Many objects on display in churches in Ravenna came from Constantinople. To show the connection between these ancient cities, let’s consider some of these ancient monuments from Istanbul.
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Forgotten Byzantine gems in Ravenna
Beyond the UNESCO-listed eight monuments that present Byzantine history, what else should one not miss in Ravenna? The city does an excellent task in keeping these eight places on the map and well described. Yet, other fabulous finds in Ravenna connect to Byzantine history. Let’s explore these hidden Byzantine gems of non-UNESCO sites in Ravenna.
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A free walking tour around Hagia Sophia
The perimeter of the Hagia Sophia offers insights into the historic church that cannot be found during an interior visit. Each corner of the former church offers insights into what formerly existed nearby.
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Observing the Contrast of Byzantine Istanbul and Ravenna
A visit to both places that host Byzantine history will give you a new perspective. At a concert in a historic church in Ravenna, an Italian man said that when he visited Istanbul, he saw more destruction compared to Ravenna. What did he mean by these words? Let’s dig into the details of how these two Byzantine capitals differ.
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How to Tour Ravenna’s three Byzantine periods Chronologically
During my visit to Ravenna, I found myself confused about the significance of the Basilicas and the historical context surrounding them. I observed most tourists entering Ravenna’s Byzantine churches only took a brief look without understanding some of the historical context. So, I decided to approach the situation by mapping out three Byzantine periods that mark the historic churches of Ravenna.
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Spectator or a partaker of Oneness
The game is on – God is real, and His oneness may not be what we expect. Are we merely spectators of God’s oneness, or can we actively participate with Him? Do we passively watch from a distance, or can God dwell among us as we engage with Him? Those who are connected participate more deeply than those who observe from afar. Which would you prefer – a spectator or a partaker?
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