Ravenna’s (ra-VEH-na; pop. 150,000) mosaics appear everywhere, from under your drink at the bar to behind the glass windows of tourist shops, and, of course, at every major sight. The streets paved with colored stones are almost entirely car-free, and travelers walk past monuments like Dante’s tomb (to the chagrin of the Florentines, who maintain an empty sepulcher for their exiled son). For the artistically and academically inclined, Ravenna is filled with churches and historic monuments that date from its Byzantine glory under Justinian and Theodora, all within walking distance from the compact centro. Yet Ravenna knows how to kick back and relax—its proximity to the shore also attracts plenty of vacationers who want nothing more than a spot in the sun.
Trains: Station in P. Farini. Open daily 3:50am-12:35am. Ticket counter open daily 6:05am-8:35pm. AmEx/MC/V. To: Bologna (1hr., 13 per day 5:05am-8:35pm, €5), Ferrara (1hr., 11 per day 4:13am-9:33pm ...more
The train station is in Piazza Farini at the eastern end of town. Viale Farini leads from the station to Via Diaz, which runs to Piazza del Popolo, the centro. Tourist Office: V. Salara 8 (☎ 0544 ...more
Ostello Dante (HI), V. Nicolodi 12 (☎ 0544 42 11 64; hostelravenna@hotmail.com). Take bus #70 (every 20-30min. 5:40am-7:55pm; get off at stop 249), 80 (every 30-40min. 5:40am-8:10pm; get off at stop ...more
The distinctive flavors of ravennese salt, extra-virgin olive oil, and chestnuts characterize Ravenna’s cuisine. Accompany a filling meal with a full-bodied Albana or Trebbiano wine. For dessert ...more
Basilica Di San Vitale. The glimmering jewel in mosaic-crazy Ravenna, this remarkable basilica overwhelms viewers with its ornate tile work and the dusty warmth that seems to float on the ...more
Many bars and cafes stay open late around P. del Popolo. Watch for the Organ Music Festival, held annually in late July in the basilica, and the Ravenna Festival, which brings together some of the world&rsquo ...more
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For 52 years, we have published the world’s favorite budget travel guides, written entirely by students and updated every year. With pen and notebook in hand and a few changes of underwear stuffed in our backpacks, we spend months roaming the globe in search of travel bargains.
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