Ravenna

 

Ravenna was once capital to the Western Roman Empire in the 5^th Century. It was later capital to the Ostrogothic Kingdom, before being re-conquered by the Byzantines. Each culture added to the architecture of the city and its famous mosaics found within its churches and cathedrals. Our tour was led by Mrs. Tozzi who described the history and importance of the city.

Our first stop that afternoon was the Basilica of San Francesco. Within, there is an incredibly unique crypt; it is flooded and you can spot goldfish swimming among the columns.

The basilica was where Dante Alighieri’s funeral has held in the early 1300s. Just outside, you can visit his tomb. Before doing so, we were treated to a recital of one of his poems by a CCI student.

The best mosaics can be found in the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia and the Basilica of San Vitale. These were our next stops on our tour.

We regrouped for dinner at a local restaurant before having free time to explore the town. It was a little rainy by the end of dinner, and given the long day, many students were early to bed.

We left Ravenna the next morning with a planned stop in Urbino before returning to Lanciano. This will be the subject of the next blog.