Experiences

Let yourself be accompanied on this journey through the history that has made Ravenna the city of mosaic.   This guided tour will take you inside the precious and unique Arian Baptistery, ancient testimony of the Arian-Ostrogothic cult of the Theodoric period. The small building, which may appear to be sparse, inside houses one of the most famous mosaic decorations of the city, making it one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Ravenna. Heading towards the MAR - Art Museum of the city, we will make a stop at one of the many mosaic studios still active in Ravenna, where you will be able, through materials, tools and techniques to better understand this art and its evolution over time.   Evolution that will bring us to visit the Collection of Contemporary Mosaics, recently redesigned at the MAR-Art Museum of Ravenna. The exhibition, a striking example of the still living tradition of mosaic, traces the development that this millennial technique has had from the second decade of the twentieth century to today. The Exhibition of Modern Mosaics of 1959 was the pivotal moment of the renewal of the mosaic art, whose works represent the core of the collection and on which the entire collection has been developed.

Guided tour to discover the monuments that make Classe an essential destination. Discover the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe, defined as one of the greatest examples of an early Christian basilica and recognized by Unesco as a World Heritage Site. Despite the spoliation suffered over the centuries, the church still preserves the beauty of the original structure and it is admired for the splendid polychrome mosaics of its apsidal basin and the ancient marble sarcophagi of the archbishops located along the side aisles. Furthermore, our itineraries will lead you to discover the Museum Classis Ravenna, the last born among the city's monuments and which has become the cultural point of reference for anyone who wants to fully understand the history of Ravenna. A compelling story that features one of the most important cities in the Mediterranean, three times capital. The story develops inside the museum using multimedia, plastic and multi-projection equipment used as a support to the visit and to illustrate the various themes.  

“The site is of outstanding universal value being of remarkable significance by virtue of the supreme artistry of the mosaic art that the monuments contain, and also because of the crucial evidence that they provide of artistic and religious relationships and contacts at an important period of European cultural history.” In this way the UNESCO World Heritage motivated why eight monuments of Ravenna had been added to the World Heritage List.   The eternal beauty of the mosaics guarded inside some of the most famous Ravenna Unesco monuments, in a visit that starts from Piazza San Francesco, into the city centre, and leads you to several UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tour available in Italian, English and French

An exclusive itinerary, narrated in your own language by an official guide, which will take you to visit the most famous monuments of Ravenna. Ancient origins and a glorious past, a heritage of unique works and mosaics in the world, which enclosed within the city walls, transformed Ravenna in the past centuries and today bear witness to the original splendor. Ravenna and the light of its mosaics, the city of 8 UNESCO monuments, that inspired great artists of all ages: Dante, Byron, Klimt and Montale, just to name a few of them... Ravenna is art, history, crossroads of peoples and culture. Ravenna, a masterpiece to discover with this exclusive tour.

By following the traces that marked its history, we will introduce you to a hidden Ravenna, off the beaten tourist track, discovering the glorious past that made it famous, through an itinerary in search of lost elements of which only a few traces remain.     This time journey will first lead us to the Arian Baptistery, one of the most important testimonies of the Arian-Hostrogothic cult in Ravenna (later condemned to heresy), where we can contemplate the mosaic decoration of the dome, which makes it one of the city's Unesco heritage sites. Here we will also admire the decorative and structural changes that the monument has undergone over the centuries.   Then, we will wander through the alleys of the historical centre, until we reach the gardens of San Vitale, through which we will access the ancient Benedictine monastery that now houses the National Museum, silent guardian of the city's history. The museum, established more than 100 years ago, has in fact been housing archaeological finds and collections of applied arts since 1885, collected with care, love and patience by citizens and learned monks from the great abbeys. Inside, the Chapel of St Clare, with its Giottesque frescoes, will be the perfect conclusion to this journey discovering the history of Ravenna.

Ravenna is the last shelter of Dante, the father of the italian language, and it is the city that hosts his grave which is the starting point of our tour. We will retrace together the traces left by the Supreme Poet in Ravenna during the fourteenth century and all the following years. It is an opportunity to discover Dante Alighieri’s adventures in his last years, the exile, the life in the city, the death and the struggling dispute for his remains, as well as the enhancements of the sepulchre over the centuries.

Dante in Ravenna. An opportunity to discover the events that characterized the last years of Dante Alighieri: exile, life in the city, death and the daring dispute for the remains, as well as the interventions of enhancement of the tomb over the centuries.   This tour will take you to discover the Raspony Crypt and the Roof Gardens of Palazzo della Provincia, the Basilica of San Francesco (the church where the Supreme Poet's funeral took place) and will bring you in the Zona del Silenzio (Silence Zone), where his Tomb is still located today.   You will enter the multifunctional space of Casa Dante (Dante’s House), recently inaugurated thanks to the collaboration with the Uffizi Gallery of Florence and the Classense Library of Ravenna.   The guided tour will be concluded with an additional entrance to the Dante Museum, with a new multimedia setting up that took place in May 2021. It’s confirmed as the main custodian of Dante's history preserved for centuries in our city.

Ravenna for children!!! Buy online our Treasure Hunt KIT, pick it up at the Tourist Information Office and start exploring the city.  Walking through the center and solving the questions on the back of the map, you will discover many curiosities about Ravenna. When you are satisfied with your answers, come back to the office: we will give you the personalized certificate of participation with your name and instructions to reach the final destination, where you will receive the treasure.

Ravenna, the city of mosaics... and not only!   Through this tour, we would like to tell you a story which has Ravenna as stage of important events, a treasure chest of wealth, an ancient and contemporary artistic workshop, a source of inspiration for many authors such as Dante Alighieri, Gustav Klimt and Lord Byron, and some contemporary street artists such as Kobra and Blub.    Starting from Piazza San Francesco, from the Zone of Silence, guardian of Dante's Tomb, and passing through Piazza del Popolo, you will be able to enter into the heart of the historical center of Ravenna to explore what has characterized a great past not to mention its curiosities.   Through this walk, we want to show you the spaces and actors that portray Ravenna in a different way, traveling between history and taste: discovering the "Mosaic Capital" and concluding with an aperitif inside the Covered Market based on Spritz and traditional Piadina.

A guided tour through the streets of the city center to delve into the rich historical and artistic heritage of Ravenna. With its churches, buildings and urban layout, our city tells us of its glorious past between the end of the Roman age, the beginning of the Middle Age and the Venetian domination.   Its distinctive features have been a source of inspiration for artists and intellectuals such as Byron, Klimt, Yourcenar, etc.   Starting from Piazza San Francesco and Dante's Tomb, we will move through the main streets of the city center, such as the elegant Via Mazzini, the majestic Via di Roma and the glamorous Via Cavour, thus reaching the iconic Piazza del Popolo, Piazza XX Settembre (also known as the Piazza dell'Aquila) and the twentieth-century Piazza Kennedy.   Thanks to this walk you will admire from the outside, the façade of the Basilica di San Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo and the Arian and Orthodox Baptisteries, up to the more recent works by artists such as Kobra and Blub and the churches of Sant'Agata, Santa Maria in Porto, Santa Croce and San Michele in Africisco.   So, what are you waiting for? Come take a walk with us to discover our city! 

Become a mosaicist for a day! Come and discover the art of mosaic. Before or after visiting the UNESCO monuments of Ravenna with its wonderful mosaics, also you can become a mosaicist for a day! You will have the opportunity to discover the world of mosaic by visiting a real artisan workshop: you will be shown the materials used, the special tools used to cut the tiles, the different execution techniques. You will witness the manual cutting of the tiles using traditional tools: hammer and cutting board. You can choose among some Byzantine motifs that you can admire in the monuments of the city and use glassy materials produced in the ancient furnaces of Venice. You will actively participate in all stages of processing. At the end of the experience you can bring home a souvenir of Ravenna made with your own hands.

Realize your souvenir! The mosaic you can realize could be a copy of an ancient mosaic of the roman period or bizantine one and can be directly created on cementer mortar. After a little introduction at the mosaic and at the card’s cut with the ancient tools of the trade, small hammer and carbide hardie, you will actively participate at every phase of the realization of you piece: from the drafting of the cementer mortar to the finalisation of the mosaic. You can use high-quality materials that were used in the olden days as marble, Venetian enamels and golden tiles depending on the copy you have decided to recreate.   The objective will be to realize a mosaic of about 17x17 cm.

Create your own mosaic!   Would you like to make your own house number or the initial of your name in mosaic? I am waiting for you in my laboratory Pixel Mosaics to help you create your mosaic. After a brief tour in the history of Ravenna mosaic, I will show you which materials you may utilize and the traditional tools used to cut the tiles. I will follow you through all the stages of processing, from the preparation of cement mortar, to the cutting of materials and the realization of your artwork. At the end of the course you will create with your own hands a souvenir of Ravenna to take home!

Welcome to the fascinating world of mosaic, where art and creativity blend to create extraordinary works!   Create with your own hands a mosaic and embark on a unique journey through time and technique, blending ancient and modern in an engaging and unforgettable experience. Express your artistic side by choosing the object and pattern you like best, immerse yourself in the ancient tradition of hand-cutting tesserae, an art passed down through the centuries. Discover the secrets of this ancient craft and be inspired by the mastery and precision of this millennia-old art.   Let yourself be carried away by the beauty of colors, the precision of details, and the joy of creation, in a workshop that promises to stimulate the mind and nourish the soul. Welcome to the magical world of mosaic, where every piece tells a story and every story has a place in the heart of art, which you can take home with you. During the booking of the experience, you can choose to work on: - a small mosaic made in the traditional technique directly on a transportable support, reproducing a decorative element from Ravenna; - a small contemporary mosaic on a ceramic support as design and/or home decor with a pattern of the user's choice; - a small piece of Roman minute filato jewelry made with hand-spun material and ready for use

In the heart of Ravenna, the capital of mosaic which boasts the beauty of 8 UNESCO monuments, Patrimony of the Humanity, you can create a precious mosaic jewel in a real artisan workshop, where the materials employed are used in little manufactures of Venice and Florence.   Barbara, an expert mosaicist, will receive you with warmth in her laboratory and after a good coffee, she will tell you about the techniques of the byzantine mosaics and contemporary ones and of the high-quality materials employed.

Become a mosaicist for a day! Come and discover the art of mosaic. Before or after visiting the UNESCO monuments of Ravenna with its wonderful mosaics, also you can become a mosaicist for a day! You will have the opportunity to discover the world of mosaic by visiting a real artisan workshop: you will be shown the materials used, the special tools used to cut the tiles, the different execution techniques. You will witness the manual cutting of the tiles using traditional tools, hammer and cutting board. You can choose between some decorative motifs of Roman floors and between different colours of marble such as: the white Carrara, red Verona, black China or green Guatemala. You will actively participate in all stages of processing. At the end of the experience you can bring home a souvenir of Ravenna made with your own hands.

In the heart of Ravenna, a World Heritage Site, Koko Mosaico carries on the language of the mosaic, constantly renewing it, without losing sight of its roots.   The workshop is like an ancient art shop, where you can buy and order mosaics and learn the techniques of realization. At the same time you can admire the contemporary works of the artist Luca Barberini.   The course we propose is just a small taste of the grandeur of this ancient art. You can realize a copy of an ancient mosaic of the Roman or Byzantine period, directly created on cement mortar.   After a brief introduction to the mosaic and the cutting of the tiles with the ancient tools of the trade - small hammer and carbide hardie -  you will actively participate to every phase of realization of your artwork: from the drafting of the cement mortar, to the completion of the mosaic.   You can use precious materials that were already used in the ancient times as marble, Venetian enamels and golden tiles, depending on the copy you chose to recreate.   The objective will be to realize a mosaic of about 10x10 cm.

Create together your mosaic ready to be hung at your house wall. Attending this course you will have the possibility to share a special moment with your dear ones, learning the techniques of an ancient craft.   You will realize a mosaic from the beginning to end, learning and having fun.   The mosaic workshop consists in visiting the laboratory: there is an explication of the work of the mosaicist, a demonstration of the cut of the marble to obtain the cards with the ancient instruments: small hammer and carbide hardie, preparation of the cement, printing of the grid and execution of a mosaic with dimensions of about 25x25 cm (this dimension allows you to the simultaneous machining of four people).   The mosaic you have to realize will be yours and will be ready to be hung at your house wall.   The objective will be to realize a mosaic of about 25x25 cm.

Become a mosaicist for a day! Before or after visiting the UNESCO monuments of Ravenna with its wonderful mosaics, come and discover, together with your family, the art of mosaic. You will have the opportunity to find out about the world of mosaic by visiting a real artisan workshop: you will be shown the materials used, the special tools used to cut the tiles, the different execution techniques. You will witness the manual cutting of the tiles using traditional tools. You and your children will be guided throughout all the stages of processing. At the end of the experience you can bring home a souvenir of Ravenna made with your own hands.

Become a mosaicist for a day! Before or after visiting the UNESCO monuments of Ravenna with its wonderful mosaics, come and discover, together with your child, the art of mosaic. You will have the opportunity to find out about the world of mosaic by visiting a real artisan workshop: you will be shown the materials used, the special tools used to cut the tiles, the different execution techniques. You will witness the manual cutting of the tiles using traditional tools. You and your child will be guided throughout all the stages of processing. At the end of the experience you can bring home a souvenir of Ravenna made with your own hands.

The mosaicists of Ravenna open the doors of their workshops to this special initiative to promote the art that most characterizes our city: the mosaic.  Do not miss this incredible opportunity to try with your own hands this art! After a short visit and introduction to history and techniques, assisted by a skilled craftsman, you will make a small mosaic object to take home as an indelible memory of the time spent in Ravenna.  

Guided tour in English language to a Mosaic workshop, where you will have a glance at the works of the master mosaicist. For more than 1500 years, Ravenna has been passing down the extraordinary artistic tradition linked to the mosaic that made it, together with its 8 UNESCO monuments, famous all over the world. Every Saturday a guided tour starts at 11.30 am and will make you discover this amazing art, visiting one of the workshops of the city centre, where the traditional techniques meet contemporary projects and ideas.

Would you like to learn how to roll out the dough to make a fantastic homemade pasta dish yourself? This workshop is for you!   The “sfogline”* of the Mercato Coperto, bearers of rolling pin and wisdom, will teach you how to prepare the real cappelletto romagnolo. *The “sfoglina” (pasta maker) is historically seen as a middle-aged woman who, using a rolling pin and a pastry board, "rolls the dough" strictly by hand to create the base for tagliatelle, tortellini and other stuffed and unstuffed egg pasta. Cappelletti are, for Romagna, a dish charged with a symbolism of well-being, wealth and opulence. In the past, wishing "cappelletti on the table and throughout the year", was in fact one of the most heartfelt and appreciated wishes. The experience will be complemented by a GUIDED TOUR OF THE MERCATO COPERTO by the staff, to discover the history, architecture, furnishings and enogastronomic thinking of the place

The real Piadina* Romagnola is a unique goodness that has ancient origins in the Romagna countryside as a poor dish. Today protected by the PGI, the piadina has deservedly become a symbol of Italian cuisine in the world.  The Mercato Coperto offers the classic recipe, made with: flour type "0" Gran Mugnaio for Piadina Romagnola Molino Spadoni, yeast, water, lard (the good and healthy one) of Mora Romagnola, milk and salt. *Thin flatbread.   The experience will be complemented by a GUIDED TOUR OF THE MERCATO COPERTO by the staff, to discover the history, architecture, furnishings and enogastronomic thinking of the place.

The history of Piadina* Romagnola has ancient origins and tells the story of people’s tradition, a symbol of rustic and country life. It is a simple food which, over the centuries, has been praised by major poets including Giovanni Pascoli and the unforgettable Secondo and Raoul Casadei, who dedicated a verse to it in the song Burdèla Campagnola "... oh bèla fiola, zira la pida, st'atenti che l'an's brousa, la pida rumagnola...". Finally, in 2014, it was recognized as a supreme emblem of the Romagna table. The famous piadina has many variations, the one we offer at the Mercato Coperto is the traditional version, soft and made with exquisite Mora Romagnola lard. *Thin flatbread   The experience includes a GUIDED TOUR OF THE COVERED MARKET by the staff, to discover the history, architecture, the decor and enogastronomic thinking of the place.

Bizantina is the craft beer of Ravenna, produced directly at the Darsenale, in a modern beer making plant in the center of the pub.   Come with us to discover this contemporary craft brewery that looks at the past. Francesco, through the history of techniques and the description of the types of beers produced, will lead you to the discovery and tasting of the artisan beers produced here, unique in their kind.   You will discover flavors that tell of passion for quality, for ancient wisdom, for the taste of conviviality. Different flavors, different characters, one great story of love for beer.

A seaside corner in the city. The Covered Market's fish market also welcomes you outside to enjoy a unique aperitif open air. A date with the chef's Fritto misto di pesce, served in a handy cone and accompanied by a glass of cool bubbles. The alternative aperitif within the beautiful setting of downtown Ravenna.   The experience will be accompanied by a GUIDED TOUR OF THE COVERED MARKET by the staff, discovering the history, architecture, the decor and food and wine thinking of the place.

The wine of Romagna is the result of a lush territory located between the sea and the Apennines, where hills are covered in orchards and vineyards, surrounded by farmhouses, villages, towers and fortresses.   In the land of Romagna, hospitality is a cult and is perceived above all far from mass tourism, penetrating along the Via Emilia into the hinterland of Romagna, where at every corner one encounters an inviting lure:  from markets to fairs, from hills covered with vineyards, to unforgettable flavors. From the vocation of a territory to the tradition of a culture, the Wines of Romagna tell their places of origin, the personality of their inhabitants, a true story.   At the Covered Market we offer a tasting of the most famous Romagna grapes, Romagna Albana and Sangiovese di Romagna, accompanied by tasting of local cured meats and cheese. The experience will be accompanied by a guided tour of the covered market by the staff, at the discovery of the history, architecture, furnishings and food and wine concept of the place.

"E furmai de cuntadé" (lit. the farmer's cheese), made as it was once made. This is the philosophy behind the dairy production of Officine Gastronomiche Spadoni. Both fresh and aged cheeses, typical of Romagna, are made in the factory located in Brisighella, at the foot of the hills and are produced with only the freshest Italian milk of the highest quality from selected farms and processed with cutting-edge production technologies and the expertise of the great artisan tradition of Romagna. In this journey of taste, we will take you on a discovery of the flavors and aromas of dairy Romagna, combining cheeses of various characteristics with local wines and our jams with recipes by Chef Marco Cavallucci.   The experience will be complemented by a GUIDED TOUR OF THE MERCATO COPERTO by the staff, to discover the history, architecture, furnishings and enogastronomic thinking of the place.

A tour to discover the Bolognese gastronomy, during which we will stroll inside the Quadrilatero market, the true beating heart of local specialties. Here we will stop for 4 typical tastings and to discover all the anecdotes about Bolognese cuisine!   We will discover the best of Bologna with a local guide, who will allow us to immerse ourselves in the magical gastronomic atmosphere of the city centre. We will visit the famous historic shops of Bologna and taste some typical specialties, including the famous tortellini and balsamic vinegar of Modena, accompanied by an excellent glass of local wine in the center of Bologna.

Enjoy the evening meal of some of the special guests who are being treated at the Cestha Center (Experimental Center for Habitat Protection), a non-profit research organization, whose mission is environmental protection. The Research Centre, composed of researchers and specialists from the natural sciences, marine biology and veterinary medicine, deals with conservation programmes for endangered species and the promotion of sustainable management activities.   Your visit to the Marine Fauna Recovery Centre, located in the complex of the ancient Fish Market in Marina di Ravenna, converted in recent years into a marine research centre, will be led by this very team of biologists. The experience is suitable for everyone and takes place in the context of environmental education, to raise awareness of today's issues: waste, proper use of plastic and respect for the environment. You will meet up close the turtles now being treated at the centre, learn about their history, clinical diagnosis, healing process and release into the sea. Finally, for those who wish, it will be possible to experience the thrill of actively participating in the daily feeding of some of the patients. The contribution of participation in this activity is aimed at supporting the fish fauna housed there, such as the turtles that are the protagonists of this 'experience'; but it also has another important and very heartfelt purpose: that of forming in all of us, starting from an early age, an environmental awareness that will accompany us and grow over time. In addition, the income will enable the Centre to bear the many expenses involved in managing this particular 'hospital', such as the cost of medicines, therapies and specialist veterinary examinations. In fact, the Centre supports itself thanks to its dissemination initiatives, as it receives no public funding for the care and management of sea turtles.

This summer, in partnership with Riviera Experience, we want to take you on a rediscovery of Ravenna's shores through unbitten tours, panoramas and stories outside the classic itineraries and clichés. The Bunker Tour of Marina di Ravenna is an example of this: numerous witnesses of the past survive here. The fortifications of the two great conflicts of the last century in the area represent a real open-air museum, recently rediscovered thanks to the work of a group of volunteers. The tour winds through the oldest areas of the country to tell about customs and traditions of that time, the incredible events of the W.W.Wars and the best-known characters who made the history of a small seaside village.   In collaboration with PRO LOCO MARINA DI RAVENNA

Bicycle in Ravenna is not only a means of transport but a lifestyle.  Renting a bike you can immerse in the local city flair and discover the city of mosaic. You can also reach the Basilica of St. Apollinare in Classe and beaches of Ravenna on our cycling paths from the city centre. Book your bycicle ahead of your arrival to have it at your disposal.