We will be staying in Venice for our first 4 nights of our trip. The next 4 nights will be spent in Florence. We would like to take a side trip to Ravenna. I'm trying to decide if we should just go to Ravenna on the way to Florence or make it a day trip from Venice. Seems to make more sense to go on the way to Florence and store our lugguage at the train station while sightseeing. What are you thoughts?
Posted by
Carbondale, IL, USA
1201 posts
I'd do it on the way.
Here's my reasoning. It's about three hours on the train from Venice to Ravenna. Daytrip and it's another three hours back. Then about 2:45 when you go to Florence. For a total of 8-9 hours on the train.
Stop on the way to Florence and it's about the same three hours to Florence from Ravenna. So 3 hours to Ravenna and the 3 hours to Florence for a total of 6 hours of travel time.
Posted by
OP
Indianapolis, IN, U.S
31 posts
That makes sense...I just wanted to get someone elses opinion. Thanks!
Posted by
Trenton, Ontario, Canada
204 posts
We drove from Venice to Ravenna a couple of years ago. There is not much to see there but the Church Mosaics. I would by pass that and maybe stop in Verona which is much more interesting.
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8293 posts
Ah, but the mosaics are really splendid. Do try to see them.
Posted by
OP
Indianapolis, IN, U.S
31 posts
I am a mosaic artist so I am very interested in seeing the Italian mosaics in Ravenna. Thanks very much for your advice. BTW, What is there interesting to see in Verona? Other than Juliet's balcony?
Posted by
Carbondale, IL, USA
1201 posts
When you visit the Basilica di San Marco in Venice, I'd suggest taking a bit of extra time and admission money (5 euros, I think) and going up to the balcony above the entrance. As you walk in, there is a stairway up to the right. There are great views over the piazza. But it gets you really close to the mosaic work. There is also a small exhibit of mosaics and what goes into the restoration that you might find interesting.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
Excellent tip on St. Mark's in Venice.
You don't say if you're going to Rome, but there are some very nice mosaics in some Roman churches (not including St. Peter's of course).
I particularly loved the ones in Santa Maria in Trastevere.
Found this interesting link:
Posted by
OP
Indianapolis, IN, U.S
31 posts
Actually, Rome is our last stop on our trip. Thanks very much for the mosaic tips!
Posted by
Olivebridge, NY, USA
34 posts
Yes,you should go to the St Mark's museum to see the mosaics up close,and other artifacts.If you have the time to go to the island of Torcello,there's full wall Last Judgment in the cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta & other smaller works.On Murano,Santi Maria e Donato has a great floor.Always try to check for open/close times.
It really is easy to detour to Ravenna on the way to Florence.Since you are a mosaic artist,you may want to stay a night in Ravenna,so you can really spend the time to see it all.I did that,arriving in the morning and leaving late afternoon the next day.It gave me time to also browse the stone vendors(just looking),go to an evening concert,buy lunch from the market,eat it in the big piazza,see an art show in a cloister,and buy a mosaic printed cloth that I use for a bedspread.Everything is walkable from the train station,except for 1 church that you can bus to.
Posted by
WPB, FL & Firenze
3112 posts
Find out when the mosaics at St. Mark's are fully illuminated, as they are even more beautiful then. I believe it's happens for a short time each day, and for a longer time on Sunday. Do go up to the museum, where you can linger on the loggia and view the mosaics without the crowds. You'll also get to see the original bronze horses up close. The mosaics in Ravenna are worth seeing. Don't miss visiting the small chapel behind the church.