One Of Italy's Hidden Gems Is A Captivating Lesser-Known City Between Venice & San Marino

In mid-2025, Visit Italy launched a highly anticipated media campaign — 99% Italy— highlighting that cities like Rome, Venice, and Florence get most of the attention when it comes to tourists visiting the country on their much-anticipated trips. While 99% of Italy's tourism may be concentrated in these places, the other 1% of the country lies waiting to be discovered. So we're here to tell you about one Italian hidden gem that holds as much history and cultural significance as other popular tourist destinations in Italy — Ravenna. This quaint city is located near the Adriatic coast, 90 miles south of Venice and 50 miles north of San Marino in Northern Italy's Emilia-Romagna, a region that stretches from the Apennine Mountains to the Po River. 

Ravenna is a place steeped in history, famous for its stunning Byzantine mosaics and peaceful charm. What was once the former capital of the Western Roman Empire and Byzantine Italy, the Ravenna of today is the perfect destination for leaving the crowds behind and indulging in the city's fascinating history and culinary delights. Though often overlooked in favor of Italy's larger cities, Ravenna offers a unique blend of cultural richness and relaxed atmosphere that will surely allow you to immerse yourself fully in all things Italian.

Even though it's easily reached in about an hour by train from the city of Bologna, Ravenna tends to fall off the radar with most tourists. It's beautiful to visit any time of the year, but it's one of Italy's best cities to visit in the fall to take advantage of weather that's neither too hot nor too cold for walking or biking — because you're going to do a lot of moving around when you visit this town. There's a lot to see. 

As you wander through Ravenna's cobblestone streets, where poets, emperors, and artists once mingled, you'll feel as though you are strolling through an open-air museum. The city is especially famous for its early Christian monuments and breathtaking colorful Byzantine mosaics, some of which date back to the 5th and 6th centuries. This rich cultural legacy has earned Ravenna an impressive eight monuments that classify as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, making it a must-visit for history buffs and art enthusiasts alike.  

For a taste of some of the best mosaics in Ravenna, make sure to check out the stunning vaulted ceiling inside the Basilica of San Vitale.  And for a celestial experience, step into the tiny Mausoleum of Galla Placidia and look up at its stunning 5th-century blue mosaic ceiling, sparkling with golden stars. Nearby, Dante's Tomb honors the great poet, who spent his final years in Ravenna. If you're feeling inspired after your amazing day in Ravenna, try your hand at one of the many mosaic workshops that can be booked directly on the Ravenna Tourism website.

For those craving even more outdoor physical activity, cycling in the area around Ravenna is highly recommended. If you're not too tired from wandering on foot through the town's charming streets, cycle along the 14-mile route that loops outside the historic center. The mixed terrain of paved and gravel paths offers a scenic journey, perfect for soaking in the city's laid-back atmosphere and beautiful surroundings.

Once you've worked up an appetite, it's time to dive into the local food scene! Our favorite part. They say that the best way to get to know a new city is by eating your way through it, and Ravenna is no exception to this rule. Eat like an Italian local while feasting on the delicious food at Ravenna's incredible restaurants dotted throughout the cobblestone streets and alleys. From pasta to seafood, Ravenna serves up flavors that will leave your taste buds singing. Its location near the Adriatic Sea means fresh seafood is plentiful. 

Risotto al nero di seppia, a rich risotto made with cuttlefish ink that turns your teeth a dramatic charcoal color (fair warning before you smile), is a local specialty. If seafood isn't your thing, indulge in the ultimate comfort food, cappelletti, a stuffed pasta filled with cheese and served in a warm beef or chicken broth. For something quick and casual, try a piadina, a traditional flatbread folded and filled with cheese, meats, and veggies, perfect for a tasty bite on the go.