Basilica of San Vitale (Basilica di San Vitale) Tours and Activities
258 Reviews
In 402 AD, during the latter days of the Western Roman Empire, Ravenna was made its capital, so it is fitting that this lovely city has some of the most important religious sights dating from the early days of Christianity. Now UNESCO-listed with all the other glorious mosaic showstoppers in the city, theBasilica of San Vitale (Basilica di San Vitale) dates from the mid sixth century; work started on it in 526 at the behest of Ecclesius, Bishop of Ravenna, and it was consecrated in 547. However, the Byzantines conquered Rome in 540 and took over the construction of the octagonal marble basilica. The resulting internal decoration is believed to be the finest example of Byzantine art in the world, executed by unknown master craftsmen over many years and liberally coating the interior with bejeweled mosaics. Detailed Biblical scenes contrast with depictions of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian, ornamented with stylized patterns in green, red and gold, while the cupola is adorned with Baroque frescoes added in 1780 by artists from across northern Italy.
Daily Nov–Mar 9am–5.30pm; Apr–Oct 9am–7pm
Via San Vitale 17, Ravenna, Emilia-Romagna, 48110
Tours and Activities to Experience Basilica of San Vitale (Basilica di San Vitale)
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Ravenna Mosaics & Highlights Small Group Tour with a Local Guide
2
Take a tour of Ravenna, known as the “city of mosaics” for the colorful tile artwork adorning many of its central buildings—some of which is more than 1,500 years old. The tour begins at Piazza del Popolo, the main square in the center of the city, and continues on to the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia. You’ll also see Dante’s tomb, the Baptistry of Neon, and more.
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From
$91.26
From
$91.26
Mosaic Tiles - Guided Tour
209
The eternal beauty of the mosaics of some of the most famous Unesco monuments of Ravenna, in a tour that starting from Piazza San Francesco, will wind along the streets of the historic center.
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From
$30.03
From
$30.03
Ravenna Tour of Must-See Sites and Attractions with Native Top-Rated Guide
2
Take in the highlights of Ravenna in just hours without the hassle of following a map and guidebook with this walking tour through the historic center. Admire the UNESCO-listed Byzantine mosaics in the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare, Basilica of San Vitale, and Mausoleum of Galla Placidia; stop at Dante’s tomb; and stroll through the city’s lanes to sample local specialties like piadina flatbread and traditional cheeses.
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From
$79.71
From
$79.71
Ravenna, the most beautiful mosaics in the city of Paradise
11
The guides of Il Papavero are able to adapt the tour to every need and type of clientele, always creating a pleasant atmosphere and without weighing down the historical-artistic explanations. The skills and sympathy come together to create an unforgettable tour ... in the folds of the Paradise of Dante's memory.
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From
$167.96
per group
From
$167.96
per group
Wonderful Ravenna, visit 3 UNESCO sites with a local guide on a private tour
9
During this Private Tour Silvia will make you discover the extraordinary history of the most important UNESCO sites in the city of Ravenna, from the fall of the Western Roman Empire to the Byzantine rule. Ravenna in the space of only 200 years was nominated capital three times and today its perfectly preserved mosaics leave us breathless, taking us back to the ancient glories of a bygone era. During this visit, immersed in the evocative half-light, you will have the opportunity to observe the majesty of the mosaics in a completely unique and special atmosphere outside of satiety and time.
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From
$150.17
per group
From
$150.17
per group
Ravenna 3-Hour Private Walking Tour
5
Explore Ravenna's UNESCO World Heritage sites, dating from the Byzantine and Roman empires, on this private walking tour. With a dedicated guide, you'll enjoy personalized attention and a flexible itinerary. Entrance tickets to all sites included.
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From
$138.62
Price varies by group size
From
$138.62
Price varies by group size
Art tour of Ravenna from Bologna
4
Ravenna: a treasure of the Mediterranean: A hidden world of mosaics and underground crypts, the absolute pearl of art of Emilia Romagna region.
Several populations estabilished on the sandy Adriatic coast. This endless territory of marsh, wetlands, lagoons, swamps, despite being partially unhealthy, turned out to be the perfect shelter for a craddle of civilization. The pines of the coast started to be exploited by romans to build their undefeatable fleet.
Our tour will be as rich in detail and complete as possible, in order to let you dive into this golden age, and let you travel back in time with your mind and your senses.
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From
$144.40
From
$144.40
Full Day Ravenna Private Tour of Must-See Sites with Native Top-Rated Guide
3
This is a 5 hours private walking tour that includes all the major monuments and attractions of Ravenna, our professional tour guide will lead you to discover all the beauties of this charming town. Since this is a private tour, we encourage our clients to share their interests and desires in order to personalize the itinerary as much as possible. Being a walking tour will be sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothes.
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From
$206.72
Price varies by group size
From
$206.72
Price varies by group size
Ravenna Mosaics and Art - Half day private guided tour
3
Discover the most iconic ancient mosaics in the stunning, seaside city of Ravenna during this half-day walking tour. Highlights include mosaics commissioned by the Emperor Justinian of Byzantium, the tomb of the Italian writer and poet Dante, and the private chapel of the Ostrogoths King Theoderic. Choose from all-day departure timings; admission tickets are purchased separately.
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From
$127.07
per group
From
$127.07
per group
From Rome to Byzantium in Ravenna: Walk in Dante's footsteps on an audio tour
2
Take a wander through the last capital of the Western Roman Empire, the capital of the kingdom of the Goths and the Byzantine exarchate. On this self-guided audio tour, you'll also get a taste of the power of the great republic of Venice as well as the 19th century Italian Risorgimento, all the while accompanied by some of the most famous mosaics in the world in the presence of many UNESCO heritage sites.
The tour starts in ancient Rome, with the mausoleum of Galla Placidia and then takes you after the fall to the Basilica of San Vitale. We then head through the middle ages to the 19th century, as we move to Piazza del Popolo. Afterwards, we head back to the time of the Gothic domination with the Baptistry of the Ariana before going to see an elaborate cover-up operation in the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuova. Finally, we pay a visit to the mortal remains of the great poet Dante Alighieri, father of the Italian language.
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From
$5.99
From
$5.99
Ravenna: private full-day tour with mosaics admission
2
Spend a full day getting to know the remarkable town of Ravenna. With five stunning Mosaic sights and an astounding 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Ravenna is a delight for the senses. Learn about the city’s Byzantine architecture from your guide as you explore historically significant landmarks. Break for lunch (own expense), and free time to explore and then reconvene in the afternoon. All museum admission fees are included with the tour.
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From
$205.04
Price varies by group size
From
$205.04
Price varies by group size
Best of RAVENNA on a Private Tour
2
Have you ever wondered how a mosaic is made?
Thanks to this tour you will discover any details.
I will lead you through the wonder of the stunning early Christian monuments of Ravenna (inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1996), telling you about the characters depicted, the symbols, and the religious politics behind them.
I'll let you discover and delve into the unexpected atmosphere. The radiance and colours of the ancient mosaics will allow you to feel how worshippers felt centuries ago.
During the tour we'll have the chance to learn more about the techniques and the materials they are made of.
*Monuments admission fees are NOT included.
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From
$173.28
per group
From
$173.28
per group
Ravenna Private Guided Tour of Top Sites Ancient Mosaics & Piadina Tasting
2
On this half-day, private walking tour of Ravenna, you’ll enjoy a tailor-made introduction to the stunning, seaside Italian city. Get a peek at Byzantine-era mosaics in the basilicas of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo and San Vitale, pay your respects to the famed poet at Dante’s tomb, and enjoy a complimentary food and wine tasting of regional products.
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From
$144.33
Price varies by group size
From
$144.33
Price varies by group size
Mosaics Guided Tour and Cooking Lesson at a Restaurant
1
See sparkling Byzantine mosaics before learning some secrets of Italian cooking with this mosaics tour and cooking class in Ravenna. Join a knowledgeable guide for a visit to two Ravenna monuments with UNESCO-recognized mosaics. Experience a lesson in cooking some local specialties, including a flatbread called 'piadina.'
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From
$114.36
From
$114.36
Ravenna in half a day
1
You can visit Ravenna even in half a day: this will be enough to know its culture and history and to realize how this town is rich in architecture and art by the knowledge of the different religions that during the past strongly influenced all the mosaics decorations and its buildings.
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From
$158.09
per group
From
$158.09
per group
The best of BOLOGNA and RAVENNA on a Private Tour
Thanks to this FULL DAY tour you'll have the chance to discover the stunning wonders of this land: Bologna and Ravenna. Both cities were protagonists in the historic panorama of this part of Italy.
The presence of the University, the oldest in the Western world, has made BOLOGNA a cultural center of extraordinary importance. We'll visit the most evocative monuments and places in the city center.
RAVENNA, a Unesco site known worldwide because of its early Christian era mosaics, gives you the opportunity to see preserved monuments from the 5th and 6th century.
We will meet in Bologna in the morning and we will visit the city center highlights. Then together we'll catch the train to Ravenna.
* I would be happy to customize this tour so that it fits your requirements best!
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From
$415.86
per group
From
$415.86
per group
Ravenna walking tour: stunning byzantine mosaics (Unesco)
The guided tour of Ravenna will start from the church of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo of the VI century realized by the Theodoric King of Arian religion. The second stage will be the Dante area also called the "zone of silence" dedicated to the cult and memory of Dante Alighieri. The tour continues towards the Neonian Baptistery. After the baptistery it will be the turn of Palazzo Rasponi from the heads of the Ravenna family of "Rasponi".
The tour concludes with the wonderful Basilica of San Vitale of the 6th century, testimony of the Roman-Byzantine empire reunified after the Aryan period. With an octagonal central plan, the church still preserves the splendid scenes of the Old Testament and the famous panels of the imperial couple Justinian and Theodora of the Eastern Roman Empire. Next to the Basilica of San Vitale we will visit the Mausoleum of the Roman Empress Galla Placidia of the 5th century, rich in unique mosaic decorations.
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From
$227.57
per group
From
$227.57
per group
Ravenna's Heritage Highlights Private Day Trip with a Local
How much Italian heritage can you pack into one day? The answer is ‘a lot’ when you go on a private day trip to the fabulous city of Ravenna! Your friendly and knowledgeable local host will be by your side as you travel by train from Bologna, to show you all the iconic sights and help bring history alive with facts, stories, and insights.
Fast forward 1500 years, and much of heritage that is still intact, from Byzantine basilicas to a beautifully preserved royal mausoleum. In fact, there are no fewer than 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Ravenna!
Of all its many treasures, the city is best known for its mosaics, and you’ll be taken to see some exquisite examples. Beyond these mosaics are plenty more fabulous sights, including the marble basin of the Neonian Baptistry, the 570 golden stars inside the Mausoleo of Galla Placidia, and the eye-catching mix of architecture at the octagonal Basilica of San Vitale. If you’re interested in history at all, this is a must-do trip!
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From
$238.84
Price varies by group size
From
$238.84
Price varies by group size
A walk though the Oriental gate
Unique experience with an exceptional guide capable of transmitting his passion for his city. You will have a glimpse of life lived in history
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From
$173.28
From
$173.28
Private Guided Tour with Native guide of Top Sites & Ancient Mosaics of Ravenna
As the capital city of the region of the same name in Emilia-Romagna, Northern Italy, Ravenna is well known for its colorful mosaics, stunning basilica churches and remarkable chapels. Join us on this private tour led by a local expert and English-speaking professional guide to experience the wonder of the awe-inspiring city.
Total duration: 3 hours
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From
$149.02
Price varies by group size
From
$149.02
Price varies by group size
Full Day Ravenna & Bologna Tour of Must-See Sites with Native Top-Rated Guide
Take a journey in this culturally rich, deeply historic and well-preserved towns, with our exclusive walking tour for a unique and unforgettable experience. You will see the highlights of Ravenna, with its mosaics, and Bologna just in one day with a top rated & local guide.
The tour will start in Ravenna where you will spend about 3 hours, then you will travel by train or your own car to Bologna where the guide will led another 3 hours tour.
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From
$237.12
Price varies by group size
From
$237.12
Price varies by group size
Best of Ravenna City & Mosaics Private Tour with a Local Guide
Ravenna is well known around the world for its byzantine architecture and mosaics.
This is the complete tour to explore Ravenna city and mosaics in one day with a native guide.
You will spend 5 hours with a private guide to see all the highlights.
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From
$242.59
Price varies by group size
From
$242.59
Price varies by group size
A walk through Ravenna brings the East
Unique experience with an exceptional guide capable of transmitting his passion for his city. You will have a glimpse of life lived in history
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From
$173.28
From
$173.28
Ravenna and its Mosaics Private Tour with Piadina Tasting
Admire the best of Ravenna’s famous mosaics with a top-rated guide on this private walking tour. Home to eight different UNESCO World Heritage sites, Ravenna has so many treasures to see, it can be hard to know where to start. Learn the stories and symbolism behind the dazzling Byzantine and Roman mosaics that decorate churches and mausoleums, and see the tomb of celebrated poet Dante. Finish with a tasting of a ‘piadina,’ a savory flatbread and favorite street food specialty.
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From
$167.50
Price varies by group size
From
$167.50
Price varies by group size
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