Ravenna Mosaic Art: Guided Tour of UNESCO Sites
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Overview
Explore the stunning mosaics of Ravenna on a guided walking tour through the city's historic center. This "Guided Tour of Mosaic Tiles in Ravenna" takes visitors on a journey to see some of the most famous UNESCO monuments, starting from Piazza San Francesco. It's a great way for history buffs and art lovers to see the beauty of Ravenna.
What to Expect: During the tour, visitors will walk through the streets of Ravenna and discover the amazing mosaics inside places like the Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, Basilica di San Vitale, and Battistero Neoniano (Neonian Baptistery). These places are known for their beautiful art and important history. The certified expert guide shares stories about the mosaics and the people who made them.
The tour includes a radio guide, which is helpful if the group is large, so everyone can hear the guide clearly. A single ticket for entrance to the monuments is also included. This tour does not include food, drinks, or transportation to the meeting point. This experience is a curated walking tour of excellent quality with a low supplier cancellation rate




Highlights
See Stunning Mosaics: Discover the amazing mosaic art in Ravenna's famous churches and buildings.
Expert Local Guide: Learn about the history and stories behind the mosaics from a certified guide.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Visit important historical sites recognized by UNESCO.
Skip the Ticket Line: Entrance tickets to the monuments are included, so you can save time.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers generally enjoyed the tour, praising the mosaics and the knowledgeable guide, but some felt it was crowded or rushed.

Customers loved seeing the beautiful mosaics and learning about their history.
Many felt the tour guide was very knowledgeable and made the experience interesting.
Visitors appreciated the chance to explore important cultural sites in Ravenna.
The radio guide helped them hear the tour guide, even in a large group.
Some found the tour to be crowded, making it hard to see the mosaics.
A few people wished they had more time at each site.
The Journey
Sant'Apollinare Nuovo
Originally a Palatine Church of Arian cult under Theodoric, Sant'Apollinare Nuovo now stands as a breathtaking showcase of Byzantine mosaic artistry, tracing its evolution from the Theodoric to the Justinian eras. Step inside to witness the largest monumental cycle of the New Testament, comprising 26 Christological scenes, a vivid tapestry of early Christian narratives rendered in shimmering glass.
Mausoleum of Galla Placidia
Built around the mid-5th century at the behest of Galla Placidia, ruler of the Western Roman Empire, this small Latin cross mausoleum appears simple externally. However, step inside to be enveloped by its rich mosaic decoration. The dome's countless stars have captivated visitors for centuries, even inspiring Dante Alighieri in his creation of the Divine Comedy, making it a truly celestial experience.
Basilica di San Vitale
Basilica di San Vitale, one of Italy's most significant monuments of early Christian art, invites you to experience the awe-inspiring fusion of Eastern and Western influences. Its sixth-century octagonal plan, topped by a frescoed dome, leads you into a space where high arches and stunning mosaic decorations create a breathtaking ambiance. Don't miss the iconic representations of Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora, depicted in all their Byzantine splendor with their respective retinues.
Battistero Neoniano (Neonian Baptistery)
One of Ravenna's oldest monuments, the Neonian Baptistery, also known as the Battistero Neoniano, presents a simple brick exterior that belies its interior splendor. Rich in marble, stucco, and mosaics with clear Hellenistic-Roman influences, the Baptistery culminates in a dome dominated by the scene of the Baptism of Christ. Commissioned by Bishop Neone in the mid-fifth century, this mosaic depicts a refined procession of the twelve Apostles set against a brilliant blue backdrop. Inside, discover the Renaissance-era baptismal font, echoing the Baptistery's octagonal shape, and the preserved 5th-century ambo.
Know Before You Go
This tour includes a certified expert guide and single entrance tickets to the monuments. If the group is large, a radio guide will be provided. This tour does not include food, drinks, or personal transportation to the meeting point at Piazza San Francesco. Participants are responsible for arriving at the meeting point on time. Confirm time and location before the tour. Please be aware that it's a walking tour and can be intense for some individuals.
Hot Tip
Wear comfortable shoes for walking, and bring water to stay hydrated. Consider visiting during the off-season for fewer crowds. Review the route beforehand.