Ravenna is a city on the Adriatic coast of Italy. Its origins are pre-roman. After the division of the Empire by Diocletian and the transfer of the capital by Constantine to Byzantium, Ravenna was made the capital of the Western Empire.
In the 6th Century, when Justinian reconquered parts of Italy, Ravenna became the Exarchate of the Byzantine Empire in the west, because it had a harbor and a naval base called a Classis
This is one of the periods of the great mosaic artwork that Ravenna is renowned for like San Vitale, which represents the emperor himself and his wife Theodora in splendid mosaics.
Many of the other mosaics, like the tomb of Galla Placida, The Orthodox and Arian Baptistries, and Sant Apollinaris in Classis and Sant Apollinaris Nuovo were completed in the 5th or 6th centuries, in a more classic style.
Ravenna is included on my 13 days Grand Tour of Italy starting on Oct. 1 until Oct. 15, 2022.

Remember: Travel with Alfredo, He Knows Italy!