Oysters and Champagne

Ravenna has an ancient history and was the capital of three very important kingdoms, which left behind spectacular cultural treasures: the Western Roman Empire, the Kingdom of the Ostrogoths and the Byzantine Exarchate. Known all over the world as the “city of mosaic", Ravenna attracts every day visitors who are astonished by the colorful and precious mosaics. In fact, there are eight monuments that have been declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO: the Basilica of Saint Vitale, an immense example of refined early Christian Art; the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, with the beautiful vault decorated with a starry sky; the Neonian Baptistery, the oldest monument in Ravenna; the Basilica of Saint Apollinare Nuovo, with the largest mosaic area in the world; the Archiepiscopal Chapel , the only Orthodox monument built during the reign of Theodoric; the Basilica of Saint Apollinare in Classe, which houses the marble sarcophagi of the ancient archbishops; the Mausoleum of Theodoric, built entirely of Istrian stone; and, finally, the Baptistery of the Arians, with its dome covered with mosaics depicting the baptism of Christ. In addition, one of the most important historical figures of Ravenna is Dante Alighieri, who lived here his last years in peace after his exile. There are many places in the city linked to the memory of the Supreme Poet, first of all his Tomb, located outside the Church of Saint Francesco.