Ravenna, Italy - Travel Guide

Ravenna is a city in Italy, renowned for its exquisite Byzantine mosaics, dating back to the 5th and 6th centuries. These UNESCO World Heritage sites offer a breathtaking glimpse into early Christian art and architecture, making it a unique cultural and historical destination.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay2 days

Budget$100/day

Mid-range$150/day

Luxury$600/day

Known For

RavennaItalyEmilia-RomagnaAdriatic CoastByzantium

🇮🇹 Country Information: Italy

CapitalRome

CurrencyEuro (€)

LanguageItalian , German, French, Slovene, Ladin, Albanian, Greek, Sardinian, Catalan

Phone Code+39

Electricity230V (Type C, F, L)

Tap WaterSafe to drink

Tipping

Tipping is not obligatory but appreciated for good service; 5
10% in restaurants for good service; rounding up taxi fares; 1
2 euros per bag for porters; 1
2 euros per night for hotel housekeepers

Money & Payments

ATMs are widely available, especially in cities
Credit cards are widely accepted, especially in tourist areas and larger establishments; cash is still common for smaller purchases and local markets
It is advisable to carry some cash, especially for smaller towns and certain local vendors
There is no black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Dress respectfully when visiting religious sites
"Fare la bella figura" (making a good impression) is important, so dress neatly
Meals are social events and can be lengthy; wait to be seated in restaurants
Italians often greet each other with a kiss on both cheeks among friends and family

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. Italy recognizes civil unions for same-sex couples, but not marriage. Discrimination based on sexual orientation is prohibited in employment.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

Legal drinking age is 18
Drug laws are strict, even for small amounts; penalties include heavy fines and imprisonment

Special Laws

It is mandatory to carry identification at all times
Driving in ZTL (Limited Traffic Zones) without a permit can result in fines
Be aware of pickpockets, especially in crowded tourist areas

Common Phrases

NoNo (noh) No

YesSì (see) Sì

HelloCiao (chah-oh) Ciao

PleasePer favore (pehr fah-voh-reh) Per favore

Excuse meMi scusi (mee skoo-zee) Mi scusi

Thank youGrazie (grah-tsee-eh) Grazie

Climate

Climate Zone: Humid Subtropical

Best Time to Visit

Hot season: Jul
Aug
Cold season: Dec
Feb

Getting There

Fly to Bologna (BLQ) (1
5h drive to Ravenna) or Rimini (RMI) (1h drive to Ravenna); direct trains from Bologna (1
1
5h, \~$8
15)
Direct buses from Bologna (1
5
2h, \~$10
18)
Boat access not common for tourist arrival

Getting Around

Local buses within Ravenna
Taxis are available
Ride
sharing apps like Uber are less common in smaller Italian cities but can be found; Free Now may be an option

Health & Vaccinations

- Routine vaccinations recommended (MMR, DTP); Hepatitis A/B recommended; Rabies may be recommended depending on activities; No specific altitude sickness or malaria concerns; Probiotics for general gut health while traveling

Staying Connected

eSIMs are widely available in Italy
Major providers include TIM, Vodafone, WindTre, and Iliad
Airalo, Nomad, and other global eSIM providers work well

Local Cuisine

Piadina regional_speciality

This is a thin Italian flatbread that embodies the spirit of Romagna's cuisine. It is typically cooked on a terracotta dish or griddle and can be fill

Cappelletti must_try

A type of ring-shaped stuffed pasta, these 'little hats' are a beloved dish in Romagna. They are traditionally served in a clear broth for a classic e

Passatelli regional_speciality

A rustic and comforting pasta dish that is one of Ravenna's hidden gems. These rustic strands are made from a rich mix of breadcrumbs, eggs, Parmesan

Albana wine alcohol

A golden white wine that is a cultural symbol of Romagna, available in dry or sweet variations. The dry version pairs well with piadina or seafood, wh

Ciambella Romagnola dessert

A simple yet iconic ring-shaped cake from the Romagna region. This dessert is light and crumbly, often enjoyed for breakfast or alongside a glass of s

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Ravenna Mosaics Combined Ticket (San Vitale, Galla Placidia, etc.) Attraction

Book 2 weeks to 2 months in advance, especially for the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia.

The combined ticket grants access to multiple key UNESCO sites, some of which, like the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, have strict time limits and very limited capacity, requiring booking for a specific entry time.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Accommodation in Centro Storico Accommodation

Book 1–3 months in advance

Ravenna's historic center has a limited number of high-quality hotels and B&Bs, which book up quickly, particularly during the high season or major cultural events.

Fun Facts

1. Ravenna holds the unique distinction of having been the capital city for three different empires or kingdoms: the Western Roman Empire, the Ostrogothic Kingdom under Theodoric the Great, and Byzantine Italy under Emperor Justinian.
2. Though now inland, Ravenna is connected to the Adriatic Sea by the Candiano Canal, a man-made waterway completed in the 18th century, which serves as its maritime link.
3. The city guards the tomb of the famous poet Dante Alighieri, who was exiled from Florence and died in Ravenna in 1321.
4. The crypt beneath the Basilica of San Francesco, which is near Dante's tomb, regularly floods, creating an eerily beautiful water reflection around ancient mosaics.

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