Things to do in Ravenna

Activities, attractions and tours

Ravenna showing heritage architecture, a church or cathedral and interior views
Ravenna
Ravenna featuring a square or plaza
Ravenna
Ravenna which includes a church or cathedral, heritage architecture and a park
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Top places to visit

1. Mirabilandia

With its range of roller coasters and themed worlds, Mirabilandia is a limitless playground for children of all ages. The theme park, which has a vast water world section, features some of the most exhilarating rides in Europe. Provide a thrilling time for your kids at the shows and rides of one of Italy’s largest amusement parks.
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Mirabilandia showing rides and a waterpark as well as a small group of people

2. Basilica of San Vitale

Eastern art blends with Catholic tradition in the Basilica of San Vitale, considered one of the most important destinations for early Christian art in the country. This octagonal church in central Ravenna is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors come from around the world to see its stunning mosaics, cavernous interior and the maze depicted on the church floor. Join a guided tour of the Basilica of San Vitale to learn about its history or attend a musical event to hear the church’s heavenly acoustics.
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Basilica of San Vitale showing a church or cathedral

3. Ravenna Cathedral

With its blue-green dome and majestic façade, the Ravenna Cathedral is one of the city’s crowning jewels. The current incarnation dates back to 1734, although churches have stood on this spot since the 4th century. Pass through the arched portico and gaze at the opulent religious decorations in the interior.
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Ravenna Cathedral

4. Dante Alighieri's Tomb

Visit Dante Alighieri’s Tomb to learn about how the Florentine poet’s politics led him to spend his final years in Ravenna. Dante Alighieri, considered among the most notable Italian writers in history, was buried in the city. Today visitors travel from around the world to pay tribute at his tomb. Visit Dante Alighieri’s Tomb to hold your own tribute, reflect in the peaceful atmosphere, admire the neoclassical monument and see the urn containing the epitaph written by Bernardo Canaccio.
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Dante Alighieri\'s Tomb which includes street scenes

5. Piazza del Popolo

Bordered by the town hall and Baroque church, the Piazza del Popolo is the principal square in Ravenna. It was constructed beside a former canal by the Venetians in the 15th century. Admire the pair of columns topped by statues of saints, similar to the design of Venice’s Piazza San Marco.
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Piazza del Popolo which includes a sunset, a square or plaza and street scenes

6. Mausoleum of Galla Placidia

The sister of Roman Emperor Honorius built the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia as her final resting place during the second quarter of the 5th century. Yet Galla Placidia’s body was never returned to Ravenna. She was instead buried in Rome in A.D. 450. Today, the small building is open to the public and features one of the most breathtaking interiors in the city.
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Mausoleum of Galla Placidia which includes interior views, heritage elements and religious elements

7. Mausoleum of Theodoric

The Mausoleum of Theodoric is a structure of intriguing architectural design, divided into two decagonal layers. It was built in the 6th century by the Ostrogothic King Theodoric the Great, whose remains were initially entombed within, before later being removed.
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Emilia-Romagna which includes heritage architecture

8. Basilica of Sant' Apollinare Nuovo

A fascinating history and a collection of impressive mosaic walls draw visitors to the Basilica of Sant’ Apollinare Nuovo. This large church is among the oldest religious sites in Ravenna and belonged to a number of religions before it was consecrated as part of the Catholic Church. The basilica is one of many UNESCO World Heritage listed sites in Ravenna. View the art inside, considered to be some of the most important in the area.
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Basilica of Sant\' Apollinare Nuovo which includes religious elements, interior views and heritage architecture

What to do in Ravenna

Popular places to visit

Mirabilandia

Mirabilandia

An inverted roller coaster, a tower drop and one of Europe’s largest houses of horrors are among the highlights in the themed worlds of this amusement park.

Mirabilandia
Basilica of San Vitale showing a church or cathedral

Basilica of San Vitale

Listen to opera, join a historical tour or admire breathtaking 6th-century mosaics at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Basilica of San Vitale
Ravenna Cathedral

Ravenna Cathedral

Standing between two plazas, this 18th-century Baroque cathedral has an imposing façade and myriad religious artworks. Check out the historic relics in the museum.

Ravenna Cathedral
Piazza del Popolo

Piazza del Popolo

Sculpted saints rise from the cobbles of this central plaza whose historic buildings provide a window into its Venetian past.

Piazza del Popolo
Dante Alighieri\'s Tomb which includes street scenes

Dante Alighieri's Tomb

Pay your respects to one of Italy’s most accomplished poets at a charming tribute located at the final resting place of Dante Alighieri.

Dante Alighieri's Tomb
Mausoleum of Galla Placidia featuring interior views, a cemetery and heritage elements

Mausoleum of Galla Placidia

While Galla Placidia’s body was never actually laid to rest in this mausoleum, it attracts visitors for its stunning mosaics and reliefs.

Mausoleum of Galla Placidia
Mausoleum of Theodoric

Mausoleum of Theodoric

Admire the fascinating geometric proportions of this ancient tomb that was fit for a king and view the picturesque park from the balcony.

Mausoleum of Theodoric
Basilica of Sant\' Apollinare Nuovo which includes heritage architecture and heritage elements

Basilica of Sant' Apollinare Nuovo

One of Ravenna’s most popular historic sites is this mosaic-walled church with a turbulent past dating back to the 6th century.

Basilica of Sant' Apollinare Nuovo
Arian Baptistry

Arian Baptistry

Inspect the colorful domed mosaic of Christ to learn about the religious philosophies of the Arians and their king in this baptismal structure.

Arian Baptistry

 

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Cervia

Cervia

Photo "Russi" by Nicola Cardinali (CC BY) / Cropped from original

Russi

Photo by Altea Salami

Casal Borsetti

Photo "Lido di Dante" by ildirettore (CC BY) / Cropped from original
Photo by ildirettore (CC BY)

Lido di Dante

Frequently asked questions

Is Ravenna worth visiting?
From retail therapy to history and outdoor adventures, there are plenty of great things to do in Ravenna. Be sure to discover the area's blend of cool sights, culture and local charm.
How do I spend a day in Ravenna?
Begin your day with a visit to Mirabilandia and Lido Adriano Beach. Then, tour different parts of Ravenna for a bite to eat and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Ravenna?
The top tourist attraction in Ravenna is Mirabilandia, so don't forget to put it on your agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Ravenna?
Three days in Ravenna is more than enough to visit the city's main attractions. Many travellers spend two days on average. Ravenna Cathedral, Lido Adriano Beach and Spiaggia Marina di Ravenna are top-rated sights. Want to discover more? Stick around a little longer to check off nearby hotspots such as Province of Ravenna.
Is Ravenna a walkable city?
Some top attractions in Ravenna, such as Ravenna Cathedral and Dantes Museum, are within walking distance. You can also explore several of the city's neighbourhoods on foot. Only 3 kilometres from central Ravenna is Casa Ottani and Porto Fuori is 5 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Ravenna with kids?
If you're searching for tours and attractions for all of your group, take a look at these excellent ideas for what to do in Ravenna with kids.

What to do in Ravenna for adults?
There are lots of things to do in Ravenna, with experiences for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at National Museum of Ravenna or TAMO Museum.
Are there free things to do in Ravenna?
One of the easiest ways to learn about free things to do in Ravenna is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on hip neighbourhoods, parks and other major attractions you can visit without reaching into your pocket. Ravenna Cathedral is one spot that doesn't charge an entrance fee.

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