Published on Oct, 2024
I was highly impressed. The history of Ravenna is important, it was the seat of the East Emperor for several hundred years. It had monies and power to pursue the development and importance of that city for years. It was most probably a "city-state", so please look that up as I've been ill and can't recall things with my head clogged with phelgm.
It is NOT something you can fly through in 3 hours as one tour book mentioned. There are about 12 major sites to see and the artistry and history are staggering. I'm not posting photos as there are plenty here and on other searches. I do wish to endorse study the history of this city and the mosaics which date back to 450 AD.
The best thing about this setting is the TOTAL lack of pressure and the number of tourists seen her (about 15 sq miles) - - - about 100 at the very highest of times. That is 100 spread out the 15 sq miles. There is also the church that was bombed in WW2, sadly not rebuilt but serves as a base of comparison to other churches. There are about 5 churches to see as well as several important places SOUTH of town. Don't miss them. Giving yourself about 3 to 4 days is good, as well as relaxing. You have time to rid yourself of the packed cities of Rome and Florence.
By the way, for dinner, go beyond the historic district. Some good places but your must look. Not sure where to stay? Hotel Sand'Andreas was very good. A nice back yard, a fairly quiet hotel and a breakfast with standard fare. The room would easily have been $350 in Rome and $300 in Florence. The fare? The Hotel Sand'Adreas was $125 a night.
Do dress warm, as it is cooler there. If you can spare the time, go to the city of Farara, which is a UNESCO site. Most do not know that. It means that is another site to visit (about 2 days). These two options are so worthy of your time. Florence has become an overpacked nightmare. Dinners out in Ravenna where very, very casual with few people in October. Summer is more busy with added tourist in hiking and canoeing.
You can buy a "Historic Ticket" for 13 EU, which covers the 4 major churches as wel as other places with fantastic mosaics from 450 AD. It is best of get there by taking the train to Bologna and then to Ravenna.
Please realize, getting your train tickets if a good idea from the train website. Because you have a print out, you carry it and won't have to fret about the need to do what is called "confirm your train ticket". If you purchase a ticket the day of travel, get it confirmed before travelling. There are small "ticket machines" on the train platforms. GET TICKETS confirmed or you could be fined.
Yes, even Italy has some built in ideas to get a few bucks out of the tourist. The fines can be stiff. Enjoy.
One las thing, you'll enjoy the walk ability of this town. Also, there are a few things that appeal to the esoteric, such as the Dante Museum. Photos are allowed but not flash.
Regards
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