the cross connect the vaults. Mosaics cover the entire interior space and are distinguished by their rare beauty and splendor. They contain different stories, but organically form one whole.

Italian mosaicists loved few, thick and deep colors - blue, green and wine red. The very dark blue color on the ceiling of the mausoleum of Galla Placidia is unusually and somehow incomprehensibly deep. Depending on the play of light penetrating here through the small windows, it amazingly and unexpectedly shimmers with greenish, purple, and crimson shades.

Russian art critic Pavel Muratov - about the mausoleum of Galla Placidia.

Inside the mausoleum there are four sarcophagi. It is not established exactly who they belong to. And although Galla Placidia herself built the mausoleum for herself and her family, it is known that she died in Rome in 450 and was buried in the family tomb of Emperor Theodosius - Santa Petronila in Rome. Researchers claim that her ashes were transferred to Ravenna later. For a long time, the mausoleum was a chapel-oratory dedicated to St. Lawrence, who was deeply revered in the family of Galla Placidia.

Information for visitors

A sign at the entrance warns of a 5-minute stay. Entry fee: €9.50 full price; reduced price € 8.50. The ticket is valid for 7 days and also allows you to visit the Basilica of Sant'Apollinarius Nuovo, the Orthodox Baptistery and the Archbishop's Museum.

Via S. Vitale, 17 ( 400 meters from Piazza del Popolo, a short walk in the pedestrian area, nearest parking in Largo Justiniana). Inquiries: +39 0544 541688. Open: 01/11 to 28/02 daily from 09:30 to 17:00; from 01/03 to 31/03 - daily, from 09.00 to 17.30; from 01/04 to 30/09 daily, from 09.00 to 19.00; from 01/10 to 31/10 from 09.00 to 17.30.
The Basilica of San Vitale and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia are closed on 25/12.

The Baptistery (photo left) is the oldest surviving building in the city and the most significant monument of Byzantine mosaics. The octagonal shape reminds us of Byzantine influence. The brickwork exterior is unadorned. Archaeologists claim that the baptistery was erected on the foundation of ancient Roman baths of the 4th–5th centuries, and the time of its construction is associated with the reign of Bishop Ursus. The baptistery received a different name from Bishop Neon; it was he who ordered the craftsmen to decorate the interior with amazing mosaics in the period from 451 to 475.

It can be seen that the current cultural layer is three meters higher than the original one, and this makes us think about the past. Entering inside, we see columns of the Ionic order in the window openings, mosaics and images of prophets on bas-reliefs. The entire interior decoration was supposed to emphasize that baptism is one of the first sacraments of Christianity. And in the center there is an octagonal font made of porphyry and marble. The font was redone in the 16th century, but the original 5th century pulpit, carved from a single piece of marble, remains.

The mosaic under the dome reproduces the biblical story on the themes of the Baptism of Christ and the Heavenly Jerusalem, as set out in the last book of the Revelation of John the Theologian. Above the arches of the first tier there is a floral ornament in the form of acanthus spirals on a blue background and images of prophets, and between the arches there are candelabra, thrones and a bishop's throne.

Orthodox Baptistery - photo

Information for visitors

Address: Via Baptistery, 1 ( 300 meters from Piazza del Popolo, Piazza Kennedy). Telephone: +39 0544 541688. Baptistery open 01/11 - 28/02 from 10:00 to 17:00; 01/03 - 31/03 from 09.30 to 17.30; 01/04 - 30/09 from 09.00 to 19.00; 01/10 - 31/10 from 09.30 to 17.30. Closed 25/12 and 1/1. Entry fee: €9.50 full price; €8.50 discounted. The ticket is valid for 7 days and also allows you to visit the Basilica of Sant'Apollinaris Nuovo, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, the Basilica of San Vitale and the Archbishop's Museum.

Where to stay in Ravenna

Hotels and apartments in Ravenna Palazzo Bezzi Hotel NH Ravenna Grand Hotel Mattei La Reunion Best Western Hotel Bisanzio Albergo Cappello Antica Ravenna Residence Hotel Centrale Byron Hotel Sant'Andrea Hotel Diana

Mosaics of Ravenna - video

Basilica of Sant'Apolinare in Classe (outside the city walls)

The basilica (on the left - click) was built in 549 over the tomb of St. Apolinarius, the first bishop of Ravenna. The construction of the Basilica of St. Apolinarius began on the initiative of Bishop Ursinus at the expense of the Greek merchant Julian Argentarius. The main relic of the basilica is the relics of St. Apolinarius. He is venerated as a holy martyr. During times of danger of ruin and enemy raids in the 9th century, the relics of the saint were transferred inside the city walls, to the Basilica of Sant'Apolinare Nuovo. In 1748, the saint’s relics were transferred to their original burial place and placed in the central altar.

In the apse conch, the basilica is decorated with the latest Ravenna mosaics from the period of Emperor Justinian the Great. They miraculously survived the sack of Ravenna by the Venetians in 1449. Mosaic masters used smalt, colored glass, gold and semi-precious stones, but marble was used for faces and clothes, so the shapes appear flatter.

How to read Mosaic? The mosaic tells about the Biblical event of the Transfiguration of the Lord, he is personified in the mosaic as adorned precious stones A cross, and at the intersection of the cross a medallion with the face of Christ is visible. Peter, John and James, present at this event, are depicted as lambs standing at a distance. In heaven are the prophets Elijah and Moses, who speak about the death of Christ. And at the very top is the blessing right hand of God the Father. The scene is depicted in the Garden of Eden, in the center - Saint Apolinarius and 12 sheep, which are a symbolic image of the apostles.

It is noteworthy that in 1001, Emperor Otto III spent Lent in a monastery built next to the basilica: the emperor, expelled from Rome, was deeply worried about the collapse of his plan to restore the Roman Empire. His mentor was the hermit Romuald of Ravenna, who convinced the emperor to enter a monastery. His prophecy was this: “If you go to Rome, you will no longer see Ravenna.” But the emperor began to prepare a campaign against Rome and... died the following year, 1002. A plaque in the left nave of the basilica commemorates this event.

Mosaic portraits of the great bishops of Ravenna are placed between the windows of the apse, and on the side walls shine mosaics on the themes of the Old Testament and the Granting of Privileges to the Church of Ravenna. In the side naves there are medieval sarcophagi where the bishops of Ravenna are buried. The sarcophagi are perfectly preserved; on them you can read about the history of the basilica, as well as admire their unusual decor.

Information for visitors

Address: Via Romea Sud Classe ( short trip by bus or car 8 km. south of Ravenna). Telephone +39 0544 473569. Monday to Saturday open from 8:30 to 19:30, Sunday morning Mass from 08:00 to 10:00: visiting is suspended and opens from 13:00 to 19:30. Entrance fee: €5 full ticket; €2.50 discounted.

In the poem "Ravenna" (1909) A. Blok paints an image of the city - a cemetery of bygone eras:
Everything that is momentary, everything that is perishable,
Buried you for centuries.
You sleep like a baby, Ravenna,
Sleepy eternity is in your hands.

Slaves through the Roman gates
They no longer import mosaics.
And the gilding burns out
There are cool basils in the walls.

From the slow kisses of moisture
Softer than the rough vault of the tombs,
Where sarcophagi are green
Holy monks and queens.

The tomb halls are silent,
Their threshold is shady and cold,
So that the black gaze of blessed Galla,
When I woke up, I didn’t burn a stone.

Military abuse and resentment
The bloody trail is forgotten and erased,
So that the resurrected voice of Placida
I did not sing the passions of the past years.

The sea has receded far away,
And the roses surrounded the shaft,
So that Theodoric, sleeping in the coffin,
I never dreamed of the storm of life.

And the grape deserts,
Houses and people are all graves.
Only the copper of solemn Latin
Sings on the slabs like a trumpet.

Only in a close and quiet gaze
Ravenna girls, sometimes,
Sadness about the sea of ​​no return
It passes in timid succession.

Only at night, leaning towards the valleys,
Counting the centuries to come,
Dante's shadow with an eagle profile
Sings to me about New Life.

Ravenna, a small town in northern Italy, is located off the main tourist routes; even the sea has retreated far from the city, once located on the Adriatic coast. Only ancient monuments testify to the great historical past of this city, in which Dante completed his life.

Ravenna was the seat of the last emperors of the Western Roman Empire, starting with Honorius. Then it was the capital of the Ostrogoth king Theodoric the Great, who conquered Italy in 493. In 540, the city was recaptured by the troops of the Emperor of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire, Justinian.

Ravenna becomes the center of the so-called. The Exarchate of Ravenna, the viceroy of the Byzantine emperor, which for a long time was the stronghold of the empire in Italy. In 751, the Exarchate of Ravenna was captured by the Lombards, then recaptured from them by the Franks.

Ravenna has preserved a unique complex of Byzantine church buildings V-VII centuries with magnificent mosaics that testify to the development of Christian iconography in the first centuries of the Byzantine Empire. In Byzantium itself, covered in the 8th century. iconoclasm, early Christian mosaics were practically not preserved.

A. Blok's poem contains indications of the main attractions of Ravenna: the mausoleum of Theodoric and the mausoleum of Galla Placidia (V century), the basilicas of San Vitale and Sant'Apollinare (VI century).

The Mausoleum of Theodoric, built of massive stone blocks, with a small false dome, testifies to the decline of construction techniques in Italy during the period of the barbarian kingdoms.

The church, cruciform in plan, built in the first half of the 5th century, was named the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, the daughter of Emperor Theodosius the Great. However, in fact, Galla was buried in Rome, and her so-called mausoleum was a prayer chapel.

The modest exterior decoration of the church contrasts sharply with the richness of the interior. The lower part of the walls is lined with smooth marble. The surfaces of the dome and arches, the rounded sections of the walls under the arches (lunettes) are covered with smalt mosaics on a blue background, and not gold, as was later customary. The dome depicts the vault of heaven with golden stars sparkling against a dark background and a golden cross. Golden vines wind through the arches - a symbol of Christ: “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.” (John 15:1), “I am the vine, you are the grapes” (John 15:5).

An indication of the preaching of Christ as the source of truth is contained in the images of doves drinking from a cup.

Christ himself is depicted in the image of the Good Shepherd, characteristic of early Christian art: “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep...” (John 10:11). The good shepherd is a handsome young man, reminiscent of the meek Orpheus in ancient images, around whom sheep graze, symbolizing believers - “the sheep of Christ.”

Ravenna Church of San Vitale (mid-6th century) - has an octagonal plan with a protruding apse in which the altar is located. The walls are reinforced with powerful buttresses.

The interior of the Church of San Vitale is striking in its richness. The lower part of the walls is decorated with marble inlay; above, the entire surface of the walls and vaults is covered with magnificent mosaics.

A remarkable mosaic depicts Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora with their court retinue.

The bodyguards on the mosaic have gold neck torches and shields with the monogram of Jesus Christ.

Christ is still depicted as a beardless youth. (The canonical image of Jesus Christ in the form of a bearded man was formed only in the 8th-9th centuries.) This mosaic depicts Christ holding out the crown of martyrdom to Saint Vitaly. Angels and saints on the sides of Christ are located symmetrically: Saint Vitaly receives a gift from the Lord, Saint Ecclesius - the builder of the first church on this site - presents Christ with a model of the temple.

This mosaic depicts the Old Testament Trinity and the scene of the sacrifice of Abraham.

The capitals of San Vitale are significantly different from the ancient ones; they are a cube with side edges beveled downwards. This shape of the capital allows it to better withstand the pressure of arched vaults supported by columns. The surface of the capital is covered with a continuous relief ornament.

The Church of Saint Apollinaris (Sant'Apollinare Nuovo), built at the beginning of the 6th century, is a typical three-nave basilica, shaped like an elongated rectangle, adjoined to the east by a semicircular apse.

General view of the altar apse.

The mosaic of the apse dome depicts St. Apollinaris with sheep.

Two rows of columns divide the interior space into three longitudinal naves (ships).

The columns of the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare are decorated with Corinthian capitals, serving as the only reminder of the ancient order system, which Byzantine medieval architecture abandoned.

Above the arcade stretches a mosaic frieze depicting a procession of saints.

Magi carrying gifts to the baby Jesus.

Ravenna- a seaside resort, once the center of the Eastern Roman Empire, today it is a small but very beautiful Italian city with its own unique characteristics. There are many attractions concentrated here, some of which are currently included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. But Ravenna is best known for its amazing mosaics, which, as before, decorate the walls of churches and monuments.

What to see in Ravenna on your own?

Beautiful places and main attractions: photos with descriptions in Russian.

Mausoleum of Galla Placidia

Ravenna is famous for its amazing mosaics and UNESCO heritage sites. All this is combined in the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, erected in the first half of the 5th century. In 1966, this contrasting and mysterious architectural structure was included in the UNESCO list, and the mosaic that adorns the walls of the mausoleum is considered the oldest in the city.

Originally it was a chapel that was part of the Church of Santa Croce. Later, when the street was laid out in honor of Galla Placidia, part of the sanctuary had to be dismantled, after which the chapel turned into a separate structure. The mausoleum of Galla Placidia did not become the place of her burial, but three sarcophagi: for her, her husband and son are located inside. There are questions about the remains buried in these sarcophagi that have not been answered to this day.

From an architectural point of view, this is a very contrasting structure. Modest, no large building, having a cruciform shape, made of red brick, amazes with the splendor of its interior decoration.

• Address: Via Giuliano Argentario, 22
• Opening hours: from 01.04 to 30.09 from 9:00 to 19:00, in October and March - until 17:30, from 01.11 to 28.02 - until 17:00.
• The cost of a single ticket for “Mosaics of Ravenna” (includes 5 attractions) is 9.50 euros, from 01.03–15.06 you need to pay an additional 2 euros. Children under 10 years old are free.

Mausoleum of Theodoric

The Mausoleum of Theodoric was built in 520 AD by the Ostrogoth king, who ruled Ravenna at that time. This mausoleum is the only surviving creation of the Ostrogoths, and therefore, in 1996, it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The mausoleum is located in the middle of a Gothic cemetery. This is a round structure with a dome made of solid stone, it is installed on a ten-sided pedestal. A distinctive feature of this structure is that, in comparison with the luxurious temples and mausoleums of Ravenna, there is not a single decoration inside, with the exception of traces of the cross that once adorned the upper tier, and the red bowl that served as the tomb for Theodoric. During the reign of Justinian, the remains of the Ostrogoth king were removed from the mausoleum, after which the building was turned into a chapel.

• Address: Via delle Industrie, 14.
• Opening hours: in summer from 8:30 to 19:00.
• Entrance: 4 euros standard, 2 euros reduced. Admission is free every first Sunday of the month.

Arian Baptistery

The Arian Baptistery was built between the 5th and 6th centuries on behalf of the Ostrogothic king Theodoric. The king was a follower of the Arian branch of Christianity, which is why the baptistery received such a name, but in appearance it is very similar to the Neon (Orthodox) baptistery. In the middle of the 6th century, the baptistery was turned into an oratory of the Virgin Mary, when Arianism began to be suppressed. In 1996, along with other monuments in Ravenna, the baptistery was included in the UNESCO list.

Externally, the structure looks quite simple. The walls are made of red brick. The building itself is small in size and consists of two tiers. The first one has no windows, only an entrance to the room and several semicircular projections. On the second tier there are small windows in the shape of arches.

Inside, the dome of the baptistery is decorated with a mosaic with a scene of the baptism of Christ, and around it are depicted the twelve apostles, separated from each other by small palm trees.

• Address: Piazzetta degli Ariani.

Church of the Holy Spirit in Ravenna

The Church of the Holy Spirit is located literally a few meters from the Arian Baptistery. This is another early Christian building from the early 6th century. The church was erected during the reign of the Ostrogoth king Theodoric. However, like many religious buildings in Ravenna, the Church of the Holy Spirit, after the death of the Ostrogothic king, came under the patronage of the Orthodox branch of Christianity.

The only, but at the same time the most noticeable, decoration of the facade of the building is a portico with large arches running in a row, separated only by thin, even columns. The church consists of three parts: a nave and galleries, they are separated by columns. The altar, made of Greek marble, has been preserved in its original form.

• Address: Piazzetta degli Ariani, 1.
• Admission during services is from 10:00 to 12:00 on Sundays. Tourist visits are prohibited.

Neonian Baptistery

Neonian Baptistery, Neon Baptistery or Orthodox Baptistery are all names of the same religious building in Ravenna. The Baptistery received its name in honor of Bishop Neon. This step was necessary in order to be able to distinguish between the two baptisteries in Ravenna, which are very similar in appearance.

The Baptistery of Neon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as one of the early Christian buildings, also decorated inside with magnificent mosaics, comparable to those in the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia or the Basilica of San Vitale. It covers all the walls and the dome of the baptistery. Inside there is a large octagonal baptismal font. In general, the interior decoration is very elegant, but from the outside the baptistery looks quite simple.

• Address: Via Gioacchino Rasponi.
• Opening hours: from April 1 to September 30 from 9:00 to 19:00, in October and March from 9:30 to 17:30, from November 1 to February 28 - from 10:00 to 17:00.

Basilica of Sant'Apollinare in Classe

The Basilica of Sant'Apollinare in Classe is one of the main churches of Ravenna. It was built in the middle of the 6th century on the site where the patron and first bishop of Ravenna, St. Apollinaris. “Klasse” is the name of one of the districts of the city in which the church is located. Today it is one of eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The basilica has an oblong shape, the size of the building is 55 m by 30 m. The walls are made of thin bricks, between which a rather thick layer of white mortar can be seen. There are semicircular windows along the perimeter of the building. Next to the basilica there is a tall round tower.

When entering the basilica, the first thing that attracts attention is the colonnade of two rows. In this way, the internal space is divided into three naves, where the central one is the largest, and the side ones are much smaller. The basilica is decorated with mosaics from the reign of Justinian, in addition there are sarcophagi with the relics of bishops, and the main value is the relics of St. Apollinaria, which are in the altar.

• Address: Via Romea Sud, 224.

Archbishop's Chapel and Museum

The Archbishop's Chapel was erected during the reign of the Ostrogoth king Theodoric, between the 5th and 6th centuries, as an episcopal house church. The chapel was included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites as one of the early Christian buildings.

The base of the chapel is laid out in the shape of an elongated (Greek) cross. The inside of the church is decorated with mosaics on which you can see plant motifs and biblical scenes.

The Archbishop's Museum was opened in the 17th century; its exhibits are finds that were made on the territory of churches belonging to the diocese. The museum's greatest treasures are an ivory throne and a silver cross that belonged to two archbishops of Ravenna who served in the 6th century.

• Address: Piazza Arcivescovado, 1.
• Opening hours: from April 1 to September 30 from 9:00 to 19:00, October and March from 9:30 to 17:30, from November 1 to February 28 from 10:00 to 17:00.
• Admission: single ticket “Mosaics of Ravenna” - 9.50 euros, reduced price - 8.50 euros. Admission for children under 10 years old is free.

Dante's Tomb

Dante Alighieri, author of the famous Divine Comedy, died in Ravenna in 1321 and was buried in that city in the Basilica of San Francesco. Last years Dante spent his life in Ravenna due to expulsion from his native Florence. And only after his death, when it became clear that Dante had glorified himself throughout the centuries, it was decided to transport the poet’s ashes to Florence. But the sarcophagus brought from Ravenna turned out to be empty. And all because the residents of Ravenna did not want to part with their beloved poet, so the monks of the Church of San Francesco secretly removed Dante’s remains and hid them on the territory of the monastery. After this, the poet’s ashes were moved several times in connection with historical events.

Dante's tomb, in which his ashes now rest, was built in 1780. This is a very small but quite elegant building, made in the neoclassical style. Inside there is a sarcophagus with an urn, and on the wall, transferred from the Church of San Francesco, is a bas-relief of the poet.

• Address: Via Dante Alighieri, 9.

Basilica of San Francesco

The Basilica of San Francesco, which is located in Ravenna, was built in the 10th-11th centuries on the site of a small church from the 5th century. It was originally consecrated in honor of St. Peter's, but in 1261, after it passed to the Franciscans, the basilica acquired its current name.

This church is known not only to the residents of Ravenna, but also to all admirers of Dante, because it was here in 1321 that the great poet was buried, and then buried. In addition, finds from the 5th century attract attention.

The church has a rectangular base ending in a semicircular apse. Next to the basilica rises a 33-meter bell tower. The church is divided into three naves by colonnades of twelve columns. Under the apse there is a crypt with a mosaic floor, which is now below the groundwater level, and real goldfish swim in the resulting water cover.
Today the monastery is not active, now it is a museum of the city of Ravenna.

• Address: Ravenna Piazza San Francesco 1
• Free admission.

Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo

The Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo is one of the eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Ravenna. It was built during the reign of King Theodoric at the turn of the 5th and 6th centuries and served as a royal church. Unfortunately, today only ruins remain of the royal palace, next to which the basilica was located.

During its existence, the basilica underwent some changes, in particular, in the 10th-11th centuries, a high bell tower was added, and later, in the 16th century, the façade of the building began to be decorated with a white marble portico. Most of the mosaics from the Arian period have been lost without compensation, but you can admire equally beautiful works from more recent times.

Of particular interest to tourists are the frescoes (in the first chapel from the entrance), which depict scenes of the Second World War.

• Address: Via di Roma, 52.
• Time: from April 1 to September 30 from 9:00 to 19:00, in October and March from 9:30 to 17:30, from November 1 to February 28 - from 10:00 to 17:00.
• Admission: single ticket “Mosaics of Ravenna” - 9.50 euros, reduced price - 8.50 euros. Admission for children under 10 years old is free.

Basilica of San Vitale

The Basilica of San Vitale is the most beautiful structure of the eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Ravenna. First of all, its unusual design attracts attention - an octagonal base with apses, stairs, towers and many windows.

The Basilica of San Vitale was built by the Bishop of Ravenna in the mid-6th century. The architecture of Byzantium made a great impression on the bishop, and therefore he decided to embody all the most beautiful things he saw in his hometown. Without a doubt, he succeeded. White marble walls, an abundance of light, an unusual design, amazingly beautiful mosaics, the subjects and craftsmanship of which can be discussed for hours, will not leave indifferent any tourist who has crossed the threshold of the Basilica of San Vitale.

• Address: Via Argentario, 22.
• Time: from April 1 to September 30 from 9:00 to 19:00, in October and March - until 17:30, from November 1 to February 28 - until 17:00.
• Admission: single ticket “Mosaics of Ravenna” - 9.50 euros, reduced price - 8.50 euros. Admission for children under 10 years old is free.

Piazza del Popolo

Piazza del Popolo, translated from Italian as "People's Square", is central area city, where all the main cultural and social events of Ravenna take place.

In the 13th century, the palace of the ruler of the city, Palazzo del Podesta, and the Palace of the Papal Viceroy were built, and the landscaped space between the palaces became Piazza del Comune. In the middle of the 15th century, after the Venetians came to power, a Venetian Palace, where the City Hall was located.

Behind centuries-old history existence, Piazza del Popolo witnessed many reconstructions and new construction of the buildings surrounding it, they changed their purpose, but always remained the main buildings of the city, and thus the square itself acquired important geographical and political significance. And in 1946, Piazza del Popolo received its current name.

• Address: Piazza del Popolo

Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ

The Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ is the main religious building of Ravenna. The city's cathedral was built on the site of the first cathedral, erected at the turn of the 6th and 5th centuries, and was also consecrated in honor of the Resurrection of Christ. Thirteen centuries later, the first cathedral became so dilapidated that it was decided to dismantle it and build a new one in its place. The consecration of the new cathedral took place in 1749.

Some details from the ancient building were still preserved, for example, four columns of the 5th century decorate the facade of the building. They are built into a three-arched portico. In addition, sarcophagi have been preserved (of particular value are the sarcophagus of Monsignor Rinaldo da Concorreggio and the sarcophagus of St. Barbatian), the pulpit of Bishop Agnellus and some other relics of the 5th century. The cathedral is quite large in size, it consists of three naves, where the central nave reaches 60 meters in length.

• Address: Piazza Duomo.

Archaeological sieve Domus dei Tappeti di Pietra

Domus dei Tappeti di Pietra is a fairly new archaeological discovery. In 1993, during the construction of an underground garage, traces of ancient mosaics were found. This place is called the carpet museum, but there is not a single carpet there. The fact is that the floor is decorated with amazing mosaic patterns, when looking at which you get the impression that there really is a patterned carpet on the floor.

The museum is not very large, but the exhibits are worth visiting, especially since it is located on the way to the most famous attractions of the city - the Mausoleum of Gala Placidia and the Basilica of San Vitale. Despite the fact that the museum is located underground, the lighting is very good, and tourists note that the photographs taken in the museum are of high quality.

• Address: Via Gian Battista Barbiani - 16.
• Entrance: 4 euros for adults, 3 euros for children

National Museum

The National Museum is located in the building of a former monastery, and is located in close proximity from the Basilica of San Vitale. The museum was opened in 1804, and in 1885 it received its current name. Most of the exhibits are made up of utensils from monasteries that were closed during secularization at the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries. In addition, the museum houses a collection of Roman coins. Of particular importance to the museum is the reliquary (5th century) with interesting carvings.

The painting in the museum is represented by various frescoes from the Middle Ages, of which eight frescoes painted by Pietro da Rimini in the first half of the 14th century are of great value. There are also exhibits from more recent times: a collection of paintings and textiles that can be dated back to the 17th-18th centuries.

The National Museum is worth a visit for every tourist who wants to get to know the history of the beautiful city of Ravenna.

• Address: Via San Vitale, 17
• Admission: Adult -5 euros, reduced price -2.50 euros, under 18 years old - free
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 8:30 to 19:30, ticket office closes at 19:00, closed on Mondays, January 1, May 1 and December 25

Library Classense

The Classense Library is no ordinary library. This is a preserved library of monks, which was created in the 17th century. It belongs to the Abbey of Di Classe, and the books filling the library were collected by the monks of the Camaldolian congregation. Of particular importance are the manuscripts of Pietro Canneti, who was the abbot of the monastery. In addition, the library's assets include various codices, incunabula, rare and ancient books, historical paintings and photographs. In total, if we take into account modern literature, the collection of the Klassense library numbers about 800 thousand items.

This majestic temple of culture is worth visiting for every tourist. You don't have to take books to read. Just visit the main hall, where time has stood still. It has two tiers of bookshelves decorated with floral motifs. The white walls of the hall depict portraits and historical scenes, enclosed in elegant stucco frames, as well as statues of great men.

• Address: Via Alfredo Baccarini - 3.
• Free admission

Brancaleone Fortress

The Brancaleone fortress took almost two decades to build; the final work was carried out in 1470. Construction began after the Venetians came to power, who wanted to build a reliable fortification around the city. The fortress walls stretched over 14 thousand square meters and became part of the city walls. At first glance, everyone will understand that this is a very powerful structure that will withstand even the strongest enemy attacks.

The walls have four towers (two round at the edges and two semicircular in the middle). The citadel, which has four towers, creates an even stronger impression. All towers of the fortress and citadel have their own names.

The walls of the fortress are made of red brick. Of the decorative elements, two bas-reliefs have been preserved: the Lion of St. Mark and the Virgin Mary and Child.

At the end of the twentieth century, the territory of the fortress was improved: a children's playground was built, a stage for musical performances was erected, and annual film screenings are held in the open air.

• Address: Rocca Brancaleone

Ravenna Planetarium

The planetarium in Ravenna is located on the territory of the city garden and began its work in 1985. The planetarium does not have very large external dimensions, but it has a fairly spacious auditorium with 56 seats.

The planetarium building is a one-story structure. The lower part of the building is lined with large white scarves imitating marble. The central entrance is located under a canopy supported by four columns painted black. The dome of the planetarium has an uneven hemispherical shape and slightly angular edges.

From the inside, the dome is represented by many stars, planets and other space objects. When the lights turn off and the heavenly lights come on, and the mechanism automatically sets the entire structure in motion, there is not a single doubt left that the visitor’s chair is not in the auditorium, but on board a spaceship.

• Address: Viale Santi Baldini, 4
• Visits are possible from Monday to Friday from 8.30 to 12.30; on Tuesday and Friday additionally from 20:30 to 22:30.

Amusement park Mirabilandia

Mirabilandia is a place that not only children, but also adults will want to visit. It was opened in 1992 and is constantly developing and improving. It is not without reason that this amusement park is considered the largest and most interesting in all of Italy. It stretches over 850 thousand square meters, and is divided into three parts, where most of it is given over to parking spaces, 300 thousand square meters is a theme park, and 100 thousand is a water park. The number of visitors only increases every year.

The amusement park has more than forty different attractions and entertainment areas, they are divided into seven thematic areas. It’s also worth taking a ride on practically the largest Ferris wheel in Europe, only the London attraction is bigger.

Every tourist planning a holiday in Ravenna should definitely allow himself to go to Mirabilandia and enjoy hours of carefree childhood.

• Address: Strada Statale 16, km 162.
• Opening hours: open from mid-April to mid-October every day from 10:00 to 18:00, depending on holidays, the schedule may change.
• Ticket prices: adults - 34 euros, children - 28 euros (height below 140 cm and age under 10 years), children under three years old - free. To visit the water park you need to add 9.5 euros and 7.5 euros for adults and children respectively.

Paguro platform

The Paguro platform has attracted diving enthusiasts for more than fifty years. In 1965, an accident occurred on the Paguro platform during work on a methane field. After the disaster, the platform sank to the bottom of the sea, to a depth of about 25 meters. Since then, the remains of Paguro have attracted outdoor enthusiasts.

As a rule, tourists go there in order to take a closer look at the rare underwater inhabitants that have found refuge on the wreckage of the platform. Visibility under water varies: from a few decimeters to 18 meters. At depth, the temperature can drop to 10 degrees Celsius, so you should take care of the appropriate equipment. According to experienced divers, underwater trips in these places are quite difficult, but interesting.

In 1995, the flow of tourists increased so much that it was decided to create the Paguro Association to protect underwater inhabitants.

• Location: Marina di Ravenna port

Garden of Forgotten Plants

The Garden of Forgotten Plants (Rasponi Garden) is a piece of paradise in a busy city. It is located at the crossroads of Via Guerrini and Via Rasponi. A special atmosphere is provided by thick brick walls that protect visitors from the bustle of the city, as well as ancient castles, reminiscent of bygone times, between which there is a garden.

One day, the city administration, together with the People's Bank of Ravenna, thought about a wonderful gift for the residents of their hometown; they wanted to create a place where they could take a break from the hustle and bustle and, at the same time, spend time profitably. This is how the Rasponi Garden appeared.

A distinctive feature of this green corner is the abundance of various plants, from rare medicinal herbs to common culinary herbs. Beautiful flower beds and a central fountain decorated with wrought iron will make your walk even more enjoyable. In addition, famous Ravenna attractions are located very close to the garden.

• Address: intersection of Via Guerrini and Via Rasponi.
• Free admission

Garden of Palazzo della Provincia

The garden of Palazzo della Provincia is a very interesting place, where stone historical elements and fresh, lush plant life are combined. But what makes the garden most interesting is that it is located on the roof of the Palazzo della Provincia.

The palace building was erected in the second quarter of the 20th century and represents a symbiosis of “new romanticism” and elements of Byzantine culture. The modern building was built on the site of the Rasponi Palace, which at the end of the 19th century was converted into a hotel, and then, in 1922, it was completely consumed by fire. However, some elements have been preserved and are now of historical value.

One of the remains ancient culture is the Crypt of Rasponi, a mosaic preserved on the floor that dates back to the 6th century and was formerly part of the Basilica of San Severo. In addition to details of the past, in the garden, and in particular in the crypt, you can find objects of modern art.

• Address: Piazza S. Francesco
• Time: from June 8 to October 9: daily from 10:00 to 14:00. From October 11 to November 15: on weekends from 10:00 to 18:00. From November 16, the crypt will be closed.
• Entrance 2 Euro.

Byron's house

Lord Byron lived in Ravenna from 1819 to 1921 in the Palazzo Guiccioli. This seemingly small period of time played a very important role in the poet’s life. Here he met his love in the person of Teresa Guiccioli. She was the young wife of Count Alessandro Guiccioli, who was the owner of the Palazzo Guiccioli.

The poet's life during this period was filled with many events of various emotional tones, perhaps thanks to this, the years spent in Ravenna turned out to be very fruitful in terms of Byron's creative success.

The Guiccioli Palace was built in the 16th century by the Osio family from Milan and was originally called Palazzo Osizo, but in 1802 it was sold to the Guiccioli family and has since had its current name. In 1843 it was sold to the Rasponi family, and after 1921 it became state property. In 1990, the palace came under the control of the municipality and only years later, it was decided to open a museum in this building dedicated to the memory of the great poet Byron.

• Via Camillo Benso Cavour, 52−54

Museum of Art in Ravenna

The building in which the art museum is located is in itself an architectural treasure of the 16th century. This is the ancient monastery of Loggetta Lombardesca, belonging to the Basilica of Santa Maria in Porto. It is a large Renaissance building with a beautiful courtyard surrounded by an elegant colonnade.

Various temporary exhibitions are regularly held on the ground floor; modern mosaicists (artists working with mosaics) often take part. On the second floor there are copies antique sculptures. And on the third floor there is a very interesting collection of religious art. The museum permanently displays a collection of modernist and medieval art. The museum also houses the International Mosaic Documentation Center.

• Address: Via di Roma, 13
• Entrance: full 3 euros, reduced 2 euros
• Working hours:
  Tue, Thu and Fri 9.00 −13.30 / 15.00 - 18.00
  Wed and Sat 9.00 −13.30
  Sun 15.00 - 18.00
  Closed - Mondays
  Every Saturday from September 27 to January 11 - the museum is open from 9.00 to 18.00.
  Open: November 1, December 26, Easter, Easter Monday, April 25, May 1, June 2
  Closed: August 15, December 25 and January 1

TAMO Museum (Tamo Museo del Mosaico)

The TAMO Museum (full name - Tutta l "Avventura del Mosaico) is a museum of mosaics for which Ravenna is so famous. The museum's exhibition shows visitors the most interesting finds, as well as the stages of development of this art from ancient times to the present day. Such a great asset of the museum is due because for the most part it is represented by copies of famous mosaics.However, the quality of these duplicates is very poor high level, which is almost impossible to distinguish from real ones.

The museum is located in the old Basilica of San Nicolo. At the TAMO Museum you can not only see beautiful mosaics from different times, but also learn this art from masters who clearly show and tell all the stages of creating a mosaic masterpiece.

The TAMO Museum is worth visiting for those tourists who want to learn as much as possible about the main value of Ravenna (its mosaics), but they have too little time to visit all the sights.

• Address: Via Rondinelli, 2
• Entrance: 4 euros;
• Opening hours until October 9: every day from 10:00 - 14:00. From October 11: Mon - Fri from 10:00 - 17:00; Saturday, Sunday and holidays - from 10:00 to 18:00.

Ravenna may not captivate you instantly, but after staying here for some time, you will be surprised to notice that you don’t want to leave here at all. Ravenna will slowly and gradually win your heart and leave an indelible mark on your soul.

city ​​in E. Italy; founded, according to legend, by Greeks from Thessaly in the 6th century. BC. During the era of Rome. empire (1st century BC - 5th century AD) was strategic. a port that covered the road to Rome from the east, a Roman parking lot, and after the capture of Rome by Byzantium (554) - Byzantium. fleets. In the beginning. 5th century R. is the second imperial residence (the first was Milan). In con. 5th century The city was conquered by the Ostrogoths. Under Byzantium. domination (554 - 751) R. - the capital of the Ravenna Exarchate. In 751 R. was captured by the Lombards, and in 754 the Frankish king Pepin the Short conquered the Exarchate of Ravenna, then transferring R. to the Pope.

Excellent definition

Incomplete definition ↓

RAVENNA

a city in the delta of the Pal River, founded by the Etruscans and Umbrians. In the 3rd century. BC. Ravenna was conquered by the Romans, who turned it into a port and station for the Roman Adriatic fleet. From 404 AD Ravenna became the capital of the Western Roman Empire and the residence of the Roman emperors, as well as the first German military ruler of Italy, Odoacer (476 - 493), subordinate to the Eastern Roman emperor Zeno (474 ​​- 491). From that time on, political, economic and cultural ties with Byzantium began to strengthen. After the assassination of Odoacer in 493, the Ostrogoth king Theodoric founded a state relatively independent from the Byzantine Empire, the capital of which was Ravenna. During the military operations of the Byzantine commander Belisarius against the Ostrogoths in Italy (535 - 540), Ravenna was conquered by the Romans, and from 582 it became the residence of the Byzantine exarchs (the governors of the Byzantine emperor in his Italian possessions). Ravenna early Christian monuments of the 4th – first quarter of the 5th century. not preserved. These included the Basilica of Ursiana, the Church of St. John the Evangelist, which had the shape of a truncated pyramid, and others. Unique monuments of Byzantine architecture of the 5th – 7th centuries. have reached our time. According to V.N. Lazarev, they were created by local craftsmen who used Roman, Milanese, Constantinople and Syrian samples. These are the baptisteries of the Orthodox and Arians, the mausoleum of Galla Placidia, the basilicas of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, Sant'Apollinare in Classe and the octagonal domed church of San Vitale, decorated with excellent mosaics. Outside the city is the well-preserved two-tiered domed tomb of Theodoric (c. 530).