The National Museum of Ravenna: a Journey through History and Byzantine Art

The National Museum of Ravenna is a major cultural institution that offers a full immersion into the city’s rich history — from its grandeur in the Roman and Byzantine eras to its later artistic developments. Housed in the ancient Benedictine monastery of San Vitale, adjacent to the famous basilica of the same name, the museum is an essential stop for anyone wishing to understand the historical and artistic heritage of Ravenna, the celebrated “City of Mosaics.”

Collections and Masterpieces

The exhibition winds through the corridors and former monastic cells, creating an evocative atmosphere that enhances the beauty and significance of the artifacts. The museum’s collections span from archaeology to decorative arts, offering a comprehensive overview of the region’s long and varied history.

Among the most remarkable works are:

• Stone Artifacts: an extensive collection of sarcophagi, funerary steles, architectural fragments, and sculptures from the Roman and Byzantine periods, bearing witness to ancient artistic techniques and funerary rituals.
• Byzantine Section: the heart of the museum, displaying exquisite sculptures and mosaic fragments that showcase the refinement and mastery of Byzantine artists.
• Decorative Arts: a rich assortment of ivories, textiles, ceramics, and ancient coins. The ivory carvings are particularly noteworthy, reflecting the intricate craftsmanship of Byzantine artisans.
• Frescoes and Paintings: several fresco cycles and paintings from Ravenna’s churches and monuments complete the picture of local artistic evolution across the centuries.

Visitor Information

• Address: Via San Vitale, 17 – 48121 Ravenna (RA)
• Opening Hours:
  • Closed on Mondays
  • Tuesday to Sunday: 8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
  • Thursday and Friday: open until 7:30 p.m.
• Tickets:
  • Full: €8.00
  • Reduced: €4.00 (for EU citizens aged 18–25)
  • Free: for visitors under 18 and other eligible categories according to national regulations
  • Admission is often included in combined tickets with other historical sites and museums in Ravenna, such as the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia and the Basilica of San Vitale.
• Official Website: www.museodellecittà.ravenna.it/it/luoghi/museo-nazionale-di-ravenna

The National Museum of Ravenna is an essential destination for those seeking to delve deeper into the legacy of a city that, with its historical and artistic wealth, continues to captivate visitors from all over the world.

Cover photo credits: Gianni Careddu, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0