easy
7 hours
Suitable for people in moderate fitness who can comfortably walk on uneven stone pavement for extended periods.
Step into Ravenna’s mosaic-filled past on a detailed 7-hour guided tour from Bologna. Discover the city’s UNESCO heritage sites through expert storytelling and up-close views of ancient glass artistry.
Ravenna, located in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, represents a crossroads of Byzantine history and Italian culture, famed for its astonishing array of early Christian and Byzantine mosaics. Just a short distance from Bologna, this city invites visitors to step back into the early medieval era with their From Bologna: Ravenna Unesco Monuments Guided Tour offered by Bologna Tour. Spanning roughly seven hours, this guided experience centers on Ravenna’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, delivering an in-depth look at some of the most intact and visually vibrant mosaics in Europe.
What sets this trip apart is the rare combination of walking through the serene city streets with an expert guide who unveils the stories behind monumental churches, baptisteries, and basilicas. Highlights include the Basilica di San Vitale, with its shimmering golden mosaics depicting Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora, and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, famed for its deep-blue starry dome mosaic.
The tour is designed for those drawn to art history and culture but also for outdoor-minded travelers who appreciate structured urban walking adventures. Each site offers rugged stone work and intricate glass mosaics that have endured centuries of weather and history, giving visitors a tactile connection to the past.
Bologna Tour, operating out of the nearby city of Bologna, plays a vital role in connecting travelers to this less-traveled Italian treasure. Rather than the bustle of Rome or Florence, Ravenna’s quieter streets provide a more contemplative and authentic outdoor cultural experience. This blend of intellectual adventure and gentle movement through the cityscape positions the tour as a standout option for history buffs wanting to go beyond typical ruins or museums and experience heritage on foot, surrounded by evocative architecture and art.
The guided tour involves several hours of walking on uneven stone streets; good footwear will help you stay comfortable.
Carry water especially during warmer months to stay hydrated throughout the day-long tour.
Some monuments limit flash photography or large tripods; respect signage to preserve delicate mosaics.
Certain sites may have earlier closing times in winter; verify hours in advance to optimize your tour.
Ravenna’s status as a former Western Roman Empire capital (5th century AD) cemented its role as a cultural hub during Byzantine rule, reflected in its mosaics.
Preservation efforts focus on protecting fragile mosaic art from humidity and pollution, with visitor guidelines designed to minimize impact.
Essential for navigating cobblestone and uneven surfaces during the walking tour.
Keeps you hydrated through warm days and long hours on foot.
summer specific
Offers protection against spring showers without bulk.
spring specific
Provides sun protection during open-air walking portions in summer.
summer specific