RAVENNA
Ravenna is a great centre of Romagna on the Adriatic coast and is rich in history and culture. Its elegance and charm can be seen in the streets and buildings and the city boasts eight UNESCO world heritage.
History
In the past Ravenna was the capital of the Western Roman Empire, the Kingdom of the Ostrogoths and the Byzantine Exarchate. Throughout the ancient period, the city of Ravenna was only accessible only by sea and under the emperor, Caesar Ottaviano Augusto the Romans located the upper Adriatic military fleet here. The Romans also dug the Fossa Augustea, a canal that connected the Po with the wide stretch of water south of Ravenna. The port of Classe was built here and was of great military importance. Over the years the port developed commercially, and it became a trade hub for the Mediterranean. The end of the Roman Empire was also declared in Ravenna, in 476 AD with the deposition of the last emperor. It is also remembered because the place where Dante Alighieri died and his tomb is located here.
Places to visit
In Ravenna, there are buildings and masterpieces from the early Christian era, such as the Mausoleum of Galla Placida, which is a funeral building under the Empress Galla Placida and is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites. There are some wonderful mosaics in the building which is thought to be the work of various masters and artists from the Byzantine period.
Also, do not miss the Mausoleum of Theodoric and the Neonian Baptistery which has a colorful mosaiced dome. Be sure to pay a visit to the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, which was erected for the Arian cult and later become a Catholic place of worship, it also has marvellous mosaics adorning the walls. In addition to the religious architecture, there are also many palaces and civil buildings such as Palazzo Rasponi dalle Teste, the Tomb of the supreme Dante Alighieri and PIazza del Popolo, dating back to the XIII century.
Beaches
Ravenna's beaches are suitable for everyone and along the Lidi Ravenna, there are nine small towns where you can find beaches equipped with bars, restaurants, hotels, discos and clubs of all kinds. To the north, there are two famous beaches called s Cervia and Milano Marittima. Finally, the beach of Cervia, located inside the Parco delle Saline is beautiful and perfect for those in search of relaxation.