On the occasion of the many cruise passengers passing through Ravenna from May to October, I propose a short but exhaustive itinerary to get to know the most beautiful mosaics in the world declared a UNESCO world heritage site.
A walk of approximately 2 hours in the historic center of Ravenna to admire the magnificent Byzantine mosaics known throughout the world.
The tour is suitable for anyone, families, small groups, anyone who loves art and culture.
The monuments I will tell you about are the two most famous UNESCO sites in Ravenna, among the best known and most appreciated in the world: The Basilica of San Vitale and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia.
Visiting the Byzantine Basilica of San Vitale, one of the most celebrated Byzantine monuments in the world, is truly a mystical experience that each of us can experience first-hand.
You find yourself in a unique place in the world, full of magic, thanks to the preciousness of the magnificent Byzantine mosaics of which the basilica is very rich.
The mausoleum of Galla Placidia
The small mausoleum is located within the San Vitale complex, a few steps from the Byzantine Basilica of San Vitale.
An authentic treasure chest full of beauty.
The simplicity of the spartan external architecture, reduced to the essentials, in strong contrast with the magnificence of the rich internal decorations, will pleasantly surprise you.
Inside you are literally left speechless: three starry skies welcome you together with infinite stars that are there to remind you that Paradise exists and that suffering is not infinite.
Its extraordinary dome, built in the first half of the 5th century, is decorated with a mosaic (the oldest in the city) depicting a night sky in which 900 stars shine.
It is said that this mosaic inspired the famous American composer Cole Porter, who came to Ravenna on his honeymoon in the late 1920s, to write the very famous song “Night and Day”.
The extraordinary mosaic decorations of the martyrdom of San Lorenzo and the lunette of the Good Shepherd represent one of the most intense and beautiful mosaic works of all early Christian art.
Both monuments are located in one of the most evocative areas of the city, in a corner where it seems that time has stopped at the glories of the great Byzantine empire during which Ravenna was once again the undisputed capital for the third time in the course of the entire its history.
I’m waiting for you to accompany you on the discovery of these two symbols of Ravenna, and to tell you other interesting anecdotes and curiosities linked to these very important monuments.
Book your guided excursion now
For more information on tours and costs of the guided tour you can contact me on 349 5038574 (also WhatsApp) or by email writing to cinziatittarelli@libero.it info@cinziatittarelli.it
INFORMATION ON THE GUIDED TOUR
Entrance fees to the monuments
Full price: €11.50
Children 6-10 years: €2.00
(the ticket also allows access to the other major UNESCO monuments
info)
For groups of more than 15 people, it will be mandatory to use a device with earphones (surcharge of €2.00).