The ride to Ravenna was another relatively easy one with almost no climbing and only 60km, just the heat to deal with. Again we are mostly riding along the beach roads so plenty of services available when we needed a cool break. We arrived too early for our check in so found a bar to stop in while waiting. The woman serving us asked us where we were from and we said Canada, then she asked where in Canada so we told her Calgary and she then looked stunned and said that her father and other family members live in Calgary! What a coincidence this was. She then proceeded to show me pictures of her family in Calgary.
We’re staying in a lovely bed and breakfast here, close to the old city, with a big garden area in the back to keep the bike and relax in. Unfortunately when we arrived we realized that we had left 2 of our 3 bike locks back in Rimini! Neither of us are sure how we managed to do this but were not interested in returning or having them sent to us so our first errand was finding a bike shop and getting a new one. The one lock we left is a very heavy and annoying “D” lock so I’m secretly happy about it. After taking care of that and some laundry we headed into the city to start looking at some of the 8 UNESCO sites here featuring Byzantine era mosaics (approximately 5th – 6th century AD). This is what Ravenna is famous for and now I understand why. The 2 we saw on the first day were the Neoniano baptistry and the St. Andrew Chapel. These are both small places that are unassuming from the outside but stunning inside. It’s hard to imagine that they have survived 1700 years and look perfect.
The next day we finished the Ravenna mosaic tour with the other 4 sites in the city: Basilica St. Vitale, Galla Placidia Mausoleum, Ariani Baptistry and Basilica St. Apollinare. Again all were very unassuming brick buildings from the outside but once inside you are in awe. There are 2 more a little way out of Ravenna too but we decided 6 was enough. We also visited another site where, in 1993 while beginning construction of a parking garage, some Roman era remains were unearthed. What was left was primarily the mosaic tiled floors of a few homes and a street. Floors don’t withstand the elements as well as domed ceilings for obvious reasons but these are also quite amazing considering the age.
It is still very warm here so we are trying to do things in the morning, take a rest and then back out later in the afternoon which helps a bit. It is apparently uncharacteristically hot for this area. Luckily we have good AC in the apartment.
geeteetravels 
The mosaics are absolutely amazing! So incredibly detailed. Great pictures. Looks like a place to add to our list. Ride safe!
Margo
Yes absolutely amazing to see, they take your breath away when you first walk in. If you were religious I’m sure it would be an even greater experience. The camera doesn’t capture it really, you would need more than a phone camera.