During our journey around the Adriatic Sea with Adristorical Lands we arrived in Ravenna, a charming Italian beauty, embellished by many monuments dated back to a glorious past, when the town was capital of the Roman Empire, then of Theodoric’s kingdom and seat of the Byzantine’s power in the West.
The Classense Library is part of the Camaldolesi monks’ library, built between XVII and XVIII century. Its antique books collection is priceless and the building’s value is no less: the entrance includes a baroque façade and the XV century vestibule leads inside among glass walls and paintings.
The Church of Saint Nicholas hosts the TAMO, an innovative, multiform museum which recounts the mosaic’s history through ancient items and modern artists’ productions.
The Basilica of San Vitale is also in Ravenna’s old town. Consecrated in 547, the Basilica combines Western and Eastern tradition. Invaluable mosaics are inside, as the ones representing Emperor Justinian and his wife Theodora.
Not far from the Basilica lies Galla Placidia’s Mausoleum. Tradition says that Galla, Emperor Theodosius’ daughter, had this mausoleum built for her family and herself, but there is no proof for that. After visiting this impressive tombstone, you could breath some fresh air at Rocca Brancaleone, where a nice park is located.
Not far from Ravenna, a few more medieval towns are worth to be visited, as Lugo with its Estense Stronghold; Brisighella, a small village at the Apennines’ feet; and Riolo Terme, a thermal resort with sulphurous water.
