Ravenna Mosaics Pass: 5 Monuments

The Best of Ravenna with One Pass

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Ravenna is known for it's its UNESCO heritage sites, where you can enter St. Andrew's Chapel, a private world for a bishop. It's adorned with mosaics, including Emperor Justinian I and Empress Theodora. Next, be sure to admire the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, the final resting place of Roman empress Galla Placidia, adorned with vivid 5th-century mosaic depictions of that era on its walls. The Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo greets you with mosaics from the 6th century. Once painted black by Pope Gregory the Great, it adapted its purpose. After World War I, it was rebuilt, showcasing resilience. Sant'Apollinare Nuovo is a living story of Ravenna's strength. Venture further and see Neonian Baptistery where you can see the tombs of several influential individuals of that era.

Seamless Activation

Once booked, await the official ticket from the Ravenna ticket office which will specify your visit date and time. Redeem your smartphone voucher at a selected monument. Your pass is activated as soon as you visit your 1st attraction. Reservation is required for which day you choose to visit each monument. Mandatory booking for the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia and the Neonian Baptistery, including the day and time of entry, is needed as these smaller monuments have limited visitor capacity.

Ravenna Mosaics Pass: 5 Monuments

Discover the enchanting city of Ravenna, Italy, through this comprehensive sightseeing pass that includes access to five UNESCO-listed monuments renowned for their Byzantine mosaics. This tour allows you to explore the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, a dazzling 5th-century gem known for its intense blue mosaics; the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, featuring stunning 6th-century depictions of saints and biblical scenes; the Basilica of San Vitale, with its iconic octagonal design and intricate mosaic work; the Archiepiscopal Museum, showcasing a vast collection of religious artifacts and artworks; and the Neonian Baptistery, one of the oldest Christian baptisteries in Europe. Your pass offers extended validity for independent exploration over multiple days, ensuring you can fully immerse yourself in each site’s historical significance and artistic beauty. With audio guides available in English, Italian, German, French, Spanish, and Russian, this tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, art lovers, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Ravenna’s rich cultural heritage.

Explore the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia

Your tour stops at the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, where you can marvel at its 5th-century mosaics that have captivated visitors for centuries. Built between 420 and 430 AD, this small yet exquisite structure measures approximately 16 meters in length and 8 meters in width. Inside, the walls are adorned with intricate mosaics depicting biblical scenes and geometric patterns, including the famous cross mosaic above the tomb of Galla Placidia herself. The intense blue color used throughout the mausoleum has become synonymous with Ravenna’s artistic heritage and is often referred to as "Ravenna blue." Visitors typically spend around 30 minutes exploring this site, which offers a unique glimpse into early Christian art and architecture. Unlike other historic sites in Italy that focus primarily on grandiose structures, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia stands out for its intimate scale and profound spiritual significance.

Visit the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo

At the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, guests can immerse themselves in a 6th-century masterpiece that showcases Byzantine artistic skill through its extensive mosaic panels. Constructed between 549 and 570 AD under the patronage of Bishop Maximianus, this basilica measures approximately 120 meters long and 30 meters wide. The interior walls are lined with mosaics depicting scenes from the Old Testament and New Testament, including the famous procession of saints along both sides of the nave. These panels measure up to 4 meters in height and provide a visual narrative of Christian history and theology. Visitors usually spend about an hour exploring this site, which offers a rare opportunity to see some of the finest examples of Byzantine art outside Constantinople.

Admire the Basilica of San Vitale

Your tour continues at the Basilica of San Vitale, where you can admire its iconic octagonal design and intricate mosaic work that dates back to 548 AD. This impressive structure measures approximately 26 meters in length and width, with a central dome reaching a height of 17 meters. Inside, visitors will find some of the most renowned mosaics from the Byzantine era, including those depicting Emperor Justinian I and Empress Theodora, which measure up to 3 meters in height each. These panels are particularly significant as they represent one of the earliest known depictions of a reigning emperor in Christian art. Visitors typically spend around an hour exploring this site, which offers unparalleled insights into the political and religious landscape of early medieval Europe.

Discover the Archiepiscopal Museum

Your tour then leads you to the Archiepiscopal Museum, where you can explore a vast collection of religious artifacts and artworks from various periods. Founded in 1890 within the Archbishop’s Palace, this museum spans approximately 500 square meters and houses over 2,000 items, including rare manuscripts, liturgical vestments, and sculptures. Notable pieces include the 6th-century Cross of Justinian and a series of 14th-century frescoes depicting Saint Peter and Saint Paul. Visitors usually spend about an hour here, allowing ample time to appreciate the depth and breadth of Ravenna’s ecclesiastical history.

Tour Highlights

• Explore Mausoleum of Galla Placidia with 5th-century mosaics
• Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo offers extensive 6th-century mosaics
• Audio guides in English, Italian, German, French, Spanish, Russian
• Experience the iconic octagonal design at Basilica of San Vitale
• Discover the Archiepiscopal Museum’s vast collection of religious artifacts
• Extended validity for independent exploration over multiple days
• Pass includes access to Neonian Baptistery with 5th-century mosaics
• Convenient audio guides available in six languages

Perfect for history enthusiasts, art lovers, and cultural explorers, this comprehensive sightseeing pass provides unparalleled access to Ravenna’s Byzantine heritage. Through your tour of the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, Basilica of San Vitale, Archiepiscopal Museum, and Neonian Baptistery, you will gain a deeper understanding of this city's rich cultural tapestry while enjoying its unique blend of history and artistry.