Ravenna is a beautiful city to the north, near the sea. Driving from Assisi, we pass through the hills of Umbria followed by a mountain range to emerge onto the flats leading to the city. Flat means walk-able and bike-able, and the streets are full of Italian grannies biking around town.
There are many shops and cafes. People live and work in this city, and there aren't so many tourists.
Dante died here, though I have yet to visit his tomb. Someday!
We did visit one of my favorite churches, the Basilica of San Vitale.
The colors of the mosaics and windows are some of the most beautiful I've seen... pale greens and golds and roses.
Even better is the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia located in the gardens of the basilica. This small, red brick building is lined with mosaics sparkling in the dark. The images are strange, post-apocalyptic, figures dressed in white waiting on shadowy shores.
We ended the day on the beach, where the water was warm and full of stinging jellyfish, but still relieving after the heat of the town.
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