Ravenna, Italy

Where next after the big Italian cities?  Why Ravenna of course!

Having been to many of the major Italian cities, I am excited to be visiting Ravenna.  From what I’ve learned, we will see some of the finest mosaics in the world in some of the oldest churches.  Most everything, from Dante’s tomb to the best fast food around, is within walking distance in a pedestrian center, Piazza del Popolo.  We should be able to enjoy the best of what Ravenna has to offer… the Early-Christian and Byzantine mosaics of the fifth and sixth centuries featured in the Basilica di Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, Museo Orcivescovile, Battistero Neoniano, Basilica di San Vitale and Mauseleo di Galla Placidia. 

A bit of trivia that I learned is that the mosaics at the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia inspired the American songwriter, Cole Porter.  In the   1920’s while honeymooning in Ravenna he wrote “Night and Day” remembering the beauty of the starry sky mosaics of Mausoleum of Galla Placidia.

Ravenna is in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy and is sometimes dubbed “Italy’s Food Basket”.   It’s home to many of Italy’s most renowned foods:  Prosciutto di Parma, Mortadella, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and balsamic vinegar are a few.

Click here for a Rick Steves YouTube video of Ravenna... I can't wait to make my own video!

 

If you know me, then you know that I want to sample the local cuisine!  Where do I want to do my sampling?  Why Ca’ de Ven of course!    According to Lonely Planet, it’s a wonderful cavernous enoteca-cum-restaurant in a 15^th century palazzo with frescoed domes, vaulted brick ceilings and checkerboard marble floors.  We will be in Ravenna on a Friday so Ca’ de Ven will be open much to my delight!  If, however, you are in Ravenna on a Monday and Ca’ de Ven is closed, then Bizantino, located in the Mercato Coperto (covered market)  in the historic centre, has been recommended.  I also plan to make a stop at a piadinerie for piadina.  Piadina is thin Italian flatbread and it’s served with cold cuts, jam, Nutela or regional cheeses.  Tortellini and Cappelletti, Bolognese sauce, and local wines such as SanGiovese should not be missed!  Here's a YouTube video of Angela Schiavina's food tour to whet your appetite!

Ready for a quiet reflective moment?  Dante’s tomb is a quiet & restrained resting place for the author of “The Divine Comedy”.  Don’t miss the little oil lamp hanging above the tomb.  Burning permanently, it is paid for by the city of Florence in penance for ejecting the poet in 1372!