Guided Tours

Ravenna UNESCO Monuments Guided Tour

Small group of people with guide at Neonian Baptistery,Ravenna

Guide with Small group on Ravenna Monuments tour

Discover the magic of Ravenna’s colorful mosaics in 5 UNESCO sites. Walk beside an art expert, and become a mosaic guru in 3 hours!

Highlights

Uncover Ravenna's rich cultural tapestry and marvel at its awe-inspiring Byzantine mosaics on this 3-hour guided walking tour.
With an English or Italian-speaking expert, dissect how mosaic art evolved over 200 years as you savor the vibrant hues of Neonian Baptistery.
A feast for your eyes! Gawk at the world’s largest New Testament cycle and the colorful union procession of an imperial couple, all in mosaic.
Explore the Archbishop’s Museum and a private chapel at your own pace. Learn of prayer and rituals performed by archbishops 1500 years ago.
Did you know? The starry mosaic ceiling of Galla Placidia's Mausoleum inspired Dante to write the Divine Comedy.

Inclusions

3-hour guided tour of Ravenna
Expert local English/Italian-speaking guide
Radio guides for groups of more than 10

Entry to:

Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo
Mausoleum of Galla Placidia
Basilica of San Vitale
Neonian Baptistery
Archbishop’s Museum

Cancellation policy

You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Your experience

Starting in the vibrant heart of the city, Piazza San Francesco, the tour will take you through some of the city's most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Following an expert guide fluent in English or Italian you can hear whispers of tales from a bygone era.

Spells of Byzantine magic

At the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, witness the largest New Testament cycle. 26 majestic biblical scenes introduce you to the world of mosaic art and make its evolution vividly apparent to you. The interiors of the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia with its star-studded mosaics played muse to Dante Alighieri. As you enter the Basilica of San Vitale, a 6th-century monument, a frescoed dome with the mosaic painting of an imperial couple, Justinian and Theodora, will greet you. Standing under the celestial baptism of Christ, you’ll almost hear echoes of countless baptisms held in the sacred wall of Neonian Baptistery.

The archbishop's chapel

After a deep dive into the mosaic history, your guide will leave you at the Archbishop’s Museum, where you can stroll at your own pace and tune into an informative commentary. The unique blend of Roman and Byzantine styles will echo the private prayers whispered within these walls for over 1500 years.

Itinerary

Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo
Mausoleum of Galla Placidia
Basilica of San Vitale
Neonian Baptistery
Archbishop’s Museum

Know before you go

What to bring

Get your trusted earphones, one with a jack, if you are choosy about it.
Shutterbugs get your camera to document the beauty of mosaics but note that flash photography is strictly prohibited.
Carry a pair of binoculars to get a closer look at the intricate mosaics of high ceilings.
Dress comfortably! Although the tour is only 3 hours, you'll be doing a lot of walking and standing. Comfortable shoes are a must.

What's not allowed

Strict dress code: As you're visiting religious sites, cover your shoulders and knees.

Accessibility

The experience is suitable for prams/strollers and wheelchair users.

My tickets

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.
Please arrive at the meeting point 15 mins before the scheduled time of your tour to avoid any delays.
Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.