Mosaic Tiles - Guided Tour: Discover UNESCO Monuments in Ravenna's Historic Center
4.9
874 Ratings
Ravenna

The everlasting charm of the mosaics from some of the best-known Unesco sites in Ravenna, in a tour originating from Piazza San Francesco, will traverse the lanes of the historic downtown.

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Basilica di Sant’Apollinare Nuovo - originally used as a Palatine Church of Arian cult, today it allows us to reconstruct the evolution of the Byzantine wall mosaic from the Theodoric to the Justinian age. Inside, the 26 Christological scenes make up the largest monumental cycle of the New Testament.
  • Mausoleo di Galla Placidia - it was built around the middle of the 5th century, at the behest of Galla Placidia, who ruled the Western Roman Empire.

This small Latin cross mausoleum, externally is very simple, while inside it has a rich mosaic decoration.

The countless stars of the dome have struck the imagination and sensitivity of visitors over the centuries, as well as outstanding personalities such as the great poet Dante Alighieri, who drew inspiration from them for the drafting of some verses of the Divine Comedy.

  • Basilica di San Vitale - It is one of the most important monuments of early Christian art in Italy.

The monument is of the sixth century, of clear eastern influence, it has an octagonal plan, surmounted by a large frescoed dome.

When one enters the basilica, the gaze is captured by the high spaces, the stupendous mosaic decorations of the apse, and the extraordinary representation of the imperial couple from Byzantium, Giustiniano and Teodora, with their parades.

  • Battistero Neoniano (Battistero degli Ortodossi) - one of the oldest monuments in the city, in simple brick on the outside but rich in marble, stucco and mosaics with a clear Hellenistic-Roman influence on the inside.

Dominating the dome, commissioned by Bishop Neone in the mid-fifth century, is the scene of the Baptism of Christ surrounded by a very refined procession of the twelve Apostles that stands out against a brilliant background of blue tesserae. Inside there is still the baptismal font from the Renaissance period, which takes up the octagonal shape of the Baptistery plan and which preserves the ambo from the 5th century.

  • Archiepiscopal Museum - (visit independently) which houses the Chapel of Sant’Andrea: depicting the glorification of Christ in an anti-Arian key, the only example of an early Christian archiepiscopal chapel still intact today
What's Included
  • Radio guide for large groups
  • Guidance by a certified expert
  • Single-entry ticket to all monuments
Location
Piazza S. Francesco, 7
Piazza San Francesco
At the Tourist Information Office
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(874 Ratings)
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Lk94116
Apr 22, 2024
Informative tour of Ravenna Mosaics from the 5-6th century - Very helpful and informative tour of five of the 8 unesco world heritage sites in Ravenna. The three hour tour enabled us to really understand the history and keep historical figures and events of the time
Review provided by Tripadvisor
I939quscottj
Apr 21, 2024
Marco and Mosaics - Marco was very well informed and clearly gave us a great deal of interesting explanations of the mosaics we saw. Marco was very relaxed and humorous while guiding us where we had to be on the tour. His English was excellent. Great job!
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811umbertop
Apr 18, 2024
The mosaics of Ravenna - Very interesting visit with a very good guide. He explained the mosaics to us in detail, even the most hidden
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439alicef
Apr 15, 2024
Very nice guided tour - Very pleasant tour to discover the truly wonderful Byzantine mosaics of Ravenna. An opportunity to learn and look carefully at details that would be missed without an explanation. Extra bonus for the friendliness of our guide, Marco, who was able to make himself listened to carefully from start to finish, thanks to his way of telling us the story.
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Lidiamaliciosa
Apr 14, 2024
Essential visit and very prepared guide - An impressive, unique visit. The guide explained each church and each mosaic in great detail, his great artistic knowledge is evident.
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Stephen_m
Apr 14, 2024
Extremely Essential Tour - The most educational tour I had in Emilia-Romagna, exceptionally informative and a learning that will stick with me for awhile. I really enjoyed discussions with the tour guide, without whom I would never have fully appreciated the city of Ravenna.
Review provided by Viator
Tandemtravelers2006
Apr 13, 2024
Don't go to see the mosaics without a guide! - A very interesting guided tour with a competent and engaging guide. We saw all the important sites. Truly the only way to fully appreciate the incredible mosaics!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Villiamm2024
Apr 10, 2024
Tout Ravenna - Fantastic mosaics, the guide was very good in describing both the mosaics and the historical part in which they were made.
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R2302oxmartinar
Apr 7, 2024
Wonderful! - I was worried about the length of the tour, but three hours literally flew by thanks to our excellent guide (Serena), who accompanied us with passion and great competence to discover the UNESCO Heritage sites. An absolute marvel! Thanks Serena!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
303sabinad
Apr 7, 2024
Visit with mosaic tiles guide Saturday 04/06/2024 at 2.15 pm - Excellent guide, excellently organized tour! Advise !!!! Ravenna was an incredible discovery, we will return for other tours. Thank you !!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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