We met our fabulous bus driver, Mauro, bid farewell to Padova, and headed to Ravenna along the coast (though, sadly, we did not actually see the Adriatic). Apparently, mosaics have been a major art form in Ravenna for centuries. We had an excellent tour guide in Silvia (a Ravenna native) who took us to see beautiful Byzantine mosaics in the Gaila Placida Mausoleum and in the adjacent San Vitale Basilica. We learned about the challenges facing mosaic artists in the 5th and 6th Centuries and the number of artisans and decades required to design and install glass tiles on the walls and ceilings. Some mosaics were removed after 1000 years and replaced with frescoes during the Renaissance. UNESCO has labeled these World Heritage sites and described them as “the earliest and best-preserved of all mosaic monuments and... one of the most artistically perfect.”
After we finished touring the Basilica in Ravenna, Silvia took us on a brief tour of the central part of town. Mosaics are everywhere. I also spotted a fragment of a mural on the wall of a clothing store. It apparently was a desanctified church and this fresco remnant was discovered during a renovation. One of the mosaics pictured here is part of “The Flowers of Ravenna–Ravenna Women’s Friendly City.” This project has tried to involve many of the mosaic masters in Ravenna to create concrete symbols that focus attention on women who have suffered from violence.
We enjoyed a delightful lunch and conversation with tourmates KC and Donna, at Ristorante Ca' de Vèn, located in a 15th Century building.
After lunch, we had an opportunity to visit Dante's Tomb. Dante’s body had been hidden for years after dying in Ravenna after his exile from Florence. This tomb and sarcophagus were created well after his death. There is a peaceful fenced courtyard to the right of the actual tomb.
We spent a lot of time aboard the bus before and after Ravenna and stopped at two Autogrills. I regret I failed to take any photos. These are quite the rest area concession shops—lots of different snack foods, especially candy and cookies, but also freshly-squeezed orange juice (so good), tasty pastries, and hand-crafted espresso beverages, plus, salads, hot foods, souvenirs, toys, travel necessities, local wines, and much more. Oh, and they had huge, very clean restrooms too! Check out this Eater guide to dining at Autogrills.
Sarah introduced our group to Pocket Coffee and Espresso to Go: These are candy produced by Ferrero, chocolate with a liquid coffee or espresso center for those who need a bit of caffeine and sugar on the go. These were readily available for purchase at any Autogrill.
Sarah introduced our group to Pocket Coffee and Espresso to Go: These are candy produced by Ferrero, chocolate with a liquid coffee or espresso center for those who need a bit of caffeine and sugar on the go. These were readily available for purchase at any Autogrill.