RAVENNA & THE BYZANTINE COAST
Ravenna & The Byzantine Coast is a region where the glories of late antiquity shine, home to a concentration of spectacular 5th and 6th-century Christian mosaics. Once the capital of the Western Roman Empire and later of Byzantine Italy, this area offers a unique blend of ancient history and Adriatic Sea charm.
The area is Italy’s treasury of Byzantine art, where gold-flecked domes and monumental churches tell the story of a powerful, long-lost empire. Beyond the historic center, the surrounding coast offers tranquil pine forests and vibrant modern beaches.
Most Popular Attractions
UNESCO World Heritage Sites (Mosaics & Architecture)
Basilica di San Vitale: An octagonal masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, famous for its dazzling mosaics of Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora.
Mausoleo di Galla Placidia: A small, cruciform structure featuring Ravenna’s oldest mosaics, including a spectacular starry-night dome.
Basilica di Sant’Apollinare Nuovo: Built by Theodoric the Great, this basilica is renowned for its long mosaic processions of Virgins and Martyrs.
Neonian Baptistery: The city’s oldest standing monument, featuring a vibrant mosaic ceiling depicting the Baptism of Christ.
Arian Baptistery: A smaller, octagonal baptistery commissioned by Theodoric, featuring a dome mosaic with a different depiction of Christ’s baptism.
Cappella Arcivescovile (Archiepiscopal Chapel): A small, intimate chapel inside the Archiepiscopal Museum, known for its unique Christ the Warrior mosaic.
Mausoleo di Teodorico (Mausoleum of Theodoric): A monumental two-tiered tomb, the only UNESCO site without mosaics, topped by a massive one-piece stone roof.
Basilica di Sant’Apollinare in Classe: Located just outside the city, this magnificent basilica boasts a stunning apse mosaic featuring Saint Apollinaris.
Cultural & Historic City Core Sites
Tomb of Dante: The final resting place of Italy’s Supreme Poet, Dante Alighieri, located in the “Zone of Silence.”
Basilica di San Francesco: The church where Dante’s funeral was held, known for its atmospheric sunken crypt with a mosaic floor often flooded with water.
Piazza del Popolo: Ravenna’s lively main square, a beautiful example of Venetian architecture and the heart of city life.
Domus dei Tappeti di Pietra (House of Stone Carpets): A subterranean archaeological site showcasing remarkably well-preserved Byzantine mosaic floorings from a 6th-century palace.
Museo Arcivescovile (Archiepiscopal Museum): Houses the stunning 6th-century ivory Throne of Maximian and provides access to the Archiepiscopal Chapel.
MAR – Museo d’Arte della città di Ravenna: The city’s art museum, featuring a permanent collection of both ancient and contemporary mosaics.
Coastal & Natural Attractions
Marina di Ravenna: Ravenna’s closest and most popular beach resort, offering wide sandy beaches, lidos, and a vibrant nightlife in summer.
Pineta di Classe: A sprawling ancient pine forest near the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe, ideal for walking and cycling.
Valli di Comacchio: Part of the Po Delta Park, a vast lagoon system and wetland area famous for birdwatching, particularly its large colony of pink flamingos.
Comacchio: A picturesque, historic town often called “Little Venice” for its canals, bridges, and the distinctive Ponte dei Trepponti (Trepponti Bridge).
Parco del Delta del Po (Po Delta Park): One of Italy’s most significant protected natural areas, offering cycling, boating, and nature trails.
Modern & Family Attractions
Mirabilandia: Italy’s largest amusement park, located near Ravenna, offering a variety of thrilling rides and water attractions.
Safari Ravenna: A wildlife park and zoo that offers a unique safari-style drive-through experience near Mirabilandia.
Ravenna Festival: An internationally renowned summer festival featuring opera, classical music, ballet, and theatre in unique city venues.
Activities & Experiences
Marvel at the UNESCO Mosaics: Visit the eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites to see the world’s finest and best-preserved 5th and 6th-century Byzantine mosaics. Key sites include the Basilica of San Vitale and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia.
Take a Mosaic Workshop: Learn the ancient art of mosaic-making with a hands-on class at a local studio. Create your own piece of art to take home as a unique souvenir.
Pay Homage at Dante’s Tomb: Visit the “Zone of Silence” to see the small Neoclassical tomb of Italy’s greatest poet, Dante Alighieri, who finished his epic Divine Comedy in Ravenna.
Explore the Ancient Port of Classe: Visit the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe with its stunning apse mosaic, and the nearby Classis Ravenna Museum to learn about the city’s history as a major Roman and Byzantine port.
Stroll and Dine in Piazza del Popolo: Spend time in Ravenna’s central, historic square, admiring the Venetian-era facades and enjoying a traditional aperitivo or dinner at an osteria.
Cycle to the Coast: Rent a bike and follow the cycle paths through the pine forests of the Po Delta Park to one of the nearby lidos like Marina di Ravenna or Punta Marina Terme.
Relax on the Adriatic Beaches: Spend a day at the seaside in one of the nine ‘lidi’ (beach towns) along the coast, which offer everything from lively beachfront clubs to quieter stretches backed by pine forests.
Savor Romagnolo Cuisine: Go on a guided food tour or dine out to try local specialties like cappelletti (stuffed pasta), squacquerone cheese, and the famous piadina flatbread.
Discover Comacchio’s Canals: Take a day trip north to the “Little Venice” of Comacchio, an enchanting town built on thirteen islets, known for its historic bridges and eel fishing.
Visit a Local Market: Explore the indoor Mercato Coperto in Ravenna for fresh produce, local wines, and gourmet foods, or check out one of the city’s lively outdoor markets.
Experience the Ravenna Festival: If visiting in the late spring/early summer, attend a performance or concert at the prestigious Ravenna Festival, which often uses the spectacular UNESCO sites as venues.
Search for Modern Mosaics: Keep an eye out for contemporary mosaic street art and signposts dotted throughout the historic center, blending the city’s ancient craft with modern culture.
Local Tips & Transport
Walking is Easiest in the Center: Ravenna’s historic core, where all the major mosaic sites (except Sant’Apollinare in Classe and Mausoleo di Teodorico) are located, is compact and easily walkable.
Biking is Highly Recommended: Ravenna is a very bike-friendly city. Renting a bike is the perfect way to explore the center, reach the outlying UNESCO sites like Classe, and cycle through the nearby pine forests to the beaches.
Arriving by Train: The Ravenna railway station is well-connected by regional trains to cities like Bologna (about 1 hour 15 minutes) and is just a short walk from the historic center. The train is often the most convenient way to arrive from a major city or airport hub like Bologna.
Buses for Outlying Sites: Local buses are necessary to reach the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe and the Mausoleum of Theodoric, as well as the coastal towns (lidi). Bus No. 4 runs to Classe from the train station.
Limited Car Access: Like many Italian cities, Ravenna’s historic center is a ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato), meaning non-local cars are heavily restricted or banned. If driving, look for designated parking lots on the edge of the center.
Mosaic Ticket Tip: For the five most popular, centrally-located UNESCO sites (San Vitale, Galla Placidia, Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, Neonian Baptistery, Archiepiscopal Chapel), you can (and should) purchase a single, combined ticket (biglietto cumulativo). Be aware that for the smallest sites like the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, you may need a pre-booked time slot, especially in high season.
The Piadina Obsession: The piadina (a thin, round flatbread typically stuffed with cheese, cured meats, or even Nutella) is the culinary symbol of the Romagna sub-region. Seek out a piadineria or a street stall for an authentic, quick, and delicious meal. Try it with squacquerone (a soft, tangy local cheese) and rucola (arugula).
Dinner is Late: Italian dining hours apply—lunch is typically from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, and dinner often starts no earlier than 7:30 PM, with most locals eating around 8:30 PM or later. For an authentic dinner experience, look for a traditional osteria off the main square.
The Best Time to Visit: The late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October) offer the best balance of pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and the full range of activities, including time on the coast. Summer can be very hot and crowded, especially on the beaches.
Hidden Gems:
- Basilica di San Francesco’s Submerged Crypt: The crypt is often flooded, creating a surreal sight where the mosaic floor appears submerged under water with goldfish swimming above it.
- Via Mentana (Umbrella Street): A picturesque street in the city center often decorated with a colorful canopy of umbrellas overhead, a perfect spot for photos.
- The “Leaning Towers” of Ravenna: The city has two medieval towers, the Torre Civica and the Torre degli Orologi, both showing a slight but noticeable lean due to the soft ground.
- Ca’ de Vèn: A historic osteria in a beautiful 15th-century building, perfect for a glass of local wine (like Sangiovese or Albana) and a platter of regional cheeses and cold cuts.
Top Restaurants
Osteria Il Paiolo [$25-$40] – A charming, informal restaurant in Ravenna’s city center near the train station, popular with locals for high-quality, authentic Romagna dishes like handmade pasta and a standout fritto misto.
Trattoria La Rustica [$20-$35] – A truly local restaurant in Ravenna known for its delightful Romagna menu, including excellent traditional pasta like tagliatelle ai funghi porcini (with porcini mushrooms) and hearty meat dishes like rabbit.
Trattoria al Cerchio [$20-$35] – A charming, old-world restaurant in Ravenna that has been serving delicious Italian and regional pasta and meat dishes for decades, a true classic.
Osteria dei Battibecchi [$25-$40] – A casual, tiny venue in Ravenna’s historic center with a focus on simple, honest, and delicious food, including local specialties like cappelletti in brodo (in broth).
Trattoria da Betti [$25-$35] – A local favorite trattoria in Ravenna known for excellent, traditional Romagnolo cuisine, especially its homemade pasta.
Ca’ De Ven [$20-$35] – More than just a restaurant, this historic wine cellar in Ravenna’s city center, dating back to the 15th century, is perfect for tasting local wines, charcuterie, cheeses, and piadine.
Antica Trattoria Al Gallo 1909 [$30-$50] – An unavoidable, historic reference point in Ravenna’s dining scene, with Art Nouveau decor and regional cuisine focusing on truffles, succulent meats, and local fish. (Michelin-mentioned)
Osteria Moriconi [$20-$35] – A charming Ravenna restaurant with a diverse menu specializing in pizzas, steaks, and grilled meats in a welcoming ambiance.
La Gardela [$25-$40] – A popular, buzzy mid-range restaurant in Ravenna that serves delicious traditional food with excellent service and a lively atmosphere.
Trattoria Il Portolano [$30-$45] – A highly-regarded fish trattoria in Ravenna specializing in seafood, with recommended dishes including risotto and fritto misto (mixed fried fish).
Osteria Settecentro [$30-$50] – Located in Cervia’s historic center, this osteria is set in a historic building and offers local products, including fresh Adriatic fish, gnocco fritto, and tigelle.
Trattoria Al Mare da Settimio [$30-$50] – A traditional, no-frills fish restaurant near the sea, likely in Cervia or a nearby coast town, known for its extremely fresh seafood dishes and local following.
La Buca [$40-$65] – Set in Cesenatico, this restaurant overlooks the scenic Porto Canale and serves refined Adriatic fish dishes, blending traditional recipes with creative touches.
L’Arrogante di Gianluca [$30-$50] – A local spot along the coast (e.g., Cervia/Milano Marittima area) known for high-quality, classic seafood and a strong focus on local ingredients.
Ristorante Pizzeria Molinetto [$20-$35] – Located slightly outside the absolute center of Ravenna, it’s popular for excellent traditional Romagna food and one of the best local dining experiences in the region.
Taverna Del Molino [$25-$40] – A well-regarded traditional Italian trattoria in Ravenna known for solid regional dishes and a cozy atmosphere.
Locanda Vecchiacanala Bistrot [$30-$45] – Highly rated and located just outside Ravenna’s historic center, offering traditional Italian food with a high focus on quality.
Cà Marina [$25-$40] – A local spot, often found closer to the coast (like Marina di Ravenna), serving traditional fish and seafood in a relaxed setting.
Osteria da Oreste [$25-$40] – A classic, simple, and well-loved spot in the Comacchio area specializing in eel dishes (anguilla di Comacchio) and other lagoon specialties.
La Lanterna [$30-$45] – A traditional fish restaurant in a coastal town (e.g., Cervia, Cesenatico) where locals go for the classic grigliata mista (mixed grill) and fresh catch of the day.
L’Ingrediente Segreto – Piadineria Dal 1972 [$10-$15] – A cozy eatery in Ravenna offering a delicious, generously filled piadina, the traditional Romagna-style flatbread sandwich, a quintessential local street food.
La Piadina dello Chef [$10-$15] – Located in Ravenna near the Mausoleum of Theodoric, this popular spot focuses on excellent piadine and desserts, great for a quick, authentic lunch.
Profumo di Piadina [$10-$15] – Nestled in Ravenna’s historic center, this is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Italian street food and a perfectly cooked piadina.
Pizzeria Dal Gladiatore [$15-$25] – A highly-rated Ravenna pizzeria favored by locals for its excellent pizzas, often known for a great quality-to-price ratio.
‘Na Fraschetta [$15-$25] – A lively, casual spot in Ravenna’s historic center offering Roman-style cuisine (like pinsa and classic Roman dishes) but with a contemporary twist.
Oasi Ristorante Piadazeria [$15-$25] – A popular, casual spot in Punta Marina known for its good pizza and piadina, often with a nice atmosphere near the sea.
L’Acciuga Osteria [$35-$55] – A Michelin-mentioned restaurant in Ravenna specializing in incredible, fresh seafood with a constantly changing menu and a modern, maritime-inspired decor. Many of the dishes are crudo (raw).
Ristorante Al Caminetto [$60-$90] – A highly-rated and well-established fine-dining restaurant in Cervia known for exceptional, high-quality seafood and a classic, elegant setting.
Osteria La Baita [$30-$50] – A hidden gem in the Cesenatico area, popular with locals for its fantastic fish and relaxed, non-touristy atmosphere.
Ristorante Pizzeria Molino [$30-$50] – A versatile spot near the coast (likely Cervia/Milano Marittima) that serves good pizza alongside very fresh seafood dishes.
Trattoria I Pescatori [$35-$55] – A simple, authentic trattoria located in or near the picturesque Comacchio lagoon, famous for its freshwater fish and eel-based regional dishes.
La Marinella [$40-$60] – A classic, sophisticated seafood restaurant in Cesenatico known for top-quality fresh fish, particularly crudo and pasta with delicate sauces.
Il Vascello [$30-$50] – A highly-rated restaurant in a coastal town like Cervia or Cesenatico focusing on quality fresh fish, often with a good view of the harbor or sea.
Ristorante Capo del Molo [$40-$60] – Located on the pier or a prime coastal spot, this restaurant is valued for its fresh Adriatic catch and excellent preparation.
Habitat 23 [$35-$50] – A modern seafood restaurant in Ravenna that is popular for its contemporary approach to fish dishes and chic setting.
Osteria del Tempo Perso [$30-$50] – Situated in a hidden corner of Ravenna’s historic center, this bistro-style restaurant offers perfectly executed classics alongside more contemporary fare, with a superb wine list. (Michelin-mentioned)
Ristorante Al 45 [$40-$65] – Located in a charming piazza in Ravenna, this restaurant offers creative, modern cuisine rooted in traditional Romagna dishes, including homemade pasta and excellent seafood. They are known for a good gluten-free offering.
Ristorante Corte Cabiria [$35-$55] – A modern, innovative restaurant in Ravenna known for its creative twists on local ingredients and excellent presentation.
Fricandò [$30-$50] – A popular, modern trattoria in Ravenna that offers high-quality local food in a slightly more contemporary setting.
Amerigo dal 1934 [$50-$80] – While technically slightly inland (but within easy reach), this Michelin-starred restaurant represents the peak of modern Romagna cuisine, often focusing on seasonal and local products in a refined way. (Worthy exception)
Ristorante Marchesini [$35-$55] – A spot in Ravenna known for its refined interpretation of traditional Italian and regional cuisine.
Ristorante Molinetto [$35-$55] – A contemporary restaurant, often found outside the city center, which focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients and a modern take on classics.
Turicchio [$80-$120] – A highly-regarded fine dining experience near Ravenna (or in the wider province) known for its commitment to gastronomic excellence and innovative tasting menus.
Alexander [$60-$90] – Housed in a beautifully designed venue, this Ravenna restaurant offers a refined dining experience with a focus on high-quality ingredients and presentation.
Il Piastrino [$70-$120] – A Michelin-starred restaurant located inland, offering a high-end gastronomic journey through the flavors of the Romagna region (Worthy exception for fine dining).
Fattoria Belvedere [$60-$90] – Located in the wider province (likely a beautiful country setting), this restaurant often offers a refined farm-to-table experience with high-quality traditional dishes.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Aguardiente: Located in the Porto Turistico Internazionale area of Marina di Ravenna, this sophisticated “temple to sugarcane spirits” boasts an impressive collection of over 2,200 bottles of rum, which inform their menu of classic and creative Caribbean and South American-inspired cocktails.
Mowgli: Situated in the heart of Ravenna’s city center, this charming cocktail bar is known for its inviting ambiance, refined drink selection, and a cozy courtyard perfect for enjoying a high-quality aperitif in a relaxed atmosphere.
Pionia Cocktail Bar: Found in Piazza John Fitzgerald Kennedy in the center of Ravenna, this spot is an ideal stop for expertly crafted cocktails, providing a pleasant setting to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
Fresco, Cocktails & Tapas: Nestled in the historic center of Ravenna, this venue offers a contemporary space to enjoy a selection of cocktails alongside Spanish-inspired tapas, creating a relaxed, modern aperitivo experience.
Toto Beach Bar: A lively bar located directly on the beach in Marina di Ravenna, offering great views of the sea and serving classic drinks, making it a perfect spot for sunset cocktails during the warmer months.
VanQuish Street Bar: Located on Viale A. Gramsci in the heart of Milano Marittima, this trendy cocktail bar has a sleek outdoor area and is an excellent meeting point for enjoying creative cocktails and an aperitivo before the night’s dancing begins.
Zouk Santana: A historic and popular street bar in the center of Milano Marittima, this bar is ideal for aperitifs and early evenings, known for its well-made cocktails and vibrant atmosphere.
Fantini Club – White/Blue Bar: Part of the famous Fantini Club beach resort in Cervia, these bars offer a glam atmosphere with soft sofas right on the beach, serving expertly mixed drinks and hosting live music or DJ sets for a stylish aperitivo.
Darsenale – Bizantina Brewpub: While primarily a brewpub offering craft beers, located in the dock area of Ravenna, it also features a selection of spirits and a modern setting, perfect for those seeking a more industrial-chic vibe away from the city center.
Sapor Pub&Cocktail Bar: Found near the sea on a main street in Cesenatico, this spot offers a unique pairing of pizza tastings with cocktails, combining mixology with “white art” in an innovative way.
Cainō: An open-air street bar in Milano Marittima, this is a popular spot from the afternoon onward, known for its Latin nights and house DJs, offering a great pre-clubbing atmosphere.
Bar Zagara: A stylish cocktail bar often found in the upscale hotels or central locations of coastal towns like Cervia or Milano Marittima, known for its chic design and premium drinks.
Rose&Crown: While technically a pub in nearby Rimini, it’s a long-established, lively favorite on the Riviera, offering a traditional pub atmosphere and a wide selection of beers and cocktails.
Coconuts – The Beach Bar Area: Located on the seafront in Rimini, the bar area of this popular club provides a vibrant, sky-open setting to enjoy a cocktail before the music fully starts, known for its Caribbean flair.
Dune Cafè: A popular bar in the Rimini area, known among locals for being a great place to enjoy a cocktail in a relaxed setting, especially popular for aperitivos.
Pineta Disco by Visionnaire: Arguably the most famous and exclusive club on the Romagna Riviera, located in Milano Marittima. It’s a high-society venue known for its refined, opulent, almost baroque design, strict selection policy, and international DJ sets, often featuring celebrities.
Villa Papeete: Situated in Milano Marittima, this glamorous club is set in a renovated 19th-century villa surrounded by a park. It features a main dance floor, a pool area with a glam privé, and an elegant restaurant, drawing a trendy crowd (20-40 average age).
Papeete Beach: A renowned luxury beach club in Milano Marittima, famous for its lively day-to-night transformation, particularly its iconic, energetic beach parties and happy hours with Italian and international DJs.
Discoteca Astoria: The “heartbeat” of Ravenna’s local nightlife, located slightly outside the immediate city center. It’s a large, high-energy disco club with a state-of-the-art sound system, playing a mix of popular tunes and dance music until the early morning.
BBK Disco & Beach: A popular beach club and disco in Punta Marina Terme (near Ravenna), offering a lively atmosphere that transitions from daytime relaxation to night-time dancing, known for its summer events.
Rock Planet: Located near Cervia/Pinarella, this club is a legendary venue on the Riviera, catering to rock and live music enthusiasts. It often hosts great live bands and up-and-coming artists, providing an alternative to the main Riviera dance scene.
Bronson Club: An important music venue located in Madonna dell’Albero (near Ravenna), known for hosting a wide array of musical events, from live concerts by independent and international artists to DJ sets, appealing to a more alternative, music-focused crowd.
Coconuts: A very popular beachside club located right in the heart of Rimini. One half is open-air, and the other is covered, featuring multiple dance halls playing modern Latin-American music and hip-hop, with a vibrant, unpretentious party atmosphere.
Carnaby Club: One of the most famous clubs among international tourists and students in Rivazzurra (southern Rimini). It has three floors, each playing a different kind of music (commercial, retro, hip-hop/R&B), offering a fun, colorful, and informal experience.
MiMà Nightclub: Located in Milano Marittima, this venue caters to a more adult audience, specializing in exclusive events and private parties with a focus on a more intimate and elegant nightclub experience.
Peter Pan (Riccione area): Another landmark of the Romagna Riviera clubbing scene, located in the hills near Riccione. It’s known for state-of-the-art clubbing, two dance floors, a panoramic terrace, and hosting top international DJs.