What to do and see in Province of Ravenna, Emilia-Romagna: The Best Historic Sites

History As a symbol of the Archiepiscopal Chancellery of Ravenna, San Vitale is one of the greatest works of late Roman art. Famous for its mosaics commissioned by Archbishop Maximian (546/556 AD), the basilica is a place of contemplation. While the body descends its steps the spirit rises to the Truth. A masterpiece to be admired for its evident beauty and its hidden, precise, evocative theological argument.

The most ancient of Ravenna monuments, at least with regard to when building began, it dates to the end of the 4th or the beginning of the 5th century.

Former fortress of Valle del Senio, Riolo Terme Stronghold rose by the end of the fourteenth century at will of the City of Bologna as a defense, together with its village. With the passing of time, the stronghold always kept its defensive function. It's a magnificent example of military fortification that follows the evolution of offensive techniques of the late Middle Ages. The first nucleus, still almost intact and clearly visible, underwent many changes, especially after the advent of artillery. The Stronghold belongs to the type known as "transition" where different Medieval and Renaissance architectural features are put together: for example, the ditch together with the manoeuvres space with loop-holes for flank defense. The museum is divided on different levels. From the basement to the upper floors you will be involved in the adventures of medieval knights, wearing and wielding the tools used in battle, discover how war machines worked, listening to the stories of Caterina Sforza and learning the construction techniques used in the Middle Ages. Inside the keep, the archaeological section houses artifacts dating back from Roman times to the Iron Age. In the landscape area, panels, binoculars and a 3D viewer allows you to discover the surrounding area. "The Mysteries of Catherine" Inside the impressive "Sala del Pozzo" (Hall of the Well) there is this permanent display about the exploits and loves of Caterina Sforza which will bring you into an interactive reality. Indeed, during the tour you will be often asked to interact with the Lioness of Romagna herself.

The ancient port of class back to life, founded by the Roman emperor Augustus, flourishing age of empire, of Theodoric and the Byzantine rule, when Ravenna and Classe reached their apogee political and economic.