Ravenna Cathedral Church
Early medieval cathedral in Ravenna with mosaic decoration
Ravenna's medieval cathedral located close to the city's celebrated early-Christian mosaic sites; visitors pair a cathedral visit with nearby UNESCO-declared basilicas to study Byzantine-era mosaics and mosaicked interiors.
Ravenna Cathedral at a Glance#
Address: Cattedrale di Ravenna (Archiepiscopal Basilica of the Resurrection of Our Lord), Piazza Duomo 1, 48121 Ravenna RA, Italy
Website: http://www.ravennatour.it
Hours: Daily 8:30am-6:00pm (may vary seasonally)
Admission: EUR 2-6 (may vary)
About Ravenna Cathedral#
Ravenna Cathedral (Duomo di Ravenna) is the Roman Catholic cathedral of the city of Ravenna in Emilia-Romagna and the seat of the Archdiocese of Ravenna-Cervia. The church has origins in the early medieval period, with a foundation that dates to the 5th century.
The cathedral complex includes the cathedral building itself and adjacent liturgical structures that together form a small precinct in the historic centre. The nearby Baptistery of Neon and other early Christian monuments are major draws for visitors interested in late Roman and Byzantine mosaics.
The cathedral has been rebuilt and altered several times across the centuries, producing a building that reflects multiple historic phases rather than a single preserved early structure. Decorative work and restorations have been carried out in different periods to maintain the cathedral’s fabric.
The Duomo is located in central Ravenna near Piazza del Duomo and is within walking distance of the city’s major early Christian monuments and museums in the historic centre.
- Ecclesiastical seat: The cathedral is the seat of the Archdiocese of Ravenna-Cervia and traces its origins to an early medieval foundation in the 5th century.
- Nearby mosaics: The nearby Baptistery of Neon contains some of Ravenna’s most important early Christian mosaics and is located next to the cathedral building.
What to See#
- Baptistery of Neon: An early Christian baptistery with a richly decorated mosaic ceiling dating to the 5th or 6th century, located adjacent to the cathedral complex.
- Cathedral precinct: A small archiepiscopal chapel and associated historical structures forming the immediate cathedral precinct in central Ravenna.
How to Get to Ravenna Cathedral#
Ravenna is a 1-1.5 hour train ride from Bologna. The cathedral is a five- to ten-minute walk from Ravenna train station and sits in the historic centre near other major mosaic sites.
Tips for Visiting Ravenna Cathedral#
- Enter early to see mosaics in clearer light and with fewer crowds; mid-morning can be busiest.
- Don't miss the Baptistery of Neon nearby for some of Ravenna's most famous mosaics - it's a short walk from the cathedral.
- Wear modest clothing out of respect; the cathedral is an active church.
Best Time to Visit Ravenna Cathedral#
Visit in spring or autumn for comfortable weather and lighter crowds; early morning visits give the best light for the interior mosaics.
Weather & Climate near Ravenna Cathedral#
Ravenna Cathedral's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 0°C to 30°C. Moderate rainfall (666 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 0° - 6° | 1° | 39 mm | overcast | 81% | 1.9 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.1h |
| February | Good | 1° - 9° | 4° | 37 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 2.0 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.3h |
| March | Good | 5° - 14° | 8° | 54 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 2.4 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Very Good | 8° - 17° | 13° | 55 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 2.5 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 13.3h |
| May | Excellent | 12° - 23° | 18° | 54 mm | partly cloudy | 72% | 2.2 m/s | 1.4 high | 14.6h |
| June | Excellent | 16° - 27° | 22° | 50 mm | mostly sunny | 68% | 2.3 m/s | 1.7 very high | 15.3h |
| July | Ideal | 19° - 30° | 24° | 46 mm | mostly sunny | 64% | 2.2 m/s | 1.7 very high | 15.0h |
| August | Excellent | 19° - 30° | 24° | 61 mm | mostly sunny | 65% | 2.1 m/s | 1.4 high | 13.8h |
| September | Excellent | 15° - 26° | 20° | 68 mm | some cloud | 68% | 2.0 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 12.4h |
| October | Very Good | 10° - 19° | 15° | 65 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 2.0 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 10.8h |
| November | Acceptable | 5° - 12° | 7° | 82 mm | overcast | 80% | 2.0 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.5h |
| December | Poor | 1° - 7° | 2° | 55 mm | overcast | 80% | 2.0 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.7h |
