48 Hours in Ravenna

Have you ever wondered what connects the renowned English poet Lord Byron to the city of Ravenna?   Perhaps not everyone knows that it was here, within the walls of the noble Palazzo Guiccioli, that Byron experienced one of the most intense chapters of his life: his passionate love affair with Teresa Gamba, Countess Guiccioli, and his commitment to the Italian independence movements.   The guided tour will take you through the rooms of the palace, now restored and open to the public for the first time in decades, revealing stories of romantic love, ideals of freedom, and legendary poetic creations such as Don Juan and The Prophecy of Dante.   Strolling among original memorabilia, recreated historical settings, and modern multimedia displays, you'll uncover how Byron, a man of extraordinary life, found in Ravenna a source of inspiration and purpose. At the same time, you'll explore the history of the Guiccioli family and the role of the Palazzo during the Italian Risorgimento, when dreams of independence and unity intertwined with daily life.   Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in a unique experience of poetry, history, and intrigue—because every great story deserves to be heard where it truly happened.

The mosaic artists of Ravenna open the doors of their workshops for this special initiative to promote the art that most defines our city: mosaic. Step into this magical world with the hands-on workshop "My Mosaic" in Ravenna. This workshop offers you a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the ancient artistic tradition of the city, renowned for its extraordinary Byzantine mosaics. Workshop Description: During this hands-on workshop, you’ll be guided by expert mosaic artists who will introduce you to the techniques and secrets of this ancient art. You’ll learn how to handle the tools of the trade and select the most suitable materials, such as glass and colored stone tiles, to create your personal masterpiece. No prior experience is needed—just a desire to experiment and be inspired by the timeless beauty of Ravenna’s mosaics. What’s Included in the Workshop: - Historical Introduction: Discover the fascinating history of mosaics in Ravenna, from their beginnings in the Roman era to their splendor in the Byzantine period. - Practical Demonstration: Watch a demonstration of mosaic techniques by an expert artisan. - Create Your Own Mosaic: Get hands-on and create your own mosaic, which you can take home as a unique keepsake from this experience. - Materials and Tools: All necessary materials and tools will be provided during the workshop. - Personalized Guidance: Benefit from the guidance and tips of artisans, who will assist you step-by-step as you create your mosaic. Additional Information on Mosaics: Mosaics are an ancient art form and craft that found one of its greatest centers of development and refinement in Ravenna. Ravenna’s mosaics, famous worldwide, adorn churches, mausoleums, and baptisteries with splendid geometric and figurative designs that depict biblical stories and scenes from daily life. This workshop allows you to discover how past mosaic masters created such enduring and complex works, transforming simple pieces of glass and stone into true masterpieces. Why Participate: Taking part in "My Mosaic" is not only about learning a new skill but also connecting with an artistic tradition that is an integral part of Ravenna’s cultural heritage. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a curious traveler, or simply looking for a creative experience, this workshop offers you a unique chance to explore the world of mosaics and bring home a piece of Ravenna’s history crafted with your own hands. Book your spot in our workshop now and be enchanted by the magic of mosaics!

Would you like to learn how to roll out the dough to make a fantastic homemade pasta dish yourself? This workshop is for you!   The “sfogline”* of the Mercato Coperto, bearers of rolling pin and wisdom, will teach you how to prepare the real cappelletto romagnolo. *The “sfoglina” (pasta maker) is historically seen as a middle-aged woman who, using a rolling pin and a pastry board, "rolls the dough" strictly by hand to create the base for tagliatelle, tortellini and other stuffed and unstuffed egg pasta. Cappelletti are, for Romagna, a dish charged with a symbolism of well-being, wealth and opulence. In the past, wishing "cappelletti on the table and throughout the year", was in fact one of the most heartfelt and appreciated wishes. The experience will be complemented by a GUIDED TOUR OF THE MERCATO COPERTO by the staff, to discover the history, architecture, furnishings and enogastronomic thinking of the place

“The site is of outstanding universal value being of remarkable significance by virtue of the supreme artistry of the mosaic art that the monuments contain, and also because of the crucial evidence that they provide of artistic and religious relationships and contacts at an important period of European cultural history.” Thus UNESCO justified the inclusion in the World Heritage List. Discover the timeless charm of Ravenna's mosaics with our guided tour "Mosaic Tesserae". This walking tour will take you on a fascinating journey through the city's artistic masterpieces, allowing you to closely admire the extraordinary beauty and complexity of the Byzantine mosaics that have made Ravenna famous worldwide. Why Participate: This walking tour is a unique opportunity to explore Ravenna's artistic heritage through the eyes of an expert guide who will share anecdotes and curiosities, making each visit an unforgettable experience. Whether you are an art enthusiast, a history student, or simply a curious traveler, "Mosaic Tesserae" is the perfect way to discover the artistic and cultural heart of Ravenna. Book now and get ready to be enchanted by the magic of Ravenna's mosaics!

In the heart of Ravenna, a World Heritage Site, Koko Mosaico carries on the language of the mosaic, constantly renewing it, without losing sight of its roots.   The workshop is like an ancient art shop, where you can buy and order mosaics and learn the techniques of realization. At the same time you can admire the contemporary works of the artist Luca Barberini.   The course we propose is just a small taste of the grandeur of this ancient art. You can realize a copy of an ancient mosaic of the Roman or Byzantine period, directly created on cement mortar.   After a brief introduction to the mosaic and the cutting of the tiles with the ancient tools of the trade - small hammer and carbide hardie -  you will actively participate to every phase of realization of your artwork: from the drafting of the cement mortar, to the completion of the mosaic.   You can use precious materials that were already used in the ancient times as marble, Venetian enamels and golden tiles, depending on the copy you chose to recreate.   The objective will be to realize a mosaic of about 10x10 cm.