Guided Tour of Mosaic Tiles in Ravenna

The everlasting charm of the mosaics from some of the best-known Unesco sites in Ravenna, in a tour originating from Piazza San Francesco, will traverse the lanes of the historic downtown.

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Basilica di Sant’Apollinare Nuovo - originally used as a Palatine Church of Arian cult, today it allows us to reconstruct the evolution of the Byzantine wall mosaic from the Theodoric to the Justinian age. Inside, the 26 Christological scenes make up the largest monumental cycle of the New Testament.
  • Mausoleo di Galla Placidia - it was built around the middle of the 5th century, at the behest of Galla Placidia, who ruled the Western Roman Empire.

This small Latin cross mausoleum, externally is very simple, while inside it has a rich mosaic decoration.

The countless stars of the dome have struck the imagination and sensitivity of visitors over the centuries, as well as outstanding personalities such as the great poet Dante Alighieri, who drew inspiration from them for the drafting of some verses of the Divine Comedy.

  • Basilica di San Vitale - It is one of the most important monuments of early Christian art in Italy.

The monument is of the sixth century, of clear eastern influence, it has an octagonal plan, surmounted by a large frescoed dome.

When one enters the basilica, the gaze is captured by the high spaces, the stupendous mosaic decorations of the apse, and the extraordinary representation of the imperial couple from Byzantium, Giustiniano and Teodora, with their parades.

  • Battistero Neoniano (Battistero degli Ortodossi) - one of the oldest monuments in the city, in simple brick on the outside but rich in marble, stucco and mosaics with a clear Hellenistic-Roman influence on the inside.

Dominating the dome, commissioned by Bishop Neone in the mid-fifth century, is the scene of the Baptism of Christ surrounded by a very refined procession of the twelve Apostles that stands out against a brilliant background of blue tesserae. Inside there is still the baptismal font from the Renaissance period, which takes up the octagonal shape of the Battistero plan and which preserves the ambo from the 5th century.

What's Included
  • Radio guide for large groups
  • Guidance by a certified expert
  • Single-entry ticket to all monuments
Location
Piazza S. Francesco, 7
Piazza San Francesco
At the Tourist Information Office
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(1069 Ratings)
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Bk_l
Sep 1, 2024
Awesome mosaics tour - This was an amazing tour of the most beautiful and important mosaics in the city. Our guide was funny, informative and so knowledgeable. He took the time to point out significant details and subtle differences in the various works we saw. Would highly recommend.
Review provided by Viator
Michael_v
Aug 31, 2024
Great ~2 hour guided walking tour - Great ~2 hour walking tour of the spectacular Revenna mosaics with our tour guide Marco! Extremely knowledgeable (and appropriately opinionated ;) Smaller area of the tour so not a difficult walk (compared to say the Acropolis tour). Highly recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Judith_d
Aug 30, 2024
More than I expected - The mosaics at San Appolinare were more than I expected. Our guide did an excellent job telling us the history of Ravenna and putting the mosaics in that context as well as explaining the symbolism in the artwork. There was a lot of walking to get to the sights, but I was glad to have someone lead the way and our guide didn't rush us as we walked and gave us time to enjoy the sights for ourselves. She let us know when there was a time limit to the visit imposed by the monument regulations. There was a break to use the toilet and browse a bookshop. This tour was well organized.
Review provided by Viator
Edmund_b
Aug 27, 2024
A Complete Expérience of the Mosaics of Ravenna - Our guide was outstanding. In addition to visiting every mosaic site, she thoroughly explained the artistic creation of the mosaic tiles and told the history of Ravenna and the political and religious environment that resulted in the composition of each mosaic. If you only do one tour in Ravenna, this should be the one.
Review provided by Viator
337elisap
Aug 26, 2024
Nice experience! - I am from Ravenna but it was a pleasure to rediscover our beauties with different eyes thanks to the story of the good and competent Guide
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ruth_s
Aug 25, 2024
Beautiful mosaics - The guide was very informative, the mosaics were impressive, just about the right amount of walking.
Review provided by Viator
Lucia
Aug 24, 2024
Nice surprise - Super positive experience, at a very affordable price we did a Guided Tour by a very good and competent tour guide and at the end aperitif not disappointing in a wonderful location. I would definitely do it again
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alessandraleo82
Aug 20, 2024
A blast from history - Spectacular tour, perfect way to get into the atmosphere and experience of the city of Ravenna. Despite welcoming us a rainy day with moments of real storm, our Guide Serena Zecchini, managed to make us estrange and immerse ourselves in the history and meaning of the places we visited together, giving us some goodies about the city in the walking path between one and the other structure. 3 hours flew by! Highly Recommendation
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Pancev
Aug 20, 2024
Beautiful Visit to UNESCO Monuments - Mosaic Cards - Fantastic visit, do it with a Guide as prepared and engaging as Daniela who described and told the wonders seen was beautiful. Congratulations on the organization, Highly recommended
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Carl_k
Aug 30, 2024
Good Ravenna Mosaic tour - Good tour of the main mosaics in Ravenna with a knowledgeable guide. You get a nice overview in the 3 hours and can decide to explore further at the sites later or museums that the guide recommends.
Review provided by Viator
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1 Adult
September 2024
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