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Ravenna
A place unique in the world.
 During the 5th century it was the last capital of the Western Empire and heir to the greatness of Rome, and down through the ages it has played a leading role in European history.
It became the chief city of the Roman - Barbarian kingdom under Theodoric the Goth and subsequently the seat of the Exarchate after being re - conquered by the Eastern Empire. Its splendid monuments bear witness to its role as political, commercial and artistic centre of a succession of different civilizations.
 The imperial Roman period and the mid 6th century period when it was the hub of the Eastern Empire have especially left their mark on Ravenna: an extraordinary complex of basilicas, baptistries and mausoleums in which the harmony of construction blends with the magnificent splendour of precious marbles and rich Byzantine mosaic decoration.
Side by side with these, further attractions include the architectural heritage of the period of Venetian dominion (Piazza del Popolo and Rocca Brancaleone), the splendid Renaissance cloisters and the 16th century Classense Library.
 The city that inspired Dante, Boccaccio, Byron and Klimt is surrounded by the grandiose beauty of its natural environment: the magnificent pinewood inland and a sandy lido that stretches kilometres along the Adriatic. There are no fewer than nine seaside resorts, equipped with every comfort and characterized by a tradition of hospitality and touristic organization that is well known throughout Europe.
World Heritage Site
Ravenna, city of mosaics, has been added to the World Heritage List by UNESCO.
 Eight monuments that constitute a 1500-year heritage have been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Here is why the early Christian monuments of Ravenna are considered to have global significance: "The set of Paleochristian and Byzantine religious monuments in Ravenna is of extraordinary importance due to the mastery of the art of the mosaic demonstrated here. The Ravenna mosaics also serve as proof positive of the artistic and religious contacts that existed during an important period in the history of European culture".
The 8 monuments added to the UNESCO World Heritage List are as follows:
- Mausoleum of Galla Placidia
- Neonian Baptistery
- Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo
- Arian Baptistery
- Archiepiscopal Chapel
- Mausoleum of Theodoric
- Basilica of San Vitale
- Basilica of Sant'Apollinare in Classe
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