Guided Tour in Ravenna, Roman and Bizantine Mosaics

Ravenna, an Italian city steeped in rich history, offers a captivating guided tour that transports visitors through the remarkable Roman and Byzantine mosaics from the 5th and 6th centuries. This immersive 2.5-hour walking experience invites guests to explore iconic sites, including the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, Church of St. Vitale, and Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo. Attendees will witness a practical mosaic-making demonstration, while a knowledgeable guide shares insights into the city’s heritage, ensuring a memorable and educational journey. With its exquisite artistry and fascinating history, this tour promises to leave visitors with a deeper appreciation for Ravenna‘s cultural legacy.

Key Points

• A 2.5-hour guided walking tour in Ravenna focused on Christian and Byzantine mosaics from the 5th and 6th centuries, with a price of $177.25 per group (up to 20 participants).
• Key sites include the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, Church of St. Vitale, Neoniano Baptistery, and Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, with a hands-on mosaic-making demonstration.
• The tour provides an immersive experience in Ravenna’s history as the former capital of the Western Roman Empire, highlighting the city’s Byzantine and Christian heritage.
• The tour is wheelchair accessible and offers private group options, with headsets available for groups of up to 10 participants at an additional cost.
• The tour is highly rated by participants, with praise for the guide’s knowledge, value for money, and overall organization of the experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The guided tour in Ravenna focuses on exploring the city’s remarkable Christian and Byzantine mosaics from the 5th and 6th centuries.

Priced at $177.25 per group (up to 20 participants), the 2.5-hour walking tour allows visitors to enjoy Ravenna’s rich history as the former capital of the Western Roman Empire.

Key sites include the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, the Church of St. Vitale with its stunning Theodora mosaics, the Neoniano Baptistery, and the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo.

The tour also includes a practical demonstration of mosaic-making techniques.

Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a reserve now, pay later option is available.

Tour Highlights and Experience

Visitors exploring Ravenna on this guided tour can expect to enjoy the city’s rich history as the former capital of the Western Roman Empire.

Key highlights include the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, showcasing stunning 5th-century mosaics, and the Church of St. Vitale, featuring the renowned mosaics of Empress Theodora.

Participants will also visit the Neoniano Baptistery, the Tomb of poet Dante, and the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, the private chapel of King Theoderic.

The tour includes a practical demonstration of mosaic-making techniques, providing a unique hands-on learning experience.

Throughout the tour, a live English and Italian-speaking guide will share their expertise, bringing the city’s Byzantine and Christian heritage to life.

Accessibility and Group Information

According to the information provided, the tour is wheelchair accessible, accommodating visitors with mobility needs.

Plus, a private group option is available for those who prefer a more personalized experience. For groups of up to 10 participants, headsets are available for an additional €2 per person, allowing everyone to clearly hear the live tour guide, who’s fluent in both English and Italian.

Whether you’re traveling solo or as part of a group, this Ravenna tour offers accessible options to ensure a comfortable and informative experience for all.

Meeting Point and Directions

Where exactly does the tour begin?

The meeting point for the Ravenna mosaics tour is the Basilica San Vitale Ticket Office, located at Via Giuliano Argentario 22. This can be easily found on Google Maps.

The Basilica San Vitale is one of the tour’s key highlights, so this is a convenient starting point for participants.

Tour guests should arrive at the ticket office a few minutes before the scheduled tour start time to check in with the guide.

Directions to the meeting point are clear, making it simple for visitors to find the starting location and begin their immersive exploration of Ravenna’s remarkable Byzantine mosaics.

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Customer Reviews and Ratings

The tour’s excellent customer reviews and high ratings speak to the quality of the experience.

With an overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 based on 16 reviews, the tour has clearly impressed its participants. Reviewers praised the guide’s impressive knowledge and ability to share the history and intricacies of the mosaics.

The value for money was also highlighted, with a 4.6 out of 5 rating. Customers were highly satisfied with the service and organization, both receiving perfect 5 out of 5 scores.

These glowing reviews demonstrate that the guided tour of Ravenna’s Christian and Byzantine mosaics offers an exceptional experience for visitors.

Mausoleum of Galla Placidia

Within the tour’s captivating itinerary, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia stands as a remarkable testament to the enduring legacy of the Western Roman Empire.

This 5th-century mausoleum features:

1. Stunning Byzantine-style mosaics adorning the walls and ceilings, depicting celestial scenes and symbolic imagery.
2. The sarcophagus of Galla Placidia, the influential Roman empress who ruled the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century.
3. Intricate architectural details, including a distinctive barrel-vaulted ceiling and octagonal plan.
4. Intimate and atmospheric ambiance, transporting visitors back to the grandeur of the Roman era.

Exploring the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia provides a profound connection to the region’s rich cultural heritage and offers a captivating glimpse into the artistic and political triumphs of the Western Roman Empire.

Church of St. Vitale

Nestled within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ravenna, the Church of St. Vitale boasts some of the most stunning Byzantine mosaics from the 6th century.

Adorning the interior walls and ceilings, these intricate mosaics depict scenes from the life of Christ and the imperial court of Justinian I and Theodora.

Particular highlights include the stunning depictions of Empress Theodora and her entourage.

The church’s unique octagonal design and impressive architecture add to the overall captivating experience.

Visitors can explore the church’s rich history and admire the exquisite craftsmanship of the mosaics during the guided walking tour of Ravenna’s Christian and Byzantine sites.

Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo

Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo stands as a mesmerizing testament to Ravenna’s rich Byzantine heritage.

This former royal chapel, commissioned by King Theoderic in the 6th century, boasts a remarkable collection of mosaics that span the church’s interior.

Visitors can marvel at:

1. The striking procession of 26 virgin martyrs on the right wall, each bearing a crown and offering.
2. The depiction of Christ enthroned, flanked by angels, on the left wall.
3. The captivating mosaic of the Savior’s life, narrated through a series of scenes.
4. The stunning apse mosaic, which showcases Christ’s ascension into heaven.

This immersive experience offers a glimpse into the grandeur and spiritual significance of Ravenna’s Byzantine monuments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photos During the Tour?

Yes, participants are generally allowed to take photos during the tour. However, visitors should be mindful of not disrupting the tour or interfering with other participants’ enjoyment of the experience. Photography policies may vary, so it’s best to confirm with the tour guide.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

There is no strict dress code for the tour, but visitors are advised to wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and shoes. Modest attire is recommended, as the tour includes visits to religious sites.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour does not have any age restrictions. People of all ages are welcome to join the guided walking tour, which provides an in-depth exploration of Ravenna’s remarkable Christian and Byzantine mosaics from the 5th and 6th centuries.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

The tour does not provide any food or drinks, but participants are allowed to bring their own. However, they should avoid consuming anything that could be disruptive or make a mess during the guided walking tour.

Is the Tour Suitable for People With Mobility Issues?

The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for those with mobility issues. Plus, the tour provider offers headsets for groups of up to 10 participants, providing an assisted experience.

Recap

The guided tour of Ravenna’s Roman and Byzantine mosaics offers visitors an immersive and educational experience. Participants can explore iconic sites like the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, Church of St. Vitale, and Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, while a knowledgeable guide shares insights into the city’s rich history and cultural heritage. With a mosaic-making demonstration, the tour provides a well-rounded and memorable exploration of Ravenna’s magnificent artistry from the 5th and 6th centuries.

You can check if your dates are available here: