3rd – 6th June
Ravenna, once the capital of the Western Roman Empire is now an earthly paradise for mosaic lovers. The churches are packed with a Byzantine brilliance which is simply breathtaking. The city has a lovely atmosphere, full of cafes, trattorias and good shops. We will spend a day exploring further into the Po Valley with a visit to the Comacchio Lagoon. Here we hope to take a boat out in to the lagoon to see the fishing huts. The trip will be a mix of mosaics, frescoes, local traditions and wonderful food. There will also be the opportunity to take part in a mosaic workshop for those who wish.
We will stay at the Palazzo Bezzi, a lovely 18th-century hotel in the heart of the city with a rooftop terrace.
Itinerary
Tuesday 3rd June
Our early morning flight will allow us to arrive in good time for a light lunch. We will then explore the city with an introduction to the rather complex history. Seeing the mosaics of Ravenna for the first time is such an unforgettable treat. We shall follow the transition of the city from the capital of the Western Roman Empire to the capital of the Kingdom of the Ostrogoths. We will start in the Arian Baptistery before continuing on to San Vitale, a church that everyone should visit at least once in their life time. Adorning the walls are perfectly preserved mosaics of Biblical scenes, creatures and symbols, fruit and flower garlands curl up the pillars and the highlight must be the depictions of the Byzantine court with fabulous portraits of Justinian I and Empress Theodora. Next door is found another gem, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia. The tiny interior is encrusted in mosaics lit by alabaster windows. Rich patterns of flowers coat the vaults and wonderful scenes depicting the triumph of Eternal Life after death embellish the walls. Supper will be at a local trattoria.
Wednesday 4th June
We will start the day at Sant’ Apollinare Nuovo, commissioned by the Ostrogoth King, Theodoric the Great. Once again, these sparkling mosaics tell a fascinating story and we shall pick out the ‘renovations’ made by Justinian I when the Byzantine Empire gained control of the city. We will then visit the Neonian Baptistery (also known as the Orthodox Baptistery) which will aid discussion on the different approaches to Christianity.
After lunch there will be the option of taking part in a Mosaic Workshop, run by one of the city artisans. No previous experience is necessary and it is a great way of understanding the skill and technique of the Byzantine masters. Alternatively, there will be a visit to the Domus of The Stone Carpets in the basement of the late-baroque Church of Sant’Eufemia. Or of course, you can just have free time to explore the city further or do a spot of shopping. Supper will be in what was once an old cinema and now a contemporary restaurant.
Thursday 5th June
In the morning, we will head north to Comacchio, the tiny cousin of Venice and rarely visited by anyone. This fishing town is built on thirteen islands all interconnected by little bridges, the most intriguing of which is the Treponti. The town and lagoon briefly sparkled with Hollywood glamour when it was used as the set for ‘La Donna del Fiume’ starring Sophia Loren working in the local eel factory (still the speciality of the area). From here we hope to take a boat into the Comacchio Lagoon which forms part of the Po Delta Regional Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will pass the salt basins and see the wooden fishing huts built out on stilts and still using the ancient technique of the Romans.
After lunch we will drive on to the Basilica of Sant’ Apollinare in Classe, making sure we have seen all of the best mosaics and one of the finest examples of an early Christian Basilica known today. The central apse mosaic glistens with the image of Sant’ Apollinaire flanked by sheep against one of the most vibrant greens you will ever see. Our coach will take us back to Ravenna late afternoon. Supper at a trattoria near the hotel.
Friday 6th June
Part of the morning will be spent in the Archiepiscopal Museum, which is home to some wonderful works. We will then leave Ravenna with our bags packed and head to the Mausoleum of Theodoric, a monumental tomb just outside the town. We will have lunch at a great place en route to Bologna, before our flight home.
Further Details
Tuition – The trip will be led by Tom Parsons and Cecily Hennessy. Both tutors are experts in their field and know the city well.
Hotels – We will stay at the Palazzo Bezzi, a lovely 18th-century hotel in the heart of the city which has been restored with a contemporary interior, rooftop terrace and a small courtyard garden.
Flights – We do not book the flights thus allowing you to travel to suit your budget, use airmiles, travel between different airports or on different dates. However, we recommend buying the following flights with British Airways:
3rd June London Heathrow 07.40 – 10.50 Bologna BA0540
6th June Bologna 16.50 – 18.10 London Heathrow BA0545
(If you would like to fly out the day before to avoid the early start, do let me know and I will check availability in our hotel for you. Alternatively, you could spend the night in Bologna and meet the group at the airport arrivals)
Transport – There will be airport transfers to meet the recommended flights. There will also be a boat trip.
Ability – There is quite a lot of walking on this trip, as well as slopes and uneven cobbles. As many of the streets are small you will need to walk from the coach to the churches and museums. As is the case for all our courses, there is a lot of standing while we discuss the works we are looking at.
Ability – There is quite a lot of walking on this trip, as well as slopes and uneven cobbles. As many of the streets are small you will need to walk from the coach to the churches and museums. As is the case for all our courses, there is a lot of standing while we discuss the works we are looking at.
Lunches and Dinners – Lunches are a set menu of two courses to include drinks. Dinner is by no means compulsory, but we book a table for the group each night at different restaurants and divide the bill equally between everyone. Sometimes these may also need to be a set menu but we try our best to avoid this. We will adjust the bill for those not drinking alcohol.
Cost – The fees are £1650 which includes accommodation and breakfast, all lunches, transfers for the recommended flight, transport when connected with teaching, entrance fees, tuition, mosaic workshop, reading lists and local advice. The single occupancy supplement is £180 (double room for single use). Not included are the flights, all suppers, travel insurance. The group will not exceed 16 people and we will divide in to two smaller groups wherever possible.
To register – Please complete the online registration form, having read our terms and conditions and pay a deposit of £600 via bank transfer. Your place is not confirmed until we have received the deposit.
If you have any queries please email charlie@arthistoryabroad or call 01379 871800 (302
NB you must buy your own flights
