Guided Tour of Mosaic Tiles in Ravenna

About this experience

The eternal beauty of the mosaics of some of the most famous Unesco monuments of Ravenna, in a tour that starting from Piazza San Francesco, will wind along the streets of the historic center.

What to expect

1. Stop 1 · 10min

   it was built around the middle of the 5th century, at the behest of Galla Placidia, who ruled the Western Roman Empire. This small Latin cross mausoleum, externally is very simple, while inside it has a rich mosaic decoration. The countless stars of the dome have struck the imagination and sensitivity of visitors over the centuries, as well as outstanding personalities such as the great poet Dante Alighieri, who drew inspiration from them for the drafting of some verses of the Divine Comedy.

2. Stop 2 · 30min

   It is one of the most important monuments of early Christian art in Italy. The monument is of the sixth century, of clear eastern influence, it has an octagonal plan, surmounted by a large frescoed dome. When one enters the basilica, the gaze is captured by the high spaces, the stupendous mosaic decorations of the apse, and the extraordinary representation of the imperial couple from Byzantium, Giustiniano and Teodora, with their parades.

3. Stop 3 · 10min

   one of the oldest monuments in the city, in simple brick on the outside but rich in marble, stucco and mosaics with a clear Hellenistic-Roman influence on the inside. Dominating the dome, commissioned by Bishop Neone in the mid-fifth century, is the scene of the Baptism of Christ surrounded by a very refined procession of the twelve Apostles that stands out against a brilliant background of blue tesserae. Inside there is still the baptismal font from the Renaissance period, which takes up the octagonal shape of the Baptistery plan and which preserves the ambo from the 5th century.

Tour & ticket options

Options may have different inclusions and meeting points. Choose your option when booking on Viator.

Meeting & pickup

• At the Tourist Information Office

End point

• The 3-hour tour ends at the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo. After completing the entire guided tour through the five UNESCO monuments, the visit ends at this place.
• The 2-hour tour ends at the Basilica of San Vitale. After the conclusion of the guided tour, participants can continue independently to the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo for the final visit.

We recommend arriving at the Tourist Information Office 10 minutes in advance, so you can check in at the counter and pick up your whisper radio guides. Participants in the Essential Experience (2h) will also be given entrance tickets to the monuments: - each participant will receive their own ticket, which must be carefully kept and shown at the entrance of each monument - the ticket is also valid for autonomous access to the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo - the same ticket must also be used to request integration for the Archbishop's Museum and the Chapel of St. Andrew (not included in the tour) Please note that access to the Archbishop's Museum and the Chapel of St. Andrew is limited: even if you buy the supplement (€2), availability on the same day is not guaranteed, especially in busy periods. Please note that if you lose your ticket, you will not be able to access the monuments or continue the tour regularly. You will need to purchase a new ticket at your own expense. It is recommended to photograph the ticket immediately after delivery: a digital copy can be used for access to the monuments, provided the QR code is clearly legible.

Before you go

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.