What to Do in Ravenna: Make the Most of a Transfer
If your journey takes you through Ravenna — perhaps before or after a cruise, or as part of a private transfer — it is worth considering allowing a few extra hours to explore the city itself.
Ravenna is sometimes treated simply as a gateway to the cruise port, but it is one of northern Italy’s most fascinating historic cities. Famous for its extraordinary mosaics, early Christian churches and Byzantine architecture, its compact historic centre makes it particularly well suited to a visit of just a few hours.
With a little planning, you can see some of Ravenna’s highlights before continuing your journey with San Giorgio NCC.
Why Is Ravenna Worth Visiting?
Ravenna has an extraordinary history. The city was once the capital of the Western Roman Empire and later became an important centre of the Byzantine Empire in Italy.
That history can still be seen throughout the city today, particularly in its churches and monuments. Ravenna is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage monuments, many containing spectacular early Christian and Byzantine mosaics.
The historic centre is also very walkable, so you don’t necessarily need an entire day to get a real flavour of the city.
See Ravenna’s Famous Churches and Mosaics
If you only have a few hours, Ravenna’s churches and mosaics should be high on your list.
One of the city’s best-known treasures is the Basilica di San Vitale, an exceptional example of early Christian Byzantine architecture. Inside, the richly detailed mosaics are among the most celebrated in Italy.
Nearby is the small Mausoleum of Galla Placidia. From the outside it appears relatively simple, but step inside and you will discover an extraordinary interior covered with deep blue and gold mosaics.
Another highlight is the Basilica di Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, where long mosaic-lined walls tell stories dating back more than 1,500 years.
You don’t need to visit every monument to appreciate Ravenna. If your time is limited, choosing two or three key sites can give you a wonderful introduction without making the visit feel rushed.
Explore the Architecture and Historic Centre
Part of the pleasure of Ravenna is simply walking through its historic centre.
Between the major monuments you’ll find elegant piazzas, historic buildings, small streets, cafés and shops. Piazza del Popolo, at the heart of the city, is a good place to stop for a coffee and enjoy the atmosphere.
Literature lovers may also want to visit the Tomb of Dante. Dante Alighieri spent the final years of his life in Ravenna and was buried here after his death in 1321.
The combination of Roman, Byzantine, medieval and later Italian influences gives Ravenna an architectural character quite different from many of the better-known cities on a typical Italian itinerary.
Discover Ravenna’s Ceramics and Artisan Shops
Ravenna also has a strong artistic and artisan tradition.
While the ancient mosaics are the city’s most famous art form, visitors interested in Italian craftsmanship can explore local workshops and shops selling handmade ceramics, mosaics and decorative pieces.
This can be a lovely addition to your visit, particularly if you enjoy finding locally made items rather than the more typical tourist souvenirs.
Allow yourself some time to wander through the centre and browse the smaller artisan shops. You may find ceramics and mosaic-inspired pieces that reflect Ravenna’s distinctive artistic heritage and make a particularly special reminder of your visit.
Consider a Private Guide
If you only have two or three hours in Ravenna, hiring a private local guide can be an excellent way to make the most of your time.
Rather than trying to work out which monuments to visit and how to fit everything in, a guide can create a walking itinerary based around the time you have available and your particular interests.
For example, you might want to concentrate on the UNESCO monuments and mosaics, or combine some of the main historic sites with architecture, artisan workshops and the story of Dante.
San Giorgio NCC can recommend private guides in Ravenna for guests who would like a more in-depth experience. Just let us know when arranging your transfer and we can help point you in the right direction.
How Long Should You Allow in Ravenna?
If you are incorporating Ravenna into a transfer, we would suggest allowing at least two to three hours if you want to see some of the main sights without feeling too rushed.
With a little longer, you can enjoy the city at a more leisurely pace, perhaps adding time for lunch, coffee, shopping for ceramics or simply wandering through the historic centre.
The important thing is to tell us in advance that you would like to spend time in Ravenna. We can then factor the stop into your private transfer and make sure there is sufficient time to continue comfortably to your final destination.
Make Ravenna Part of the Journey
A private transfer doesn’t always have to be simply about getting from A to B.
If you are travelling through Ravenna, adding a few hours in the historic centre can turn your transfer day into another memorable part of your Italian holiday.
Explore centuries-old churches, stand beneath Ravenna’s magnificent mosaics, discover its architecture, browse local ceramics and artisan shops, or experience the city with your own private guide.
At San Giorgio NCC, we can incorporate time in Ravenna into your private transfer and help you plan the journey around your schedule.
After all, when one of Italy’s most fascinating historic cities is on your route, it seems a shame not to stop and take a look.