Ravenna

Ravenna probably dates to the second millenium BC. lt was the base for the Roman Western Mediterranean fLeet during the reign of Emperor Augustus (ist century AD) and was made capitaL of the Western Roman Empire by Honorius in 402. In the sth and 6th centuries under the Goths (King Theodoric conquered in 493) and from 540 under the Byzantines the city was enriched with outstanding monuments and buildings. During the rule ofthe Da Polenta family Ravenna welcomed Dante Alighieri who died there in 1321. The city was then dominated alternately by the Venetians and the Holy See until 1859. lts most important buildings include 5. Vitale and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, 5. Apollinare Nuovo and in Classe, The Mausoleum ofTheodoric and the Baptistries. Art treasures from various epochs can be seen in the National and Archiepiscopal Museums, the Classense Library and the Municipal Art Gallery which contains an impressive collection ofl5th and i6th century paintings on wood and canvas, chiefly from the Romagna area. Ravenna’s city of art tradition however is especially linked to the great, precious mosaics, stilI intact today, which make its rich complex of ₅th and 6th century Byzantine buildings unique in the world. A fascinating historical-artistic heritage, the richest and best preserved testimony ofearly Christian and Byzantine art in ltaly.

The tradition of mosaic decoration is stili alive today in the studios that reproduce the masterpieces of antiquity and create mosaic versions ofcontemporaryworks ofart. Ifyou wantto learn about current mosaic trends a visit to the permanent exhibition of contemporary mosaics at the Loggetta Lombardesca is a must.

Ravenna’s great historical and artistic heritage is coupled with a high level of culturai vivacity. Many top-level theatrical, ballet, opera and concert events take piace during the year. The main summer appointment, from june to the end ofjuly, is the international opera and symphony concert event “Ravenna Festival”, held in the city’s most prestigious places such as the Church of 5. Vitale and the Basilica ofS. Apollinare in Classe. The summer calendar also offers other memorable dates among which, from june to August, “Bella di Sera” with more than 50 events held in the most evocative venues of the old town, the jazz Festival in july at the beautiful Rocca Brancaleone and the August Organ Music Festival in the Church ofS. Vitale. On Friday evenings all the shops in the city centre stay open and the 5. Vitale complex is open to visitors.