Ravenna: The Mosaic Gem of Italy

• HelloCiao
  [chow]
• GoodbyeArrivederci
  [ah-ree-veh-dehr-chee]
• YesSì
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePer favore/Prego
  [pehr fah-voh-reh/preh-goh]
• Thank youGrazie
  [grah-tsyeh]
• Excuse me/SorryMi scusi/Scusa
  [mee skoo-zee/skoo-sah]
• How are you?Come stai?
  [koh-meh sty]
• Fine. And you?Bene. E tu?
  [beh-neh. eh too]
• Do you speak English?Parli inglese?
  [pahr-lee een-gleh-zeh]
• I don't understandNon capisco
  [nohn kah-pee-skoh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseVorrei vedere il menu, per favore
  [vohr-eh-ee veh-deh-reh eel meh-noo, pehr fah-voh-reh]
• I don't eat meatNon mangio carne
  [nohn mahn-joh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Salute!
  [sah-loo-teh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseVorrei pagare, per favore
  [vohr-eh-ee pah-gah-reh, pehr fah-voh-reh]

• Help!Aiuto!
  [ah-yoo-toh]
• Go away!Vai via!
  [vah-ee vyah]
• Call the Police!Chiama la polizia!
  [kyah-mah lah poh-lee-tsya]
• Call a doctor!Chiama un dottore!
  [kyah-mah oon doh-toh-reh]
• I'm lostMi sono perso
  [mee soh-no pehr-soh]
• I'm illSono malato
  [soh-no mah-lah-toh]

• I'd like to buy...Vorrei comprare...
  [vohr-eh-ee kohm-prah-reh]
• I'm just lookingSto solo guardando
  [stoh soh-loh gwahr-dahn-doh]
• How much is it?Quanto costa?
  [kwahn-toh koh-stah]
• That's too expensiveÈ troppo caro
  [eh troh-poh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?Puoi abbassare il prezzo?
  [pwah-ee ahb-bahs-sah-reh eel preh-tsoh]

• What time is it?Che ora è?
  [keh oh-rah eh]
• It's one o'clockÈ l'una
  [eh loo-nah]
• Half past (10)Le dieci e mezza
  [leh dyeh-chee eh meht-sah]
• MorningMattina
  [maht-tee-nah]
• AfternoonPomeriggio
  [poh-meh-ree-joh]
• EveningSera
  [seh-rah]
• YesterdayIeri
  [yeh-ree]
• TodayOggi
  [oh-jee]
• TomorrowDomani
  [doh-mah-nee]
• 1Uno
  [oo-no]
• 2Due
  [doo-eh]
• 3Tre
  [treh]
• 4Quattro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinque
  [cheen-kweh]
• 6Sei
  [seh-ee]
• 7Sette
  [seht-teh]
• 8Otto
  [oh-ttoh]
• 9Nove
  [noh-veh]
• 10Dieci
  [dyeh-chee]

• Where's a/the...?Dov'è...?
  [doh-veh]
• What's the address?Qual è l'indirizzo?
  [kwahl eh leen-dee-reet-soh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Puoi mostrarmi (sulla mappa)?
  [pwah-ee mohs-trar-mee (sool-lah mahp-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quando passa il prossimo (autobus)?
  [kwahn-doh pahs-sah eel prohs-see-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un biglietto (per ....)
  [oon bee-lyet-toh (pehr)]

Ravenna was originally established as a settlement by the Umbrians and later became a part of the Roman Republic around the 2nd century BCE. Its strategic location near the Adriatic Sea made it an important naval base for the Roman fleet. Under Emperor Augustus, Ravenna saw considerable development, transforming into a bustling port city connected to the Mediterranean world.

In 402 CE, Emperor Honorius moved the capital of the Western Roman Empire from Milan to Ravenna. This decision was driven by Ravenna’s defensible position amidst swamps and its proximity to the Adriatic Sea, which provided an easy escape route. As the capital, Ravenna became a political and military hub, attracting scholars, artists, and craftsmen.

After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Ravenna was captured by the Ostrogoths under King Theodoric the Great in 493 CE. Theodoric made Ravenna the capital of his kingdom, blending Roman and Gothic cultures. This period was marked by significant architectural achievements, including the construction of the Mausoleum of Theodoric and the Arian Baptistery.

In 540 CE, Ravenna was reconquered by the Byzantine Empire under General Belisarius during the Gothic War. It became the seat of the Exarchate of Ravenna, a Byzantine administrative region. The city's most iconic monuments, such as the Basilica of San Vitale and the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare in Classe, were constructed during this period, showcasing exceptional Byzantine mosaics.

Following the Lombard invasion in the 8th century, Ravenna’s political significance waned, but it remained an important religious center. The city fell under the control of the Papal States in the 8th century and experienced periods of autonomy and external influence. The Archbishops of Ravenna continued to commission religious art and architecture, maintaining the city's cultural heritage.

During the Renaissance, Ravenna saw a resurgence in artistic and architectural endeavors, although it never regained its former political might. The city became known for its beautiful mosaics and historical sites. In the 19th century, efforts to preserve and restore Ravenna’s ancient monuments gained momentum, cementing its status as a center of historical and cultural significance.

Ravenna is located in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. The nearest international airports are Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (about 85 kilometers away) and Venice Marco Polo Airport (about 144 kilometers away). From Bologna, you can take a direct train to Ravenna, which takes approximately 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can rent a car and drive to Ravenna. If arriving from Venice, you can take a train to Ravenna with a transfer at Bologna, which typically takes around 2.5 to 3 hours. There are also bus services available from various cities in Italy.

Ravenna has a well-developed public transport system, including buses and taxis. The city is relatively small, so many attractions are within walking distance. For those who prefer cycling, bike rentals are available, and the city has bike-friendly paths. If you plan to explore the surrounding areas, renting a car is a convenient option. There are also local trains that connect Ravenna to nearby towns and cities.

The official currency in Italy is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller establishments or markets. ATMs are readily available throughout Ravenna, allowing you to withdraw cash as needed.

Ravenna is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, as with any travel destination, it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit or unfamiliar areas. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places, such as markets and public transport. While Ravenna does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Ravenna has local police stations and medical facilities that can provide help. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies throughout the city where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your shoulders and knees when entering churches. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a casual 'Ciao' or 'Buongiorno'. A handshake is also common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Ravenna like a local, visit the local markets, such as Mercato Coperto, where you can buy fresh produce and traditional goods. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the city's UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Basilica of San Vitale and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia. For a unique experience, take a stroll along the charming streets of the historic center and enjoy a coffee at one of the local cafes.