Ravenna is the first city to become Italian Capital of the Sea.
The sea in Ravenna is a living system that brings together 9 beach towns along 35 km of coastline, pine forests, lagoons, the port, the Darsena area and various kinds of landscapes of the Po Delta Park, creating a unique balance between nature, culture, work, research and quality of life. Ravenna has been in dialogue with water for centuries and continues to do so today, in a contemporary and sustainable way.
The project for Ravenna – Italian Capital of the Sea 2026 grows out of this richness: a widespread, city-wide initiative designed to enhance what already exists and connect it to a shared network – bringing together institutions, research, culture, associations, and businesses that collectively shape a true maritime community.
In 2026, Ravenna will host a series of initiatives and events that will place the sea at the heart of the city in many different ways. There will be symbolic events and celebrations open to all, initiatives focused on port activities and the blue economy, cultural routes exploring the area’s maritime history, educational and environmental awareness programmes, and new opportunities to experience the coastline and its landscapes in a more conscious and meaningful way.
At the core of the programme are themes such as blue citizenship, biodiversity protection, accessibility, port culture and the blue economy – brought together in an ongoing dialogue between heritage, landscape and contemporary vision. This approach translates into concrete projects, from the enhancement of coastal ecosystems to the advancement of scientific research, and the creation of new opportunities linked to the blue economy.
Adding to the uniqueness of this year is the connection with other major cultural events in the city, starting with the Celebrazioni Teodoriciane and the storytelling of places that have embodied Ravenna’s relationship with the sea for centuries.
Ravenna – Italian Capital of the Sea brings all these elements together, highlighting the role of a city that has historically helped shape the very idea of a seaside holiday – and that today renews this vocation with a stronger focus on sustainability, inclusion, knowledge, and quality of experience.
