Last week we took a day trip to Ravenna. It took over 3 hours by train each way, left at 6 am and got back at 9:30 pm. Like most of the cities we have visited, its history goes back to at least Etruscan times around 900 BC. Julius Caesar gathered his forces here before he famously crossed the Rubicon. It was chosen by Caesar Augustus to be his major naval port on the Adriatic Sea. It followed Milan as the imperial city of the Western Roman Empire and was its last capital when that part of the empire collapsed in 476. It was recaptured by the Byzantines who oversaw the construction of many of the most interesting sites in the city. It has been controlled by various empires for the last 1500 years.
Ever since I used them for research as a theater student in college, I have been fascinated by the magnificent mosaics that cover the walls and ceilings of the ancient architecture found in Ravenna. This was my first visit and there is nothing like standing in these ancient buildings and seeing these works of art in person.
There are 8 UNESCO World Heritage sites in this city. In one day we couldn’t visit them all, but we filled our day with some of the highlights.
Basilica of San Vitale
This relatively small building houses some of the most beautiful mosaics in the world and is a vital resource of anyone doing research on the mode of the era.
Others including the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo
The new winner for the best dish we have had in Italy; mussels in Ravenna!
Next up: Siena
Mussels look good.
They were the best.
I’ve been enjoying your ruminations on Italy, Jim. Sad to hear your leaving in August for a bit. I was going to see if we could rendezvous somewhere in Italy in September. Ken and I will be there then but I’ll be using your blog to enrich our trip. I never did start a blog this time. I decided I wanted a true vacation. It’s a disciplined activity and I appreciate your sharing!