Ravenna is a historic city just a few kilometers from the coast and famous for two completely different attractions. The first is the priceless churches and chapels from the period from the 5th to the 6th century, when the territories were ruled by Ostrogoths, and it is the Mirabilandia amusement park located on the outskirts of the city.
The great development of Ravenna began just before the fall of the Roman Empire. In 407, the imperial court was moved here by Flavius Honorius, and after the fall of Rome, the commander Odoaker placed the capital of the first barbarian state on the Apennine Peninsula.
Ravenna flourished during the rule of the Ostrogoths in the 5th century, and especially during the reign of King Theodoric. It was thanks to him that Ravenna's most valuable monument, the Basilica of San Vitale, was built. Eight buildings from the declining period of the Roman Empire and the times of the first barbarian countries have been preserved in the city. All of them are decorated with magnificent mosaics and have been included in the UNESCO list as early Christian monuments. They are the greatest attractions of Ravenna.
The oldest of the main monuments of the city is the Gala Placidia Mausoleum built on the plan of a Greek cross. The Ursiana Basilica, which was rebuilt in the 18th century, also comes from the 5th century. The oldest Christian monument is the Orthodox Baptistery built in the middle of the 5th century. The Basilica of San Vitale, the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, the Baptistery of the Arians and the Mausoleum of Theodoric come from the times of the Ostrogothic rule.
Ravenna's focal point is Piazza del Popolo, around which the social life and many cafes and restaurants are concentrated. In the street that diverges from it, you can see Dante's Tomb. The writer died in Ravenna and was buried here. Currently, there is a neoclassical chapel above his grave.
Ravenna's most important family attraction is the Mirabilandia theme park on the outskirts of the city. It is a combination of an amusement park and a water park with dozens of entertainment facilities.
