'I stayed in Italian city with the charm of Venice but none of the tourist crowds'

Known for its picturesque canals, art scene and Renaissance and Gothic palaces, Venice is so popular with tourists that it’s started charging day-trippers to combat mass tourism.

I visited a far less crowded Italian city that rivals Venice for history, remarkable architecture, and food.

Located in Italy's culturally rich Emilia-Romagna region, Ravenna offers a fascinating blend of art, churches, and historical landmarks and is much quieter than packed-out Venice—especially off-peak.

Travelling to Ravenna also means getting more value for your money. Accommodation, dining, and attractions are generally more affordable than pricey Venice, making it a budget-friendly destination for your next European break.  

The city's main claim to fame lies in its extraordinary collection of Byzantine mosaics, which adorn its ancient churches and monuments.

These intricate works of art, dating back to the 5th and 6th centuries, depict biblical scenes, saints and Byzantine emperors with intricate detail and craftsmanship.

The UNESCO-listed Basilica di San Vitale and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia are outstanding examples of Ravenna's mosaic mastery, drawing art enthusiasts worldwide to admire their exquisite beauty.

Beyond culture and UNESCO sites, Ravenna offers a wealth of restaurants, bike trails, and buzzing bars. Here’s why you should visit this underrated historic city.

Wander around historic sites

Ravenna’s rich history is one of its most compelling features and rivals Venice's long timeline. Once the capital of the Western Roman Empire, the city is a treasure trove of ancient architecture and art. Ravenna has several UNESCO World Heritage sites, each offering a glimpse into the city’s glorious past. Many exquisite early Christian mosaics have also survived the ruins of history and can be found in buildings across the town.

While religious architecture isn't everyone's idea of a fun day out, magnificent sites such as the Basilica of San Vitale should help persuade you otherwise.

This hauntingly beautiful Basilica is a marvellous example of early Christian Byzantine art and architecture in Europe. Though the outside may appear a little drab, the interior is rich with dazzling mosaics.

Probably my favourite was the Basilica di San Francesco. It might look like a plain place of worship, but it has the most delightful hidden little quirk.

A dark crypt under the altar is illuminated when you deposit a Euro. Upon illumination, you can see a historic tiled floor that is submerged by groundwater and populated by goldfish. When was the last time you saw a makeshift aquarium in a church? It's well worth a euro, I reckon.

Sunbathe on gorgeous beaches

You are never too far from the ocean in Ravenna; its impressive coastline along the Adriatic Sea is dotted with pristine beaches, charming seaside towns, and swanky beach clubs and resorts.

An Italian seaside resort is a sight to behold. On many of the resorts, there are rows and rows of uniformly lined sunbeds and parasols. They appear to stretch out for miles across the sandy shores.

One of Ravenna's most popular beach destinations is Marina di Ravenna, a vibrant seaside resort town known for its wide sandy beaches and lively promenade. Here, you can soak up the sun on the spacious beachfront, take a refreshing dip in the Adriatic Sea, and try water sports such as windsurfing, sailing and kiteboarding.

Marina di Ravenna also has a vibrant nightlife, with beach clubs and bars offering live music, cocktails and dreamy sunset views. If you want a more secluded beach experience, Lido di Dante offers a pristine stretch of coastline surrounded by lush pine forests and sand dunes.

This unspoiled paradise is perfect for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, with ample opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and picnicking along the shore.

Visit a mini-Venice

Take a trip to the nearby town of Comacchio, a dreamy town north of Ravenna full of canals and historic buildings. You would be forgiven if you thought you had wandered into a small-scale Venice; there are striking similarities.

This rather rustic-looking town has developed across several islands in the Po Delta and is now joined by numerous bridges. It really is a photographer’s dream here, with colourful, shabby-chic buildings, canals and cute cafes.

Make sure to wander along the Canale Maggiore and swing by the many important architectural monuments. Some of these include the Cathedral of San Cassiano, the Loggia del Grano and the Ponte dei Trepponti.

Unwind with an aperitif

The chilled-out Italian equivalent to 'happy hour' is an aperitif, and Ravenna is known for its vibrant aperitif culture. Rooted in the Italian concept of ‘aperitivo’, or ‘pre-dinner drink’, this end-of-day ritual involves enjoying a leisurely drink with friends accompanied by a selection of small and tasty appetisers before dinner.

One of the hallmarks of Ravenna's aperitif culture is the ‘aperitivo hour’, typically held in the early evening at lively bars, cafes and restaurants throughout the city.

Locals and visitors gather at their favourite watering holes to relax and socialise over a refreshing drink and a selection of complimentary snacks, ranging from olives and cheese to bruschetta and crostini.

One of the most popular drinks enjoyed during aperitivo hour in Ravenna is the classic Aperol Spritz, a refreshing blend of Aperol, prosecco and soda water, served over ice with a slice of orange.

Feast on local dishes

The food scene in Ravenna, Italy, is a delicious fusion of traditional Italian cuisine and regional specialities from the Emilia-Romagna region. Renowned for its fresh, locally sourced ingredients and rich culinary heritage, Ravenna has a thriving foodie culture that easily competes with Venice. 

One of the standout dishes in Ravenna's gastronomic offerings is piadina, a thin flatbread made from flour, water, and lard traditionally filled with various cheeses, cured meats, and vegetables. This tasty street food is a beloved staple of Ravenna's culinary landscape for its simplicity and versatility.

Another must-try dish in Ravenna is cappelletti, small handmade pasta parcels filled with a rich mixture of meats, cheeses and herbs, served in a delicate broth. These bite-sized dumplings are a comforting and hearty choice, perfect for indulging in a leisurely lunch after a morning of exploring.

Seafood lovers will love the fresh catch-of-the-day options served at Ravenna's coastal restaurants and trattorias. The Adriatic Sea provides a bounty of culinary delights, from grilled fish and seafood risotto to fried calamari and shellfish pasta.

Admire pretty Byzantine mosaics

Ravenna is renowned for its exceptional collection of 5th and 6^th-century Byzantine mosaics. These exquisite works of art represent some of the finest examples of Byzantine mosaic craftsmanship worldwide, and some have earned UNESCO World Heritage status for their cultural significance.

One of the most iconic landmarks showcasing Ravenna's Byzantine mosaics is the Basilica di San Vitale, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture.

Inside the basilica, you can see intricate mosaics that depict scenes from the Old and New Testaments and portraits of Byzantine emperors and Empress Theodora and her court.

The colourful mosaics cover the basilica's walls, arches and domes, creating an extraordinary tableau.