The last capital of the Western Roman Empire, Ravenna is one of the most important historic cities in Italy, yet remarkably little-visited compared to its more famous neighbours such as Rome and Florence. The centre of the town contains a collection of no fewer than seven monuments which have been enshrined on UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites, including the spectacular Basilica of San Vitale which is lined with some of the Mediterranean's finest mosaics.
Dating from the 5th and 6th centuries, when Ravenna was first a Roman and then Byzantine city under the Emperor Justinian, these buildings are unique relics of Early Christianity in Italy. However, the influence of eastern aesthetics and techniques is striking in the architecture itself and in the decorative and symbolic use of mosaic - perfectly-preserved in many places, the quality and vivid colour of the interiors is dazzling to this day.
Today, no longer a viable port, Ravenna has become a quiet regional town with a charming ambience and some excellent local restaurants. A perfect destination for a short break in its own right, it also makes an excellent addition to a longer tailor-made itinerary including nearby Bologna, Ferrara or Modena.
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This privately-owned hotel is situated just a few minutes’ walk from the main historic monuments in Ravenna. A recent renovation has transformed it from a simple guesthouse into a stylish property offering comfortable, contemporary furnishings.
The Palazzo Bezzi is 100 metres from the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo with its extraordinary collection of mosaics, and a short walk to the MAR Art Museum and the historic heart of Ravenna. The 18th-century palazzo has a pale cream façade and the decoration throughout is refined and contemporary, both in the public areas and the 32 stylish and light-filled bedrooms.
The first of our two holidays to this region focuses on three historic cities in the western part of Emilia-Romagna and Le Marche. Ravenna was the last capital of the Western Roman Empire, and remains a treasury of some of the world’s most dazzling mosaics and Byzantine architecture – memories of the final glowing embers of imperial glory.
Emilia-Romagna is the cultural, geographic and gastronomic heart of Italy. Here you will find revered culinary delicacies, historic universities, Renaissance art and ancient monuments.
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