Ravenna, Italy, the capital of the Western Roman Empire- Travel #16

Dear Steemit friends, Gemma here, let me take you on a journey to the former capital of the Western Roman Empire, Ravenna, Italy. Ravenna is now the capital of the Province of Ravenna situated in the Emilia-Romagna region of Northern Italy. Italy's capital, Rome is located approximately 282 kilometres (175 miles) away from Ravenna. It was the capital city of the Western Roman Empire between 402 and 476 until that empire collapsed. After the collapse it served as the capital of the Ostrogothic Kingdom up until it was of course re-conquered in 540 by the Eastern Roman Empire. Under the rule of the Eastern Roman Empire, Ravenna formed the centre of the Byzantine Exarchate. This as much of Ravenna's ruler history was short lived until the invasion of the Lombards in 751. Visiting Ravenna today, one would never guess the intricacies in its violent past, the calm and peaceful demeanour of the rural Italian setting is very welcoming. Ravenna is a city that time forgot, it is very easy to forget what century you are in when you are in this non-technological city.

To find me, look for my Chihuahua's face

Ravenna

It is no secret that I am addicted to travel. I have always been extremely interested in and fascinated by history from a vey early age. Even growing up, watching documentaries and playing history based games was always my choice. As an adult in this day and age I am so privileged to be able to travel to the places I read about. I love to completely immerse myself in the full cultural experience of course as much as being Vegan would allow. For example I would never go to a bull fight in Spain just to experience the culture and I won't consume meat or dairy just to get a taste of the place. As old as these towns and cities in Italy feel, the options for a vegan are far better than some metropolitan cities, go figure.

When you think of Italy, the first thoughts that come to mind are usually Rome, the Vatican, Venice, Sicily, Tuscany, Florence and maybe even Pisa but Ravenna, not so much. Don't worry I will be posting about my experiences in each and everyone of those places too. I think when travelling, it is nice sometimes to get off the beaten track and visit the places where the locals live. Get that authentic experience that isn't altered by tourism.

There are several options in getting to Ravenna, you can take a 4 hour train ride north from the capital Rome. This is a popular option as it is inexpensive and if you choose to travel in daylight hours, the views of the Italian countryside are phenomenal. You may also choose to fly into Ravenna itself however the closest international serving airport is Guglielmo Marconi Bologna International Airport. This airport offers services from multiple destinations in Europe and the United Kingdom and is located approximately 1 hour away from Ravenna. There of course is my favourite way of travelling, cruise liner. Many of the major cruise lines offer Ravenna as a port of call, as one of Italy’s main ports, Ravenna Port showcases a wide range of attractions and spots that cruise passengers can enjoy. Lying in the Adriatic Sea, Ravenna cruise port serves as an excellent venue for trade with the Mediterranean, East, and Far East countries. Interestingly enough, this little city that isn't big enough to host its own airport has one of the top twenty Italian ports and top forty European ports. The cruise liner I decided to travel on was the very grand MSC Magnifica. This gorgeous floating resort docks within convenient distance to all of Ravenna's main attractions. The best thing about travelling via cruise ship is going to sleep at night in one place and waking up somewhere completely different, no lugging bags around, no waiting at airports and no cramped commutes. To say I'm addicted to cruise ships as well would be an understatement.

Me on the beautiful MSC Magnifica

The gorgeous Ravenna

Ravenna boasts historical delights from 1,500-year-old churches, decorated with best-in-the-West Byzantine mosaics. These mosaics are so stunning that no photographs could ever do them justice. Known in Roman times as Classe, the city was a pinnacle of civilization in that age, Ravenna was a light in Europe's Dark Ages. Two hundred years on, when the Lombards conquered the Byzantines, Ravenna melted into the backwaters of medieval Italy. It stayed out of historical sight for a thousand years.

During this time, the incredible mosaics were created throughout the city inside buildings and churches. Described as a symphony of colour in Dante's Divine Comedy, Ravenna's well-preserved mosaics are some of the finest remaining in the Western world.

One of the locations that birthed great mosaic is the Basilica of Sant' Apollinare Nuovo. It was built by Ostrogoth King Theodoric the Great intended to be his palace residence during the first quarter of the 6th century however was ordered by the Pope to be used as a place of worship. Legend has it that Pope Gregory the Great ordered all the mosaics in the church be blackened, as their golden glory distracted worshipers from their prayers. The locals believe this to be untrue and that the real reason the gold mosaics were blackened was because the King was afraid of pirates and their frequent raids from the Adriatic Sea. Regardless the truth behind the mystery, it would of been quite the sight in its hay day.

Basilica di Sant'Apollinare Nuovo

Probably Ravenna's most impressive sight is the 1,400 year old gem the Basilica di San Vitale. One of the most unique aspects of this Basilica is in the brilliant way that the mosaics convey the intended feeling that peace was brought to you by your emperor instead of by your God, in the most Catholic country on Earth, this is rare indeed. San Vitale is home to the last of the ancient Roman era and the dawn of the first Christian era. This church was actually the prototype for Constantinople's Hagia Sophia that was built 10 years later. It also takes credit for inspiring Charlemagne to build the first great church in northern Europe in his capital of Aix-la-Chapelle, now present-day Aachen. The Basilica of San Vitale is very deserving of its place on UNESCO World Heritage List.

Basilica San Vitale

Inside the Basilica San Vitale

After walking around and taking in the breath-taking sights of Ravenna, I had built up an appetite. Being In Italy, I had to get stuck into some famous Italian desserts and treats, I mean I had pre-worked off the calories right? The place to head to was the Piazza del Popolo located in central Ravenna. Central Ravenna is very quiet, with more bikes than cars, serving up a pedestrian-friendly core. My younger brother is in a wheelchair and we had no trouble at all getting around the streets. I would recommend walking around Ravenna yourself, picking up a map from the visitor centre or local newspaper shop and taking yourself around. Not only is this inexpensive but you really get a feel for the place, do a little bit of research on the history prior if that interest you or just sit and take in the atmosphere of one of the most important cities in Italian history.

Piazza del Popolo

My brother Scott and I enjoying some delicious Italian treats

Delicious traditional Italian treats

How could we not enjoy a fresh pizza before heading back onto the ship

After devouring some of the tastiest food we've ever had, it was almost time to head back to the ship for another adventure. Ravenna is definitely a place I would recommend you visit at some point in your life, it is full of blissful surprises.

I hope you have enjoyed my blog on Ravenna, the capital of the Western Roman Empire, thank you for reading and I look forward to sharing more adventures with you, until next time, Vegoutt Everybody!!