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Ravenna – The City of Culture

27th Jan 2016

Situated on the Adriatic coast in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, Ravenna is the perfect destination for a relaxed break with loads of culture thrown in. Nominated the 2015 Italian City of Culture, this elegant city is steeped in ancient history, having been originally the capital of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century and then overthrown to become part of the Byzantine Empire in the 6th, 7th and 8th centuries.

With all this history as a back drop, Ravenna is also such a relaxed and pleasant place to be. There are plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from, stylish shops to browse and a good choice of hotels. I can recommend the Albergo Cappello with its attractive bedrooms and excellent restaurant. It is also conveniently placed, as it is just a stones throw from the main Piazza del Popalo. This is the central hub of the city where the locals congregate in the evening and is such a lovely place to be sat in one of the many bars enjoying some refreshment whilst watching the world go by and quite often accompanied by live music.

If its history you're looking for, Ravenna certainly ticks all the boxes. Your cultural journey has to start at the Basilica of San Vitale. Built in the 6th century this Byzantine octagonal shaped church contains probably the finest mosaics in the western world. Nothing can prepare you as you walk through the entrance and then look right towards the main alter on how simply breathtaking these mosaics are. The colours are just stunning such as vivid blues, turquoise and gold, typical of its eastern influence. 

Other sites that are definitely well worth a visit are the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia which is close by, the Neonian Baptistery and the Basilica of Sant' Apollinare in Classe, all with their own examples of exquisite mosaic art and Danté's Tomb.

All this culture can be exhausting so I would recommend at this stage some refreshment at what I think is the finest restaurant in Ravenna, the Ca' de Vèn. This converted winery with its vaulted ceiling simply oozes charm and is very poplar with local families, which is always a good sign, so you may need to book. The Romagnola specialties on the menu will not disappoint especially if you wash it down with the local Sangiovese wine. 

Ravenna is within easy reach of Bologna airport and there are plenty of places to visit round and about such as Rimini and Ferrara but to be honest Ravenna has so much to offer you probably won't want to stray very far.

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