Top Ravenna Culture

Ravenna—known for its eight UNESCO World Heritage sites, featuring Byzantine mosaics from the 5th and 6th centuries—has plenty for art lovers to see, but knowing where to get started can prove tricky. Take away the guesswork and maximize your vacation time with a small-group tour that takes you to some of the city's top treasures. Uncover early Christian art and Byzantine mosaics while a guide provides helpful context and insight.

Christian works of art abound in Ravenna, but the most fascinating examples of the city are the mosaics. Make sure you don't miss any of the fantastic mosaics with this walking tour through the streets of Ravenna's historic center. In the company of a certified guide, you will be able to admire UNESCO World Heritage monuments such as the Basilica of San Vitale and enjoy a rich commentary on art and architecture.

The guides of Il Papavero are able to adapt the tour to every need and type of clientele, always creating a pleasant atmosphere and without weighing down the historical-artistic explanations. It will be an unforgettable tour!

Discover the beauty of Ravenna's UNESCO mosaics with this guided tour. The eternal beauty of the mosaics kept inside some of the most famous UNESCO monuments of Ravenna, on a small group guided tour of the city center, and the UNESCO monuments known throughout the world. When booking, choose whether to start the tour directly from Ravenna, or whether to leave from Bologna by train, purchasing the option with return train tickets included.

Delve deep into Ravenna, known as the “city of mosaics” for the magnificent UNESCO-listed Byzantine mosaics adorning many of its landmark churches, with this comprehensive art history-focused tour. Cover highlights like the Basilica of San Vitale, the Basilica di Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, the Battistero Neoniano, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, and more in just hours. Learn about the symbolism and craftmanship behind these treasures with insights from your guide as you explore.

Connect with the history and architecture of Ravenna through a private self-guided audio tour. Set out independently at a convenient time and get access to maps and audio content. Learn about the stories behind landmarks like the Basilica of San Vitale and Piazza del Popolo. Complete the experience with a visit to the tomb of renowned poet Dante Alighieri.

Book your trip to the Domus of the "Stone Carpets" in Ravenna, a place that celebrates the rich cultural heritage and artistic skill of the city. Located among cobblestone streets and historic buildings, this archaeological area offers a glimpse into the ancient art of mosaic. At the entrance, you will be greeted by vibrant colors and intricate patterns that tell stories of daily life, myths, and religious themes. The precision of artisans from centuries ago is evident in every detail. A remarkable aspect of the Domus is its commitment to preservation, which has kept these ancient treasures intact. You can admire the meticulous restoration work that has brought the mosaics back to their original splendor. The Domus is also a center for cultural and educational exchange, with guided tours, workshops, and exhibitions. Don't miss the chance to experience an unforgettable journey through time and tradition. Book your visit now!

First stop is Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, a basilica famous for its vibrant mosaics and striking architecture. Originally a Palatine Chapel, it later became a place of worship. The mosaics depict biblical scenes from both the Old and New Testaments, including the famous Procession of the Magi, showcasing the journey of the wise men to meet the baby Jesus. Next, we visit the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its mosaics, create a mesmerizing, ethereal atmosphere. Don’t miss the remarkable Good Shepherd mosaic, a powerful Christian symbol. We then explore the Basilica of San Vitale, a true Byzantine masterpiece. The intricate mosaics, including the iconic depictions of Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora, highlight the grandeur of the period. Finally, we visit the Battistero Neoniano, renowned for its early Christian mosaics. - Admission tickets (12,50€) not included, our guide will assist you with the purchase -

Get more out of your time in Ravenna, and discover the history behind the city’s mosaics and below-ground crypts with a private guide. Skipping the bustle of the standard group tours, you’ll explore at a pace that works best for your personal group, and focus on the sights of Ravenna that interest you most. Highlights include visits to the Archiepiscopal Museum and the Basilica di Sant'Apollinare Nuovo.

The Best Way to Discover Ravenna: Scavenger Hunt & Self-Guided Tour. Play, learn, and walk! Explore at your own pace with a 100% self-guided activity. Start anytime (24/7) with no guides or schedules. Pause for a photo at Piazza del Popolo or the historic Porta Adriana and resume whenever you're ready—even the next day. This unique team-building activity is perfect for couples, families, and groups. The "Complete City" Package - Everything you need in one app: Interactive Game: Solve puzzles and discover 10+ major attractions, plus hidden gems revealed along the way. Learn the history/legends of each site. Insider Tips: Access hand-picked local restaurant and shop recommendations. What you will visit: Giardini Pubblici di Ravenna, Basilica di Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, Teatro Comunale Alighieri, Dante’s Tomb, Battistero Neoniano, Piazza del Popolo, Mercato Coperto, Porta Adriana, Basilica of San Vitale, and Mausoleo di Galla Placidia.

Discover the best of Ravenna on a private tour, and get an in-depth look at the history behind the city’s Byzantine mosaics. As you walk with just your personal group, you’ll explore the city’s early Christian monuments and the hear the stories behind them. Just note that entry fees to the monuments are not included.

This is the complete tour to explore Ravenna city and mosaics in one day with a native guide. Ravenna is well known around the world for its byzantine architecture and mosaics, as you will see in the beautiful Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo and the Basilica of San Vitale, both of them UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Then, you will walk through the “Zone of Silence”, an area in the city center were the main highlight is the Tomb of Dante Alighieri and where you will find many monuments linked to thrfamous writer: the Quadrarco of Braccioforte, the Old Franciscan Cloisters and many more. Enjoy the descriptions of your guide inside the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, one of the oldest buildings of the city, and learn about the Battistero Neoniano. Discover the Archiepiscopal Museum and the beautiful Chapel of St. Andrews as you listen to interesting and fascinating commentaries and anecdotes. We are sure that this 5-hours tour will make you fall in love with the city of mosaics!

CHECK A NEW COUNTRY OFF YOUR BUCKET LIST! Just an hour from Ravenna lies San Marino, UNESCO World Heritage, a clifftop fairytale nation perched high above the clouds on Mount Titano. This isn't just a city, it’s a sovereign state (the fifth-smallest and arguably most intriguing on Earth) with a history as dramatic as its views. PRIVATE SAN MARINO EXPERIENCE We’ll climb the medieval First Tower (Guaita), where you’ll stand on the rocky peak for a bird’s-eye view stretching all the way to the Adriatic Sea. Wander the cobbled heart of the city, from the stately Piazza della Libertà to the grand Basilica, uncovering how this tiny nation remained independent for centuries. (Optional) Traditional Lunch Above the Clouds Free time to shop/enjoy San Marino beauty... 09:30 AM PRIVATE Pick-up from Ravenna, 1 hour drive 10:30 AM 2.5 hours San Marino tour with historical local GUIDE 01 PM Lunch (optional) 3 PM Stroll through San Marino shops/market 5 PM Drop-off in Ravenna or Bologna

Discover the delights of Tuscany on a private day trip from Florence. With a knowledgeable private driver, travel through the renowned Chianti wine region to visit the towns of Siena and San Gimignano. See famous landmarks like Siena’s Piazza del Campo, home to the annual Palio horserace, and the medieval hilltop towers of San Gimignano.

This tour offers a seamless way to explore two enchanting medieval villages in just one day, freeing you from the inconvenience of arranging a rental car. Benefit from the comfort of private transport, accompanied by a locally born and raised guide who brings fascinating insights. Highlights along the way include a traditional lunch, an olive oil tasting session in Brisighella, and a leisurely walk through the historic heart of Dozza.

The mosaics of Ravenna—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—are one of Emilia Romagna’s most popular attractions. But travelers who visit without a guide risk missing out on crucial cultural and historical context. Listen to in-depth explanations during this private walking tour, which includes stops at San Vitale, Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, and Sant'Apollinare In Classe basilicas, and more, all in just two hours.

Experience your Ravenna vacation on your own, listening to the audio content of our app on your smartphone. It will be like having at your side a tour guide who will tell you the history, points of interest and curiosities of the city. Once organized, take your first step into town as your audio guide tells you surprising facts and curiosities about its streets. Look up at monuments and increase your understanding. Benefit from an audio guide without an expiry date plus no tickets to collect or meeting place. Listen to the audio guide online, or offline. The audio content is professionally created by a group of top authors and interpreted by TV and radio professionals. The smartphone is yours and you will therefore not have contact with unsanitary devices provided by third parties. There is no need to book or to be present at a specific time or date. The Audioguide can be downloaded and used immediately, it never expires, and any date/time indicated here is not binding!

Recognized with UNESCO World Heritage status, Ravenna's mosaics and architecture dazzle. But knowing who's who in the artworks and parsing the complex mix of peoples and cultures during the Byzantine era isn't easy. Skip the research and see the sights in all their glory on this walking tour with a private guide—tickets at your own expense. Learn about Justinian, Theodoric, Theodora, Dante, and more as you soak up the sights.

IT IS A WALK TO UNDERSTAND THE SUNSET OF RAVENNA AS THE LAST RESIDENCE OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE WITH TWO BASILICAS THAT WITNESS THE LATE ANCIENT V CENTURY. RAVENNA AS A CULTURAL UNICUM

Ravenna's UNESCO-listed mosaics, dating from the Byzantine and Roman empires, are among Italy's cultural treasures, but these massive works can be overwhelming to cover on your own. Gain a deeper understanding of their history and significance and cover the highlights in just a few hours on this private walking tour. With a dedicated guide, you'll enjoy personalized attention and a flexible itinerary, plus timed entrance to the top sights to avoid waiting in line.

Join this Ravenna by night tour to discover the city in the magical and suggestive atmosphere of the evening. You will meet your private guide and explore many of the main squares of the local nightlife, including piazza Kennedy, piazza del Popolo e piazza Unità d'Italia. Walk around the picturesque streets of the center and stop to see from outside some of the most interesting monuments and buildings, such as tha MAR, the Ravenna Museum of Art and the (so-called) Palace of Theodoric, and learn about the history and the culture of the city. You will visit san Francesco square, the heart of the “Dante's Zone”, an area dedicated to the world-known poet, and discover about his life and works. Your guide will keep everyone involved with commentaries, anecdotes and descriptions only a local can tell you. This outdoor walking tour will be a great opportunity to see a different and special side of the “City of Mosaics”.

During this Private Tour Silvia will make you discover the extraordinary history of the most important UNESCO sites in the city of Ravenna, from the fall of the Western Roman Empire to the Byzantine rule. Ravenna in the space of only 200 years was nominated capital three times and today its perfectly preserved mosaics leave us breathless, taking us back to the ancient glories of a bygone era. During this visit, immersed in the evocative half-light, you will have the opportunity to observe the majesty of the mosaics in a completely unique and special atmosphere outside of satiety and time.

DISCOVER THE CAPITAL OF MOSAICS LIKE AN INSIDER! This PRIVATE experience blends the breathtaking art of the Byzantine Empire with the laid-back charm of Italian summer... From the silent beauty of UNESCO basilicas to a seafood lunch with your toes in the sand, this is the ULTIMATE RAVENNA DAY TRIP. GUIDED VISIT (with a local historical guide) of the UNESCO Big Three: San Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia and Sant'Apollinare Nuovo. You won’t just see these 1,500-year-old masterpieces, your private historian will bring their secrets to life. A Walk with Dante, pay your respects at the tomb of the "Father of the Italian Language" and soak in the Venetian-style elegance of Piazza del Popolo. After the history, we’ll drive to the Adriatic Coast for a lazy seafood lunch at a traditional beach club (bagno). 09:30 AM PRIVATE Pick-up (Downtown or Cruise Port) 10 AM Guided "Deep Dive" into Ravenna’s world-famous Mosaics. 1 PM Lunch on the Beach 3:30 PM Return to Ravenna