Ravenna, is the capital of the Province of Ravenna in the
Emilia-Romagna region in Italy.
Once upon a time, it was also the capital city of the
Western Roman Empire from 402 until the collapse in 476. Ravenna was conquered
by the Byzantine Empire in 540. Ravenna’s
history is rich in conquests, architecture, literature and music. The history
is immense, and many books are available on the subject.
The town survived many wars, conquests and occupations. Ravenna
was ruled by Venice from about 1440 until 1509. Sacked by the French in 1512, followed
by another short conquest by Venice from 1527 to 1529. That is just a
smattering of the incredible history.
The history is rich and convoluted, and even World War II
did little damage. The preservation of the town is astounding, and it truly is
an amazing place to see.
The buildings are steeped in age, and you get an incredible
sense of history when you walk the narrow, cobbled streets, or even stop in a
modern cafe that is housed in an ancient building.
For me, a coffee stop is the rigueur to get a sense of the city.
In Italy an espresso is gulped down quickly while standing. I prefer to savor
mine while I sit and observe the locals. There is a higher fee for the coffee
if you sit down. I’m a tourist, I sit and sip. But I digress...
Ravenna is a photographer’s paradise. It is a walking city,
and every street, building, cobblestone is a treasure. Eight of UNESCO’s Heritage
Sites are found in Ravenna, from churches, to a mausoleum, to basilicas and a
baptistry. The sites dated from 430 to 549.
Notable writers like Byron, Hesse, Wilde, T.S. Elliot and Dante wrote about Ravenna in one way or
another.
There is an annual Ravenna Music Festival, Operas held at
the Teatro Alighieri, something for everyone. Ravenna is rich in cultural history,
and even Chicago has a classical link to Ravenna. Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s
director Ricardo Muti, is a longtime resident of Ravenna.
Cruising allows you to see a bit of a place, and most likely
I would never have seen Ravenna otherwise. I’m grateful to have seen even a
little.
Blood
Art Goodreads giveaway. https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/enter_choose_address/77996-blood-art
Cheers,
Margot
Justes
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