RESIDENZA TOSCANINI
It is a historic city famous for its mosaics. It boasts eight UNESCO monuments, such as the Basilica of San Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, and Dante's Tomb. In addition to being a historical destination, it is also a cultural one where numerous events take place, including the Ravenna Festival, a multidisciplinary showcase of music, dance, and art.
Basilica of San Vitale
The Basilica of San Vitale is one of the most important monuments of early Christian art in Italy, especially for the beauty of its mosaics. The oriental influence, always present in Ravenna's architecture, takes on a dominant role here from both an architectural perspective and in the mosaic decoration that clearly expresses the ideology and religiosity of the Justinian era.
Neonian Baptistery
The Neonian Baptistery, located north of the current Cathedral of Ravenna, is one of the oldest Ravennate monuments. It was probably built around the beginning of the 5th century, coinciding with the nearby Cathedral, at the initiative of Bishop Ursus.
Mausoleo of Galla Placidia
Galla Placidia (386-452), sister of Emperor Honorius—who orchestrated the transfer of the capital of the Western Roman Empire from Milan to Ravenna in 402 AD—had this small Latin-cross mausoleum built for herself around 425-450; however, it was never used as such because the empress, who died in Rome in 450, was buried in that city.
The Domus of the Stone Carpets
It is one of the most important Italian archaeological sites discovered in recent decades. Located inside the 18th-century Church of Santa Eufemia, it consists of 14 rooms paved with polychrome mosaics and marble belonging to a private Byzantine building from the 5th-6th century.
Mausoleum of Theodoric
Built by Theodoric himself in 520 AD as his own burial site, the Mausoleum, entirely made of Istrian stone blocks, is divided into two superimposed decagonal orders.
Arian Baptistery
Towards the end of the 5th century, when Theodoric had consolidated his rule and Arianism was the official religion of the court, the Arian Baptistery was erected in the small square of the current Church of the Holy Spirit (formerly the Arian Cathedral). The building, submerged by about 2.3 meters, has an octagonal shape and features four small external apses.
Dante's Tomb
Built by the architect Camillo Morigia in 1780, the small temple contains the remains of the great poet Dante Alighieri. The exterior is in Neoclassical style, while inside, above the sarcophagus, there is a relief by Pietro Lombardo sculpted in 1483 depicting Dante before a lectern.
