Discover Ravenna's Mosaic Magic on a Budget

Discover the beauty of Ravenna on a shoestring budget.

21 June 2023

Ravenna, Italy is a beautiful city known for its historic mosaics and charming streets. Even on a limited budget, it's possible to enjoy this enchanting destination. By staying in hostels and guesthouses, eating at local cafes and exploring by foot or bike, budget travelers can experience the culture and beauty of this Italian gem without breaking the bank.

Day trip plan

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A Day in the Mosaic City of Ravenna

  • Ravenna is a small city in the Emilia-Romagna region known for its Byzantine mosaics. Here's what you can do in one day without breaking the bank:
  • Start your day at Piazza del Popolo, Ravenna's main square, and marvel at the colorful facade of Palazzo della Provincia.
  • Visit the Basilica di San Vitale, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and be awed by the intricate and vibrant mosaics inside. Don't miss the apse mosaic of Jesus surrounded by apostles and saints.
  • Take a stroll at the quiet and peaceful Giardino Pubblico, a park in the heart of the city with lush trees, shrubs, and a small pond. It's a perfect spot to relax and people watch.
  • Head to the Mausoleo di Galla Placidia, a small but impressive mausoleum known for its starry sky-like mosaics. The colors and details are simply stunning.
  • Stop by Salumeria Martelli, a small deli that serves delicious panini and local wines. Try their prosciutto di Parma with mortadella and pecorino cheese.
  • Finally, end your day at Rocca Brancaleone, a fortress that was once used to defend the city. Climb up to the tower and enjoy the panoramic view of Ravenna.
  • One day in Ravenna isn't enough to explore all of its treasures, but these stops will give you a good taste of its rich history and culture. Don't forget to sip a cup of espresso and indulge in a gelato while you wander through this mosaic-filled gem.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Ravenna, Italy by plane is to fly into Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport and then take the Aerobus shuttle to Bologna Centrale train station. From there, take a train to Ravenna. The whole journey takes around 2 hours.

Car

If you are driving, the best way to get to Ravenna is to take the A14 motorway and then exit at Ravenna.

Train

You can take a train from major cities in Italy such as Milan, Florence, or Rome to Ravenna. The central train station in Ravenna is called Ravenna train station.

Boat

Unfortunately, there are no boats that go directly to Ravenna as it is an inland city. However, you can take a boat ride along the nearby Adriatic coast from nearby locations such as Rimini or Cesenatico.

Bus

There are buses that connect Ravenna to other cities in Italy such as Bologna and Rimini. The main bus station in Ravenna is called Piazzale Aldo Moro.

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