It may seem unassuming at first — picturesque, but not especially grand — but Ravenna’s treasures are on the inside, not the outside: its architecture is known for housing one of the world’s most incredible collections of mosaics, some of which can be found within rather simple looking terracotta-coloured churches. When the mosaics were laid down Ravenna was the capital of the Western Roman Empire, so it has quite a lot more historic sights to uncover, plus Dante’s resting place, and some seriously excellent places to eat and drink. The town is a good base for exploring the surrounding Emilia Romagna region and in our pick of the best places to stay in Ravenna we've found a good range from a traditional hotel to a charming B&B.
Those on the trail of Ravenna’s prize mosaics will find many of them within a collection of churches in the historic, and pedestrianised, heart of town, which is also where you’ll find many of the best places to stay in Ravenna. The detail and workmanship are exquisite, and worth spending time just staring at in amazement. In addition, Ravenna has a number of very good museums.
Many visitors try to fit Ravenna’s treasures into a day-trip, and though some regret it, it does benefit those visitors who do choose to stay in one of the best places to stay in Ravenna. The day-trippers arrive around eleven, and have to leave around four, after which the streets are pleasantly free from souvenir stalls, and populated with locals enjoying the excellent cafes, bars and restaurants — which are priced for local clients too. Bologna and Ferrara are easy day trips on the train if you decide to use the best places to stay in Ravenna as a base. And Rimini is on a gorgeous stretch of sandy coastline and easily accessible by road or rail.