In 2022 I spent 3 nights and 2 full days in Ravenna. I just barely finished my sightseeing list, which was mostly mosaic-related. I didn't have time to go to the relatively new historical museum out at Classe. Except for the Classe locations, Ravenna is walkable. It has an attractive historic center.
With one day and an early start you should be able to see the six or seven usually-mentioned mosaic sites, including Sant'Apollinare out in Classe, but I don't know whether there would be time for a sit-down lunch. There are actually a lot more places with mosaics and/or information about mosaics in Ravenna, though. What follows is my list of sights with mosaicx, based on info from multiple guidebooks, posts on this forum, etc. The list is roughly in geographical order rather than by priority.
There are several combo tickets for mosaic sites in Ravenna. I think their coverage doesn't overlap.
- Mausoleo di Galla Placidia, Via San Vitale: Gorgeous mosaics. Reservations necessary at least part of the year. Apparently busiest in spring due to school trips. I've been to Ravenna twice, in late June and September, and didn't run into significant crowds. I suspect this is one Italian town that's busier during spring "shoulder" season than in the summer, but I am just guessing.
- Basilica di San Vitale, Via San Vitale / Via Argentario 22: Best mosaics. Reservations necessary May-Jun and recommended Mar-Apr.
- Domus dei Tappeti di Pietra, Via Gianbattista Barbiani 16: Byzantine house with 5C-6C floor mosaics discovered 1993, from late-Roman palace. Not nearly as impressive as UNESCO mosaics but worth seeing for fans. Enter through Sant’Eufemia, Via Barbiani.
- Battistero degli Ariani, Via degli Ariani: Breathtaking dome mosaic begun in 5C.
- Basilica di Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, Via di Roma 52: Mosaics (part Arian) in 560s church; Roman above, Byzantine below.
- Basilica di San Francesco, Piazza San Francesco 1: Flooded crypt with 10C mosaics and columns.
- Cripta Rasponi e Giardini Pensili, Piazza di San Francesco: 6C mosaic in crypt (actually a chapel) from church in Classe.
- Battistero Neoniano, Piazza Battistero/Piazza del Duomo 1: Late 4C, mosaics late 5C. Mosaic of baptism of Christ.
- Capella di Sant’Andrea e Museo Arcivescovile, Piazza Arcivescovile 1: Relics of early-Christian Ravenna. 5C Mosaics in Capella di Sant’Andrea and exquisite 6C Byzantine ivory throne.
- Museo TAMO Mosaico, Via Nicolo Rondinelli 2: History of Ravenna mosaic work with focus on contemporary work.
- Museo d’Arte della Citta di Ravenna (MAR), Loggetta Lombardesca, Via di Roma 13: Three collections shown in 16C monastery: ancient art (14C-19C), modern collection (19C-21C) and contemporary mosaics. Mosaic collection was closed when I visited, so check website if uninterested in other collections. www.mar.ra.it/eng/Home
- Basilica di Sant’Apollinare in Classe, Via Romea Sud 224, Classe: Lighter than Ravenna’s other churches. Magnificent mosaics on arch above (oldest and best ones) and area around altar. Accessible by train or bus.
- Classis Ravenna—Museo della Citta e del Territorio, Via Classense 29, Classe: New museum documenting history of area in Roman, Ostrogoth and Byzantine periods. Bronzes, stone sculptures, glassware and mosaic fragments. Bus Classe RR station. Easy walk from Sant’Apollinare in Classe.
The Ravenna tourist office offers mosaic tours: https://www.turismo.ra.it/en/events/guided-tours/tessere-di-mosaico/. I haven't taken one of them.
