Historical and Cultural Journey in Ravenna, Italy

First Impressions of Ravenna

Our adventure in Ravenna began today, and what a start it has been! Leaving Hannover was bittersweet, but the excitement of exploring a new corner of Italy with Hans made the journey all the more thrilling. Ravenna, known for its stunning mosaics and rich history, has already captured my heart. Today was a blend of art, history, and delicious food, setting the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable trip.

The journey itself was quite smooth. We flew into Bologna and then took a comfortable train ride to Ravenna. Hans, ever the planner, had everything meticulously organized, which allowed me to simply relax and enjoy the scenery. I even managed to jot down some notes for future Thai-Italian fusion recipes – perhaps a basil and coconut milk panna cotta?

Our accommodation, Palazzo Galletti Abbiosi - Hostel, is perfectly situated. It's charming and cozy, providing a wonderful base for our explorations. After settling in, we were eager to dive into the heart of Ravenna. The air is warm and inviting, a gentle caress that whispers of the stories embedded in these ancient streets.


Experience the charm of Ravenna at Palazzo Galletti Abbiosi - a centrally located hostel with top-notch amenities and local attractions.

Basilica di Sant'Apollinare Nuovo: A Mosaic Masterpiece

Our first stop was the Basilica di Sant'Apollinare Nuovo. As we approached, the simple brick facade gave little hint of the treasures within. However, stepping inside was like entering another world. The basilica, originally erected by the Ostrogothic King Theodoric in the 6th century, is a stunning example of early Christian and Byzantine art.


Discover the breathtaking mosaics and rich history of Basilica di Sant'Apollinare Nuovo in Ravenna, Italy, a true masterpiece of early Christian art and architecture.

The mosaics are simply breathtaking. They stretch along the walls in three tiers, depicting scenes from the life of Christ and processions of saints. The colors are vibrant, the gold shimmering in the soft light that filters through the windows. Hans, with his engineering background, was particularly impressed by the precision and craftsmanship of each tiny tile. I, on the other hand, was captivated by the stories they told.

I was particularly drawn to the mosaics of the Three Magi, depicted in Persian attire, offering gifts to the Christ Child. The detail is incredible – you can almost feel the weight of their opulent robes and see the reverence in their eyes. Walking through the Basilica, I felt a deep connection to the artisans who created these masterpieces so long ago. It's humbling to witness such devotion and skill preserved through the ages.

The basilica was initially built as a place of Arian worship. Later, in the 6th century, it was converted to Orthodox worship and dedicated to Saint Martin of Tours. In the 9th century, it was renamed Sant'Apollinare Nuovo when the relics of Saint Apollinaris were moved here. The history layered within these walls is palpable.

Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.

A Moment of Reflection at Dante's Tomb

Next, we made our way to Dante's Tomb. Tucked away in a quiet corner near the Basilica of San Francesco, the tomb is a simple yet dignified structure. It's a place of pilgrimage for lovers of literature and Italian culture. Dante Alighieri, the father of the Italian language, spent his final years in Ravenna, completing his masterpiece, *The Divine Comedy*. He died here in 1321 and was laid to rest.


Discover Dante's Tomb in Ravenna, a historical landmark honoring the legacy of Italy's great poet, immersed in rich cultural heritage and serene surroundings.

The tomb itself is a neoclassical monument, built in the late 18th century. Inside, a marble sarcophagus holds Dante's remains. The atmosphere is serene, encouraging contemplation. I found myself reflecting on the power of words and the enduring legacy of this literary giant.

It’s fascinating how Dante’s bones have been a point of contention between Ravenna and Florence for centuries. The Florentines have always felt that Dante should be buried in his native city, but the people of Ravenna have steadfastly protected his remains. The story goes that the Franciscan friars even hid his bones at one point to prevent them from being taken to Florence.

Standing there, in the quiet reverence of the tomb, I felt a profound sense of connection to Italian history and culture. It was a moment of quiet reflection amidst the bustling city.

Piazza del Popolo: The Heart of Ravenna

Our final stop of the day was Piazza del Popolo, the main square of Ravenna. This lively square is the heart of the city, a gathering place for locals and tourists alike. The square is surrounded by elegant buildings, cafes, and restaurants.


Discover the charm of Piazza del Popolo in Cesena, Italy, a historic square bustling with culture, cafés, and captivating architecture.

The history of Piazza del Popolo dates back to the 13th century. It was shaped by the Da Polenta family and later by the Venetians, who added the two columns topped with statues of Saint Apollinaris and Saint Vitale. The square has been a center of political and social life for centuries.

We strolled through the square, soaking in the atmosphere. The air was filled with the sounds of laughter, conversation, and music. We stopped at a charming café for an Aperol spritz and watched the world go by. It was the perfect way to end our first day in Ravenna. Hans, of course, was busy taking photos, capturing the vibrant energy of the square.

It is amazing to see how the square is still the beating heart of Ravenna. Whether it's a festival, a market, or simply an evening stroll, Piazza del Popolo is where the community comes together.

A Culinary Journey Through Ravenna

No trip to Italy is complete without indulging in the local cuisine, and Ravenna did not disappoint. For breakfast, we enjoyed a delightful meal at Antica Trattoria Al Gallo 1909. The pastries were flaky and delicious, and the coffee was strong and flavorful. It was the perfect way to start our day.


Discover authentic Italian flavors at Antica Trattoria Al Gallo 1909 in Ravenna, where every meal tells a story of culinary excellence.

Lunch was at Mercato Coperto, a bustling covered market. The market was a feast for the senses, with stalls overflowing with fresh produce, cheeses, meats, and seafood. We sampled local delicacies and picked up some ingredients for a future cooking experiment. I can already envision a delicious Thai-Italian fusion dish using the fresh ingredients we found!


Experience the essence of Italian cuisine at Mercato Coperto – Ravenna's vibrant market for fresh produce and authentic flavors.

For dinner, we chose Ca' de Vèn, a traditional restaurant known for its authentic Romagna cuisine. We savored handmade pasta, local wines, and a rich, flavorful ragu. Hans, being German, appreciated the hearty portions, while I was captivated by the intricate flavors and spices. The meal was a perfect ending to a day filled with exploration and discovery.


Discover authentic Italian flavors at Ca' de Vèn in Ravenna - where every meal is a celebration of culinary tradition.

To cap off the evening, we stopped by Cabiria Wine Bar for a glass of local wine. The atmosphere was cozy and inviting, and the wine was the perfect complement to a day of sightseeing. We chatted with the friendly locals and learned more about the history and culture of Ravenna.


Experience the perfect blend of fine wines, exquisite cuisine, and a warm atmosphere at Cabiria Wine Bar in Ravenna, Italy.

Tomorrow's Adventures

As I sit here writing, I am already excited about what tomorrow holds. Our itinerary includes visits to the Basilica of San Vitale, the Mausoleo di Galla Placidia, and the Battistero Neoniano [Baptistery of Neon]. I am particularly looking forward to seeing the mosaics in the Basilica of San Vitale, which are said to be even more stunning than those we saw today.

We also plan to visit Mosaici di Ravenna, a shop where I hope to find a unique souvenir to remind me of our time here. Perhaps I'll even find some inspiration for my cooking classes back in Hannover!

Ravenna has already exceeded my expectations. The city is a treasure trove of art, history, and culture, and I am eager to continue exploring its hidden gems. Traveling with Hans makes the experience even more special. His enthusiasm and curiosity are contagious, and I am grateful to share these moments with him. Until tomorrow, *arrivederci* from Ravenna!

I must remember to buy sunscreen tomorrow; I knew I was forgetting something when packing! Also, I need to make sure I have enough memory on my camera, as I have a feeling I will be taking many, many photos.