Ravenna: an Italian pearl without tourist crowds that outshines Venice.

According to The Sun: On the eastern coast of Italy lies a partly forgotten city that undoubtedly surpasses Venice.

At first glance, Ravenna resembles an ancient Italian city with buildings clustered around winding canals, but here you won’t encounter throngs of people and won’t have to overpay for food in expensive restaurants.

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Ravenna is full of Italian charm and history, yet without the crowd.

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Relax on one of the city’s beaches.

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The bell tower in silhouette.

This area was once an international center and the capital of three different empires, and now Ravenna is a quiet region loved by locals for its peaceful atmosphere.

It is said that our king and queen also visited this city during a state visit in April, and now I have fallen in love with it too.

During my short visit, I found a wonderful combination of impressive architecture, delicious dishes, and wines, along with easily accessible beaches.

And that doesn’t even mention the exciting historical sites.

The traces of the city’s former glory are visible in the early Christian monuments that are part of UNESCO World Heritage and consist of eight buildings.

A feeling like in the TARDIS

Religious buildings impress with their appearance, adorned with precious marble and mosaics from the fifth and sixth centuries.

In Ravenna, there is no way to skip something historical.

One of the most interesting archaeological objects is the House of the Stone Carpets, accidentally discovered in the 90s during excavations under a garage.

Under the ground, workers found 40 layers of ancient artifacts and impressive mosaics characteristic of this era.

Even if you are not an art lover, the scale and detail of the works created will impress you.

The Basilica of San Vitale is another historical site worth visiting in Ravenna.

This Byzantine church from the sixth century looks quite modest from the outside, but when you enter, its 17-meter-high ceiling unfolds in all its glory.

There you will find mosaics 1,500 years old depicting religious and historical scenes, as well as intricately carved columns and arches surrounding parts of the building.

When the light hits these colorful compositions, it is truly impressive.

But in Ravenna, there is much more to see than just history, and all of it can be easily explored on foot, especially if you are at Hotel Diana, which is located in the center.

The hotel does not serve dinners, only breakfast, so you need to go out searching for food.

But that’s not a problem, as the restaurant scene in Ravenna is lively. Hostaria Pasolini should be at the top of every foodie’s list.

I arrived late in the evening, and the owner recommended what I should order – Cappelletti with beef sauce and a bottle of red wine.

This pasta, filled with cheese, is a local specialty, and here it is best prepared in a typical Italian setting.

For 12 euros per serving, who could resist? Just be sure to leave room for the tiramisu.

Another must-try dish is Piadina, the flatbread for which this region is famous.

It is served with most dishes, but it is particularly delicious to eat it in a sandwich with local ham and cheese.

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The Basilica of San Vitale is a must-visit.

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The historic center of Ravenna.

You can buy Piadina at Profumo di Piadina, located in a cozy alley near the main square, where a ham sandwich is offered for 5 euros.

Despite Ravenna's peaceful reputation, it’s easy to find a place for an evening drink.

The simple and cozy bar Moog became my favorite spot, where I spent most of my evenings enjoying an Aperol Spritz for 6 euros in its small garden on warm summer nights.

A comfortable spot in the sand

If you’ve had enough of exploring the city and its cultural landmarks, the nearby beaches are the perfect place to relax, especially in summer when temperatures reach 30 °C.

Marina di Ravenna is just a 20-minute bus ride away.

Tickets cost 1.50 euros and can be conveniently purchased directly on the bus - no need for prior planning.

Of course, there are prettier beaches in southern Italy, but this one is perfect for families and is one of the safest I have visited in Europe.

I felt safe leaving my phone on the sunbed and found a comfortable spot in the sand near the colorful bars.

Impressive mosaics in the monuments of early Christian heritage. Religious buildings impress with their beauty.

Don’t forget to visit Hana-bi, an affordable and friendly spot with a playground for kids, beach volleyball courts, and music creating a pleasant atmosphere, even during unexpected rain.

Of course, a day at the beach wouldn’t be complete without ice cream. But it’s better to wait until you return to downtown, as Gelati Allegri - “Happy Ice Cream” - offers some of the tastiest servings I have ever tried.

They have all the classic flavors, but the owners Thomas Dreyer and Cosimo Catzzato have created many new delicious variations using only fresh ingredients.

Mine was chocolate with homemade apricot sauce, which was both sweet and sour.

And the best part is, it’s not expensive like in most resort areas with ice cream.

Probably the best thing about this city is how the locals treat you, like one of them.

You will feel at home from the moment you arrive, and then you won’t want to leave.

Supplied Supplied Ravenna, with its unique atmosphere and historical heritage, is becoming an attractive destination for those who want to avoid tourist crowds and enjoy the tranquility of a small Italian town. From architectural gems to delicious national dishes - this city can satisfy even the pickiest travelers. So if you’re planning a trip to Italy, Ravenna could be an unexpected discovery for your itinerary.