Basilica of San Vitale (Basilica di San Vitale) Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience the Basilica of San Vitale. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Guided Tour of Mosaic Tiles in Ravenna

• Ravenna, the Most Beautiful Mosaics in the City of Paradise

• Best of RAVENNA on a Private Tour

• Wonderful Ravenna, visit 3 UNESCO sites with a local guide on a private tour

• Ravenna UNESCO Monuments with Pasta, Piadina and Gelato Tasting

In order to visit the Basilica of San Vitale, you’ll need to buy a bundled admission ticket that covers Ravenna’s top sights, such as the Basilica of St. Apollinare Nuovo and the Archiepiscopal Museum. Standard tickets currently range from €10.50 to €14.50 depending on which landmarks you visit, and last a week from the date of purchase.

Dating back to the 6th century, the Basilica of San Vitale is known for its unique Byzantine-era architecture, with its dome and porticos. But the most famous feature is inside: a dazzling array of gold mosaics covering almost every available space, and illustrating scenes from the Old and New Testaments.

The best time to see the mosaics inside the Basilica of San Vitale is when the sun is shining, illuminating the gold. However, summers are often uncomfortably hot, with large crowds, so plan a trip for the spring or early fall if you can—when Ravenna is reliably sunny, but less busy.

Yes, visitors need to dress modestly to visit any church in Italy. That means shoulders and knees should be covered up—no short skirts or dresses, shorts, or tank-tops. It’s a good idea to always have a scarf or jacket on hand to use as a cover-up, especially during the warmer months.

No, there are no restrooms at the Basilica of San Vitale. You’ll find plenty of cafés around, though—make a small purchase, since restrooms are usually reserved for customers. And if you’re visiting the Basilica of St. Apollinare Nuovo or the Archiepiscopal Museum on the same ticket, these locations have restrooms.