BETA VERSION
Official Tourist Information Site
of Ravenna

Ancient Port of Classe

Via Marabina, 7 - Ravenna

Just a few kilometres south of Ravenna, the archaeological site of the ANCIENT PORT OF CLASSE raises in all its grandeur. It is composed of the port and commercial area of the ancient city of Classe.

It is a park open to the public of about 10,000 sqm that offers a synchronous visit experience to the ancient port of Classe of the period between the 5th and the 6th century AD.

A bit of history

The settlement of Classe raised around the 27 BC, on an initiative of Emperor Augustus. As a matter of fact, the emperor decided to set the military fleet in Ravenna, in order to safeguard the eastern part of the Mediterranean.

The long canal harbour made of several basins was able to host up to 250 military ships.

After the capital of the Western Roman Empire moved from Milan to Ravenna, the settlement underwent some changes. At the beginning of the 5th century AD, the port was reorganised in order to fully pursue its business aims; it namely had to receive, preserve and redistribute the great amount of goods and foodstuffs arriving to the city.

In that moment, the Civita Classis that we still see today in the mosaics of the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo (6th century AD) originated.

The port became an important seaport on the Adriatic, the sea front door to the whole Po valley.

Sadly, the golden age didn’t last long – less than two centuries. The economic crisis, the fall of the commercial traffic and the silting of the communication canals led to the decay of the area starting from the 8th century AD.

What to see

There are two ways to visit the Archaeological Park of Classe:

  • freely, following the itinerary marked by information panels;
  • with a professional guide, booking a guided tour.

Along the itinerary, you will see a series of panels that show the history of the Ancient Port of Classe, from its origins to its decay.

Walking along these remains of history, you can see the openings to the sea and the cobbled-stone Roman street used for the mooring. Moreover, you can enter the former warehouses where the goods were storaged.

The installation of five perspectival panels depict the reconstruction of those buildings, which, melting with the actual surrounding landscape, give a glimpse of what they used to look like during the port’s period of splendour.

Many objects found during the excavations, such as marbles, lamps, amphoras, and valuable items, are today exhibited inside the Classis museum.

Along with the Ancient Port of Classe, it gives an accurate and updated picture of the history of this area between the 5th and the 6th century AD.

CONTACTS

FOCUS

The new setting of the archaeological site

The whole area of the Ancient Port of Classe has recently undergone a series of valuable and multidisciplinary enhancement works, which involved the site recovery, a process of securing, works on the water channel system, the safeguard of biodiversity and, of course, the restoration of the real archaeological area, with a deepened focus on the epoch between the 5th and the 6th century AD.

Inaugurated just a few years ago, the area is easili reachable by bike, departing from the city centre, thanks to a comfortable cycle path.

In summer, many people from Ravenna come here to take part in interesting guided tours, as well as concerts and performances on the green lawns that side the canal.

Today, the Ancient Port is the first stop of the Archaeological Park of Classe, which also includes the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe and the Classis Museum. The Park is a 360° journey in the history of Ravenna and the entire territory.

Further information

Opening times

The Ancient Port of Classe is closed to the public until spring 2024.

Opening for groups upon request to Centro Prenotazioni RavennAntica.

Closing time

From 4th September, the Ancient Port of Classe is closed to the public.

Opening for groups upon request to Centro Prenotazioni RavennAntica.

Entrance fee

Full ticket: €5
Reduced ticket for groups: €4
Special Reduced ticket for up to 25 years old: €2

Every first Sunday of the month admission to the monument is free.
Furthermore, also on February 7thApril 25thJune 2ndJuly 23rdAugust 30thOctober 14th (Notte d’oro)November 4th and December 7th admission is free.

COMBINED TICKET
> Ancient Port of Classe + Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe: €9; concessions €4 (18-25 years); Free (7-17 years)
> Ancient Port of Classe + Classis Museum: €9; concessions €7 (18-25 years); €6 (7-17 years)
> Ancient Port of Classe + Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe + Classis Museum: €13; concessions €10 (18-25 years); €6 (7-17 years)

Advanced booking is highly recommended on: info.ravennantica.it

Admission + guided tour for school groups: €4 per pupil
Workshop: €7 per pupil

For info and school reservations: +39 0544 36136 (from Monday to Friday 9 am – 1 pm).
Email: didattica@ravennantica.org

Free of charge

All categories provided for by the Ministry of Culture (MIC).

Accessibility

The archaeological park is completely accessible to people with disabilities.

How to get there

The area is located about 5 km south of the city centre of Ravenna, in Ponte Nuovo, on the way to Classe/Rimini.

By bus: route no. 4 and 176, departing from the railway station of Ravenna. Fore more informations: www.startromagna.it

By bike: the area is connected with the city through an efficien cycle path.

By car: near the park is a wide car parking area that is easy to reach from the nearby railway stations of Ravenna and Classe.

A cura della Redazione Locale
E-mail: turismo@comune.ravenna.it

Last edit:29 January 2024

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