The Atlas Obscura Guide To Ravenna

10 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Ravenna, Italy

Updated May 31, 2024

Unusual Attractions in Ravenna

Ravenna, Italy

Flooded Crypt of San Francesco

Filled with goldfish swimming in a shallow pool of sea water, this ancient crypt is more wishing well than burial site.

Ravenna, Italy

Dante's Tomb

Italian poet Dante Alighieri is entombed in this small mausoleum in Ravenna, and his hometown of Florence has never been too happy about it.

Ravenna, Italy

Mausoleum of Galla Placidia

An incredible mosaic-lined monument said to have held the remains of an ancient Roman empress.

Ravenna, Italy

Basilica of San Vitale

This 6th-century church has the largest and best-preserved collection of Byzantine mosaics outside Constantinople.

Ravenna, Italy

Baptistery of Neon

Psychoanalyst Carl Jung reported a paranormal experience after visiting this mosaic-lined Roman baptistry.

Ravenna, Italy

Arian Baptistry

A medieval, mosaic-lined baptistry built by a heretical Christian sect.

Ravenna, Italy

Mausoleum of Theoderic

The roof of this ancient mausoleum is made from a single Istrian stone weighing a massive 230 tons.

Ravenna, Italy

Guidarello Guidarelli Funeral Monument

Legend has it that any woman who kissed this statue would soon be married.

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Mosaics 4

Churches 3

Sacred Spaces 3

Tombs 3

Roman 3

Christianity 2

Mausoleums 2

Architecture 2

Art 2

Unesco 2

Ancient 2

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Stories About Ravenna

Aboard the ship Gobustan, which spent months abandoned in Ravenna, Italy.

When Ships Are Abandoned, Stuck Sailors Struggle to Get By—and Get Paid

“We are satisfied with little, but even that little is impossible today.”

by Federico Formica

November 17, 2020

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The Atlas Obscura Guide To Ravenna

10 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Ravenna, Italy

Updated May 31, 2024

Unusual Attractions in Ravenna

Ravenna, Italy

Flooded Crypt of San Francesco

Ravenna, Italy

Dante's Tomb

Ravenna, Italy

Mausoleum of Galla Placidia

Ravenna, Italy

Basilica of San Vitale

Ravenna, Italy

Baptistery of Neon

Ravenna, Italy

Arian Baptistry

Ravenna, Italy

Mausoleum of Theoderic

Ravenna, Italy

Guidarello Guidarelli Funeral Monument

Plan Your Trip

Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Flavors of Italy: Roman Carbonara, Florentine Steak & Venetian Cocktails

Savor local cuisine across Rome, Florence & Venice.

Explore Ravenna, Italy

Ravenna Leaderboard

Places Added

Places Edited

Places Visited

Recent Ravenna Activity

Stories About Ravenna

When Ships Are Abandoned, Stuck Sailors Struggle to Get By—and Get Paid

Become an Atlas Obscura Member

Join our community of curious explorers.