RAVENNA CITY OF MOSAICISTS AND SEAT OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE IN THE EARLY 400'S

Dante's Tomb also a resident of Ravenna

Ravenna was a great place to visit.  We arrived on Sunday, September 15th.  We followed our gps from Cernobbio and it lead us right to a place that said "You have reached your destination".  However, there was no hotel in sight.  Ravenna is full of one way streets so I guess it got confused.  We called the hotel and they could not give us directions from where we were but she said just look for "stazione" sign (station) then call back.  By luck, and after a couple of choice words, we found the sign and, believe it or not our gps picked up and got us to the front of the hotel.  Parked on the sidewalk and walked in to register.  The desk clerk, who spoke English, told us to drive around the block and find the door marked #22 and ring the bell so she could open it up and let us in to park.  After several tries we found the door and got in the parking area.  The hotel was built
  as a palace for an emperor in the 1800's.  He gave it

Basilica di S.Vitale

Basilica di S.Vitale

 to the catholic church and they sold it to the people who turned it into a hotel.  It was comfortable and friendly.  Remember, you don't have all the amenities here in Italy that you have home.  You get one towel, no face cloth (it doesn't exist in Italy), no in room coffee (that also doesn't exist in Italy).  After a while you learn to adapt.  We toured all the major buildings by walking to each one.  You buy a one ticket and they punch it as you enter.  It worked out great as the last building was almost across the street from out hotel.  All these palaces and churches were built in the 400's and 500's A.D.  Each if full of Mosaics on the walls and ceilings and floors.  I am sending some pictures but they really don't do justice to the brilliant colors and detail.  We are now at IL Molino and living the life of true Italians.  We have had outstanding meals and are putting on the pounds, but actually, not to many because of all the walking and activity.  I'll write more about IL Molino later, especially the gourmet meal that was prepared by a Tuscan chief for all the guests and WE GOT INVITED.  Ciao for now.  Enjoy the pictures.

Mauselo Di Galla Placidia

Basilica S.Appollinare in Classe