Byzantine Mosaics Walking Tour (Self Guided), Ravenna

What are precious jewels, you may ask. Well, let me tell you – Ravenna’s Byzantine mosaics are surely among the most sparkling, spectacular, and valuable. So much so that they were recognized as World Heritage by UNESCO in 1996.

Indeed, Ravenna is like no other place in Italy, and the magnificence of its mosaics can leave you with a stiff neck. The intricate mosaic work achieved some of its greatest heights here.

The Basilica of San Francesco features mosaic decorations from the 5th and 6th centuries, showcasing biblical scenes and the life of Christ. The Basilica of Saint Apollinaris the New boasts a remarkable mosaic cycle depicting saints, martyrs, and biblical stories, offering a vivid narrative of the Christian faith.

Meanwhile, the San Giovanni Evangelista Church features mosaics that blend classical and Christian motifs, illustrating the evolving artistic influences of the time.

The Arian Baptistery (Battistero degli Ariani) displays mosaics that reflect the theological differences of the Arian Christian sect. These mosaics are a unique window into the religious diversity of the era.

The Mausoleum of Galla Placidia showcases a stunning blue mosaic sky adorned with golden stars and is considered one of the most impressive examples of early Christian art.

The Basilica of San Vitale boasts breathtaking mosaic images of Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora, along with scenes from the Old and New Testaments. These mosaics reflect the intertwining of religion and politics during this time.

Lastly, the Domus of the Stone Carpets offers a glimpse into the daily life of Ravenna's Byzantine inhabitants through its intricate floor mosaics.

To fully appreciate the remarkable mosaic artworks in Ravenna, we encourage you to visit these historic sites. But note: the greatest danger associated with it is becoming overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of the mosaics, so by the time you reach the last attractions, you simply cannot absorb any more. For this reason, it's a good idea to plan your visit and summon your strength in advance.

Image Courtesy of Flickr and Sharon Mollerus.

How it works: Download the app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store to your mobile phone or tablet. The app turns your mobile device into a personal tour guide and its built-in GPS navigation functions guide you from one tour stop to next. The app works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walks in Ravenna

Map Instructions: (1) Click the "Nearby Sights" button to view the nearby attractions; (2) click a map pin to see sight information.

Guide Name: Byzantine Mosaics Walking Tour
Guide Location: Italy » Ravenna (See other walking tours in Ravenna)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles

Sights Featured in This Walk

WalkBuilder (customize this walk or build your own)

Use the WalkBuilder tool below to customize this walk to suit your interests. Instructions: click

at the upper right corner in the map above to view other sights in the city. To learn more about a sight, click a map pin. Click the “+” or “–” to add or remove a sight from the walk. To reorder the selected sights, simply drag and move them up or down the list in the left column.

Click here to view route map

Enter a name for your custom walk, along with your email address, in the fields below. You will receive the instructions for retrieving your custom walk in the GPSmyCity app by email. The GPSmyCity app offers turn-by-turn travel directions to guide you from one attraction to the next.
Walk Name*:
Email*:

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I access my walking tour in Ravenna?
Save your walking tour on the website. Then download the GPSmyCity app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and sign in to your GPSmyCity account. Next, download “Ravenna Map and Walking Tours” within the app. Your walk will appear on the Walks screen.

2. How do I view other attractions in Ravenna?
At the upper-right corner of the map above, click the “Nearby Sights” button to show or hide other sights in the city. Click a map pin to view details about a sight. To add a sight to your walk, find it in the right column of the WalkBuilder tool above and click the “+” button next to it.

3. How do I re-arrange the sight order?
In the left column of the WalkBuilder tool, drag a sight to move it up or down the list. Then click “Click here to view route map”. Repeat this process until the route meets your needs.

4. Can I add my hotel to a walking tour?
Yes. You can add your hotel as the starting point, the ending point, or both (creating a loop route). This feature is currently available only in the GPSmyCity app.

5. Can I add my own sights to a walking tour?
Yes. You can add sightss that are not in our database and include them in your walk. To do so, sign in to your GPSmyCity account on the website or use the GPSmyCity app.

6. How many sights can be included in a walking tour?
For technical reasons, the number of sights in a walking tour is currently capped at 20. This limit may be increased over time.

Walking Tours in Ravenna, Italy

Create Your Own Walk in Ravenna

Creating your own self-guided walk in Ravenna is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

Ravenna Introduction Walking Tour

Ravenna may not appear on everyone’s Italy wish list like Venice or Rome, but it’s worth visiting during your Italian holiday. Often referred to as the "capital of mosaics", the city is known for its well-preserved late Roman and Byzantine architecture comprising the UNESCO World Heritage Site ("Early Christian Monuments of Ravenna").

Initially settled by the Umbri... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles