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April 13, 2007

Spring Break: Ravenna

My second stop in northern Italy was Ravenna. Famous for its Byzantine mosaics, it's a perfect to pass through for a day or two.
One thing I love about small European cities is that many of them rely on bicycles for transportation. They zig-zag along the streets, cutting-off the pedestrian tourists and speeding by the few cars stopped at a red light. It definitely makes the city feel smaller and less intimidating.
When touring Ravenna, every sight was more impressive than the one before it: A cathedral with extensive mosaic floors. A small mausoleum with brightly colored mosaics in geometric shapes. A basilica, then a baptistery -- all displaying the art in nearly perfect condition.

Once I had enough of mosaics (though in this country there's no such thing as too many mosaics), I went to the Church of Saint Francis where there is a waterlogged crypt with -- come to think of it -- a mosaic floor. Of course, I had to wonder how the goldfish got in there...
For the English literature buffs, tourists can visit the house of Lord Byron near the church. I had to snap this picture for my literature professor, in hopes that he will add a few points to my last exams!

Posted by Kelsea  at 4:44 PM | Permalink

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