If you haven't been to Ravenna then you can't really say you've seen Italy. We take a fresh look at this unique place in the company of Taste Bologna.
THE MOSAICS
A city built on coastal marshes to defend its inhabitants from Barbarian invaders means that, even today, you have to want to go to Ravenna. You don’t arrive there by chance.
But that shouldn't be too much of a chore. 1600 years of history are embodied today in eight of the city's finest monuments. All have been designated World Heritage sites since 1996.
They are: the Basilica of San Vitale (main image above); the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia; the Neonian Baptistry; the Arian Baptistry; the Mausoleum of Theodoric; the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo; the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare in Classe; the Archiepiscopal (St. Andrew) Chapel.
Places of worship reflecting the most significant political and religious events which marked the end of the ancient world and the foundations of today’s Europe.
Not by chance did Ravenna become the capital of the Western Roman Empire, Byzantine Empire and Ostrogothic Kingdom.
Ravenna of course is synonymous with mosaics with this wonderful art still taught in prestigious local schools from where the city’s artists specialise in both original modern works as well as reproductions of old designs.
But also Byzantine embroidery with the workshops of master embroiderers located in nearby Russi and Brisighella.
Taste Bologna proposes 2 mosaic tours and gastronomy experiences.
RAVENNA MOSAIC WORKSHOP
A 2 hour mosaic course with a professional mosaic artist to create your own unique 4x4 inch mosaic masterpiece to take home as a souvenir.
No prior experience needed, just plenty of enthusiasm!
Exact location revaled when the booking is confirmed
2 hour lesson in Ravenna city centre
From Tuesday to Friday 2:30 pm.
Limited to 8 people at any one time
Full details at www.tastebologna.net/ravenna-mosaic-workshop
RAVENNA FOOD AND MOSAIC TOUR
As well as tiles, this unique tour combines Adriatic Sea specialities such as fried sardines, curzul with clams, roasted eel and mantis shrimps.
But also classic piadina with Sangiovese wine. Discover them all in an ancient local tavern with that famous Romagna hospitality.
Visit of San Vitale Basilica and Galla Placidia Mausoleum mosaics (€12,50 ticket included)
Piadina or ‘crescione’ with Sangiovese wine
Lunch with different fish dishes which change daily
Tour led by official local guide fluent in English.
Full details at www.tastebologna.net/ravenna-food-mosaic-tour
MORE ABOUT THE LOCAL GASTRONOMY
The typical cuisine of Ravenna consists of succulent grilled mutton and pork chops, tasty fish ‘rustite’, home-made cappelletti and tagliatelle, tagliolini and the always-present piadina.
Both the land and sea are generous with their ‘fruits’ and have been farmed or transformed for centuries.
Thye include both fresh and seasoned cheeses (including pecorino) best accompanied by woodland or pinewood honey. These habitats also provide excellent truffles.
We have to mention salt of course and the so-called 'sweet' salt of Cervia. The seafaring atmosphere here is very appealing with this natural treasure still extracted using a traditional centuries-old system dating back thousands of years.
The 'Road of the White Gold' will take you to the Salt Museum M.U.S.A, the homes of the salt-pan workers and the salt pans themselves.
Other local food treats include extra-virgin olive oil from Brisighella and the shallots of Riolo Terme enjoyed raw, sott'olio or fried.
The very keen should visit the Garden of Casola Valsenio where forgotten fruits such as cornelian cherries, jujubes, volpine pears, rose and cane apples can be found as well as aromatic herbs.
COOKING CLASSES IN RAVENNA
A private 3 hour hands-on cooking lesson with an authentic sfoglina chef.
Lunch/dinner with passatelli, curzul (local tagliolini) and garganelli pastas.
1 bottle of local wine
A takeaway gift of the tool to prepare garganelli to back home
Full details at www.tastebologna.net/ravenna-cooking-class
The 'Sangiovese, Wine and Dine Route' takes in the hills of Faenza before crossing the hilly hinterland of Ravenna and its valleys created by the rivers Senio, Lamone and Marzeno. They extend for about 150km kilometres as far as the Tuscany - Romagna border.
This is a natural environment where a strong contrast exists between a rough chalk vein, a long rocky crest called “moonstone” because of its reflections, and gently rolling hills.
The latter are covered with vineyards and olive groves and provide the fruit to make the DOC wines of Romagna and Colli di Faenza, as well as the DOP extra-virgin olive oil of Brisighella.
The list of wines leaves little to be desired, starting with Albana Docg, most appreciated in its dessert-wine version, and then the controlled denominations of Sangiovese, Trebbiano, Cagnina and Pagadebit.
Other fine regional products include grappa and distilled liqueurs, vegetables and fruits. The latter including peaches, apricots, pears, cherries and sweet nectarines.
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