Ravenna: My Byzantine Masterpiece
We docked in Porto Corsini and were in Ravenna center in 15 minutes. The city feels like a quiet university town until you step into San Vitale and the entire dome explodes with emerald-green, sapphire, and 24-karat gold mosaics of Justinian and Theodora staring down with emperor eyes. I actually gasped out loud. The Mausoleum of Galla Placidia is tiny but the deepest blue starry sky you'll ever see – it feels like being inside a jewel box.
We visited five of the eight UNESCO sites on foot – each more jaw-dropping than the last. We had lunch — piadina romagnola at Ca' de Vèn – flatbread stuffed with squacquerone cheese and rocket that melts in your mouth. In the afternoon we visited Sant'Apollinare in Classe just outside town – the mosaic apse with sheep and a giant cross in a green field made me tear up.
Getting Around Ravenna
Ship shuttle or quick taxi to city center – everything is walkable once there.
Positively Worded Word of Warning
The mosaics are in small spaces that fill up – buy the combined ticket online and start early for those magical empty moments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Ravenna worth it?
A: The most beautiful art most people have never heard of – yes!
Q: Best thing?
A: San Vitale + Galla Placidia combo.
Q: How long for main sites?
A: 5–6 hours at leisurely pace.
Q: Walk from port?
A: No – shuttle needed.