Ravenna UNESCO Monuments Guided Tour

Starting in the vibrant heart of the city, Piazza San Francesco, the tour will take you through some of the city's most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Following an expert guide fluent in English or Italian you can hear whispers of tales from a bygone era.

Spells of Byzantine magic

At the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, witness the largest New Testament cycle. 26 majestic biblical scenes introduce you to the world of mosaic art and make its evolution vividly apparent to you. The interiors of the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia with its star-studded mosaics played muse to Dante Alighieri. As you enter the Basilica of San Vitale, a 6th-century monument, a frescoed dome with the mosaic painting of an imperial couple, Justinian and Theodora, will greet you. Standing under the celestial baptism of Christ, you’ll almost hear echoes of countless baptisms held in the sacred wall of Neonian Baptistery.

The archbishop's chapel

After a deep dive into the mosaic history, your guide will leave you at the Archbishop’s Museum, where you can stroll at your own pace and tune into an informative commentary. The unique blend of Roman and Byzantine styles will echo the private prayers whispered within these walls for over 1500 years.

Itinerary

• Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo

• Mausoleum of Galla Placidia

• Basilica of San Vitale

• Neonian Baptistery

• Archbishop’s Museum

Ravenna UNESCO Monuments Guided Tour

Discover Ravenna's rich cultural tapestry and marvel at its awe-inspiring Byzantine mosaics on this 3-hour guided walking tour that includes visits to the Basilica of San Vitale, Neonian Baptistery, Galla Placidia Mausoleum, Archiepiscopal Museum, and Arian Baptistry. With an English or Italian-speaking expert guide, you will uncover how mosaic art evolved over 200 years as you savor the vibrant hues of the Neonian Baptistery's mosaics. The tour covers approximately two miles across Ravenna’s historic center, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of its UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Guests can expect to spend around one hour at each significant location and will have access to all sites within the city limits. Perfect for history enthusiasts and art lovers alike, this tour offers an in-depth look into the religious and cultural heritage of early Christian Italy.

Explore Basilica of San Vitale

Your tour stops at the Basilica of San Vitale where you will marvel at its stunning Byzantine architecture and intricate mosaics. Built between 526 and 547 AD, this basilica stands as a testament to the architectural and artistic achievements of Ravenna during the Byzantine era. Spanning approximately 10,000 square feet, it houses some of the most exquisite examples of early Christian artistry, including the famous mosaics depicting Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora. Guests will spend about an hour exploring the interior, admiring the intricate details that have been preserved for over a millennium. What sets San Vitale apart is its unique blend of Eastern and Western influences, making it one of the most significant examples of Byzantine architecture in Italy. This basilica matters to the tour as it provides context for the evolution of religious art and architecture during the early medieval period.

Discover Neonian Baptistery

Your tour continues at the Neonian Baptistery where guests can explore one of Ravenna's most iconic landmarks, known for its vibrant mosaics. Constructed in 439 AD, this octagonal baptistery is a masterpiece of early Christian art and architecture. With an interior diameter of approximately 17 feet, it features stunning mosaic panels depicting the Baptism of Christ and other biblical scenes. Visitors will spend about 20 minutes inside, appreciating the intricate details and vibrant colors that have captivated admirers for centuries. The Neonian Baptistery stands out due to its perfectly preserved mosaics and historical significance as a site of Christian initiation rites. This POI is crucial to understanding the development of early Byzantine art and religious practices.

Witness Galla Placidia Mausoleum

Your tour takes you to the Galla Placidia Mausoleum, where guests can marvel at its starry mosaic ceiling that inspired Dante’s Divine Comedy. Built around 425 AD, this Roman-Ravennate mausoleum is a small yet stunning structure with dimensions of approximately 30 feet in length and 16 feet in width. Inside, visitors will spend about 15 minutes admiring the intricate mosaics depicting scenes from the Old Testament and the zodiac signs. The Mausoleum's unique feature lies in its celestial ceiling, which has captivated artists and scholars for centuries due to its artistic brilliance and historical significance. This site is essential as it provides insight into the symbolic representation of heaven in early Christian art.

Explore Archbishop’s Museum

Your tour includes a visit to the Archbishop's Museum where guests can explore a private chapel at their own pace. Established around 1826, this museum houses artifacts and relics from Ravenna’s ecclesiastical past, including ancient manuscripts and liturgical objects. Covering an area of approximately 5,000 square feet, it offers visitors the opportunity to delve into the history of prayer and rituals performed by archbishops over 1500 years ago. Guests will spend about 30 minutes exploring the exhibits, gaining a deeper understanding of religious practices during the medieval period. The Archbishop's Museum is unique in its comprehensive collection of ecclesiastical artifacts that provide context for the spiritual life of Ravenna’s bishops.

Tour Highlights

• Uncover mosaic art at Basilica of San Vitale
• Marvel at Neonian Baptistery’s vibrant mosaics
• Admire Galla Placidia Mausoleum’s celestial ceiling
• Explore Archbishop’s Museum with private chapel access
• Discover Arian Baptistry’s early Christian heritage
• Walk through Ravenna’s historic center in 2 miles
• Hear stories from expert guides in English and Italian
• Enjoy detailed explanations at each UNESCO site

Perfect for history enthusiasts, art lovers, and religious scholars, this guided walking tour provides an immersive experience of Ravenna's rich cultural tapestry. The 3-hour format allows you to explore the Basilica of San Vitale, Neonian Baptistery, Galla Placidia Mausoleum, Archbishop’s Museum, and Arian Baptistry in depth, giving you a comprehensive understanding of early Christian art and architecture while enjoying Ravenna's UNESCO World Heritage Sites.