Audio Guide of Basilica of San Vitale

The basilica is open daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM (last entry at 6:30 PM) from April 1 to September 30, and from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM in winter; check for changes on the official website. Enter via Via Argentario in Ravenna, and buy your ticket at the nearby ticket office or online.

It is not free; it is part of the UNESCO circuit with a combined ticket costing €11.50 for adults (valid for one day for 8 monuments), €9.50 reduced, and free for children under 10. Buy it at the ticket office, through the app, or online.

About 45–60 minutes is recommended to enjoy the mosaics and architecture without rushing. If you use an audio guide, such as the one from IAudioguia, you may want to extend it to 1 hour for a more immersive experience.

Built in the 6th century under Emperor Justinian, it is an icon of Byzantine art with breathtaking mosaics of Justinian and Theodora that tell its story. It represents the fusion of Eastern and Western art and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Spring (April–May) or autumn (September–October) are ideal because of the mild weather and fewer tourists; go early in the morning (9–11 AM) for the best light on the mosaics and to avoid midday crowds.

It offers partial wheelchair access on the ground floor, but the elevated mosaic areas require stairs; check details on the official website or call +39 0544 541688 for assistance.

Just a short walk away is the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia with its starry mosaics, the Neon Baptistery, and Dante's Tomb; all are included in the same UNESCO ticket for a full day in Ravenna.

Wear comfortable shoes, book an audio guide at IAudioguia for detailed explanations, and combine it with other UNESCO sites to make the most of your ticket; take photos without flash and respect the silence.