Ravenna
Ravenna is a city in the Romagna zone of Emilia-Romagna. Understand[edit]Ravenna is the home of the Mosaic Basilica, with a delightful small town atmosphere. It was the capital of the Western Roman Empire from 402 until its fall in 476. Get in[edit]By car[edit]Ravenna is easy to get to from the A14. Follow the signs for A14D from the A14 East. The A14D ends some kilometres before Ravenna, but the roads to the town are clearly signposted. Once in the town, head for the centre (Centro). The town streets vary (as in all Italian towns and cities) with the main routes being large and navigable, the back streets being small and unsuited to large vehicles. As there are a number of ways in, make sure you have a town map before getting to the town, although this is good advice for any Italian town. Parking is easily attained, some free away from the old town centre, and typically 3 euro for 2.5 hours on the main street near the entry to the old town within 200 metres of the Basilica. By train[edit]There is a train station in Ravenna; there are main lines to Bologna and Rimini. By bus[edit]You can take a bus from any nearby town, it costs only a couple of euros. By plane[edit]There is an airport in the town of Forli' about 20 km from Ravenna. It serves Ryanair. The more expensive airlines fly to Bologna, about 80 km from Ravenna. By Cruise Ship[edit]Occasionally Ravenna pops up on Mediterranean cruise itineraries as the drop-off point for Bologna and San Marino. If your cruise includes this stop, be warned that cruise ships dock at Porto Corsini, about 15km away from Ravenna city center. Most cruise lines will offer a shuttle service to the city, sometimes for a fee. Note that there is nothing of any particular interest in Porto Corsini except a couple of long beaches frequented by locals, and buses are quite scarce. Unlike many ports, you don't tend to get many tour companies coming to offer tours of the area, so it may be wise to pre-book a shore excursion from your cruise line - these are normally tours to Bologna, San Marino and Ravenna itself. Get around[edit]
If you want to do any shopping, be aware that the shops in Ravenna observe a siesta from about 12:30 to around 4pm when the only things open are small bookshops and cafes. See[edit][add listing]The Basilica of Sant' Apollinare Nuovo costs about €7 to enter and see the entire building and the amazing mosaics. If you like old churches and interesting architecture, this is a must see. For those interested in historical figures, the town also contains Dante's Tomb (author of the Divine Comedy). It is less than a 1 km walk from the Basilica.
Tickets and reservations [4] Do[edit][add listing]Take the time to walk around. The town is full of the most charming surprises, be it a cafe or the outstanding fashion shops. Buy[edit][add listing]Stylish fashions from all over Italy are available in the small boutique style shops. You won't find big stores here as you would in Milan or Rome, but there is a small town charm to them. Eat[edit][add listing]You are in Italy; eat Italian food. There are many small pizzerias and trattorias in the town that serve excellent and inexpensive fare. A typical meal of pizza and a beer will cost around 10 to 15 euro. In the main square, the cafe serves excellent Capuccino for about 2 euro. The self-service cafe in the central market (just north of the main square and the Hotel Byron) is excellent for lunches (7,50 to 10 euros). For an excellent example of a typical Romagnolo menu at local prices, try Ristorante Al Passatore (via di Roma, opposite the "Palazzo di Teodorico"). It's a local institution, and serves large and good pizzas. If you find yourself in the middle of the historical center at lunchtime, there are a few eateries to chose from in the touristy but pretty via IV Novembre. Trying a typical piadina or crescione at La Piadina del Melarancio is always a good idea; having a slice of pizza al taglio at Alice, just next door, is another one. Both are unexpensive and tasty. Drink[edit][add listing]Sleep[edit][add listing]
48100 Marina Romea (RA) mail: [email protected] tel.0544 44 85 83 fax 0544 441014
Get out[edit]
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