On Saturday 18th October, the lights in Ravenna turn on for NOTTE D’ORO. Guided tours, exhibitions, extraordinary evening openings of the monuments and much more will enliven the historical centre of the city with a wide programme of events.
Squares, streets and cultural venues come alive until late in the evening, offering a special opportunity to experience Ravenna in a different atmosphere. A rich programme of events in the heart of the city brings together locals and visitors alike.
This year, the Notte d’Oro will be even more spectacular and engaging, in an edition that sees Ravenna named the Italian Capital of the Sea 2026, coinciding with the initiatives linked to the Theodoric Celebrations 526–2026 and the 30th anniversary of the inscription of the Early Christian Monuments of Ravenna on the World Heritage List.
Throughout the day, admission to the State-owned monuments (the National Museum, Theodoric’s Mausoleum, the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe and the Arian Baptistery) is free.
The detailed programme is currently being updated.
PROGRAMMA
• FEDERICO BASSO
Where: Piazza del Popolo
Time: 9.30 pm
A long-standing figure on the Zelig programme and winner of the fifth series of LOL, Federico Basso is a comedian and television writer. A fan of stand-up comedy, his stage presence is strongly influenced by the Italian comedy tradition. His humour has made the leap from television to the world of social media, turning him into a truly viral sensation! Profilo Basso is the name of his show: drawing on all his experience as a comedian now active on social media, he brings everyday life, viewed from various angles, to the stage.
Free entry
• AMERIGO VESPUCCI
Where: Marina di Ravenna – via della FocaMonica
The Italian Navy’s historic training ship, the Amerigo Vespucci, will be docked at Marina di Ravenna from 14th to 18th October.
Information to be defined
• NICOLA SAMORÌ. SUPREMALIA
Where: MAR – Ravenna Art Museum – Via di Roma, 13
Time: until 12 am
A major solo exhibition by Nicola Samorì, one of the most important Italian artists on the international contemporary art scene. A brand-new exhibition project, curated by Denis Isaia, conceived specifically for the MAR’s spaces.
Admission: € 6 (ticket office closes at 11.30 pm)
For further information, click HERE
• MARCANTONIO. COSA VUOI FARE DA PICCOLO?
Where: Palazzo Rasponi dalle Teste – Piazza J.F. Kennedy, 12
Time: until 10.30 pm
Palazzo Rasponi dalle Teste is hosting a solo exhibition by Marcantonio, one of Italy’s best-known artists and designers, who is also renowned for his ability to blend art and design through an ironic and surreal approach.
Free admission. For further information, click HERE
• MAGMA presents COLIN SELF
Where: MAR – Ravenna Art Museum – Via di Roma, 13
Time: from 10 pm to 1.30 am
An American artist, composer and puppeteer who lives and works between Brooklyn and Berlin. His practice weaves together liturgical choral music and performative theatre, creating a vocal tapestry that oscillates between the harmonic and the dissonant, the controlled and the aleatory.
The evening will open and continue with a dj set that will accompany and enhance the atmosphere of the performance.
Free entry. For more information click HERE
EXHIBITION
• GALLERIA PAOLO ROVERSI
Where: MAR – Ravenna Art Museum – Via di Roma, 13
Time: until 12 am
The new permanent exhibition dedicated to the great Ravenna-born photographer Paolo Roversi, one of the most influential figures in international contemporary photography, featuring iconic portraits and fashion photographs set against a backdrop of light, shadow and texture.
Admission: included in the museum ticket
For further information, click HERE
• LA ROTONDA DEL RE. IL MAUSOLEO DI TEODORICO NELLE COLLEZIONI CLASSENSI
Where: Big Cloister of the Classense Library – Via Alfredo Baccarini, 3
Time: until 11 pm
An exhibition organised as part of the international celebrations marking the 1.500th anniversary of King Theodoric’s death.
For further information, click HERE
• PAROLE AD ALTEZZA D’UOMO
Where: Manica Lunga of the Classense Library – Via Alfredo Baccarini, 3
Time: until 11 pm (9 pm guided tour)
Closing event for Alberto Orioli’s exhibition blending contemporary art with references to Dante.
For further information, click HERE
• LEGATO CON AMORE IN UN VOLUME
Where: Aula Magna of the Classense Library – Via Alfredo Baccarini, 3
Time: until 11 pm
Antique books, prints and archival documents tell the story of Dante’s legacy.
For further information, click HERE
• ALLA SCOPERTA DI NOI. CI MOSTRIAMO
Where: Big Cloister of the Classense Library – Via Alfredo Baccarini, 3
Time: until 11 pm
Exhibition of works created by the girls taking part in the Get Up – Desteenazione project.
• FU TUTTO SERAFICO IN ARDORE
Where: Basilica of San Francesco – Piazza San Francesco, 1
Time: until 11 pm
An exhibition to mark the 800th anniversary of the death of San Francesco.
For further information, click HERE
• VIA ZIRARDINI OPEN-AIR GALLERY – GIOCARE ALLA GRANDE, GIOCARE DI PIÙ
Where: Via Zirardini Open-air Gallery
Time: always visible
The open-air gallery on Via Zirardini will host an exhibition on the Right to Play, organised by the Lucertola Ludens Association.
For further information, click HERE
• SOTTOTERRA: FORME DI INCHIOSTRO E OLIO
Where: PR2 – Via M. Azeglio, 2
Time: until 11 pm
An exhibition by Veronica Casadei and Tommaso Martines.
Free entry. For more information click HERE
MOSTRA DI BONSAI
Where: Cloister of the Oriani Library – via Corrado Ricci, 26
Time: 9 am – 12.30 pm | 2.30 pm – 7 pm
Free entry
GUIDED TOUR
• MUNICIPAL RESIDENCE (PALAZZO MERLATO)
Where: Piazza del Popolo, 1
Time: from 6.30 pm to 9.30 pm (last entrance 9 pm) | from 6 pm to 6.30 pm guided tour with interpretation in LIS (Italian Sign Language)
No reservation needed for the free guided tour in italian. Departures every 20′.
Info: +39 0544 482838/35404
• SALE SUPERIORI OF THE CLASSENSE LIBRARY
Where: Biblioteca Classense – Via Alfredo Baccarini, 3
Time: 11.30 am – 12.30 pm – 3.30 pm- 4.30 pm – 5.30 pm – 6.30 pm
Open to the public and free guided tours – booking essential:+39 0544 482112. Info segreteriaclas@classense.ra.it
• CRIPTA RASPONI AND GIARDINI PENSILI
Where: Piazza San Francesco, 7
Time: 7.30 pm -8 pm – 8.30 pm – 9 pm – 9.30 pm
Curated by Fondazione RavennAntica.
Ticket € 3. Info: +39 0544 36136 – prenotazioni@ravennantica.org
• SILENT PLAY PER DUE POETI. DANTE E BYRON A RAVENNA
Meeting point: IAT – Piazza S. Francesco, 7
Time: 3.30 pm (duration 1h and 30′)
An immersive guided tour using special wireless headphones, exploring the Ravenna of Dante and Byron.
For information and bookings: visitravenna.it
• SUNSET IN BOSCOFORTE
Meeting point: Cancello di Boscoforte
Time: 4.30 (duration 2h)
A guided walking tour to explore the Boscoforte Peninsula, in the heart of the Comacchio Valleys, within the Po Delta Park.
For more information, click HERE
• L’ARGINE DEGLI ANGELI BY BIKE AT SUNSET
Meeting point: Trattoria Primaro
Time: 4 pm (duration 2h and 30′)
A guided cycle tour through the Southern Valleys of Comacchio to explore the natural beauty of the Po Delta and admire flocks of pink flamingos.
For more ifnormation click HERE
SPECIAL OPENINGS
• NEONIAN BAPTISTERY
Where: Piazza Duomo, 1
Time: from 9 pm to 11 pm
Free entry. Info: info@ravennamosaici.it
• NATIONAL MUSEUM
Where: Via San Vitale, 17
Time: until 11 pm (last entrance 10.30 pm)
Free entry all day long.
For information: +39 0544 543724 or mn-ra.comunicazione@cultura.gov.it
• ARIAN BAPTISTERY
Where: Piazzetta degli Ariani
Time: until 11 pm (last entrance 10.30 pm)
Free entry all day long.
For information: +39 0544 543724 or mn-ra.comunicazione@cultura.gov.it
• MAUSOLEUM OF THEODORIC
Where: Via delle Industrie, 14
Time: until 5.30 (last entrance 5 pm)
Free entry all day long.
For information: +39 0544 543724 or mn-ra.comunicazione@cultura.gov.it
• BASILICA OF SANT’APOLLINARE IN CLASSE
Where: Via Romea Sud, 224
Time: until 7.30 pm (last entrance 7 pm)
Free entry all day long.
For information: +39 0544 543724 or mn-ra.comunicazione@cultura.gov.it
• AULA MAGNA OF THE CLASSENSE LIBRARY
Where: Via A. Baccarini, 3
Time: until 11 pm
Opening and free entry
For information: + 39 0544 482112 or informazioni@classense.ra.it
• SALA DANTESCA OF THE CLASSENSE LIBRARY
Where: Via A. Baccarini, 3
Time: from 8 pm to 11 pm
Opening and free entry
For information: + 39 0544 482112 or informazioni@classense.ra.it
• BYRON MUSEUM AND RISORGIMENTO MUSEUM
Where: Palazzo Guiccioli – Via Cavour, 54
Time: until 10.30 pm
Ingresso a pagamento con ticket.
For information: +39 0544 1963585 or info@museibyronedelrisorgimento.it
• PALAZZO RASPONI DALLE TESTE
Where: Piazza J.F. Kennedy, 12
Time: until 11 pm
Free entry
• CRIPTA RASPONI AND GIARDINI PENSILI
Where: Piazza San Francesco, 7
Time: from 6.30 pm to 10.30 pm
Curated by Fondazione RavennAntica.
Ticket € 3. Info: +39 0544 36136 or prenotazioni@ravennantica.org
MUSIC AND SHOWS
• VERBA SONORA IN TEMPLO DOMINI
Where: Church of San Giovanni Battista – Via Girolamo Rossi, 45
Time: 8 pm
A concert of sacred music spanning the Renaissance, Classical and Baroque periods, featuring the Ebe Stignani Choir of Bagnacavallo, conducted by Maestro Giorgio Coppetta Calzavara.
Free admission. For information: erconcerti@yahoo.it
ECCELLENZA E VISIONE. IL PATRIMONIO MATERIALE E IMMATERIALE CULTURALE ITALIANO
Where: Sala Corelli of the Teatro Alighieri – Via Angelo Mariani, 2
Time: 8.30 pm
Meeting with Giorgio Guberti, Federico Marchetti and Raffaello Bellavista.
Curated by Associazione Accademia del Melo Silvestre
Free entry with booking required HERE.
• BRASS CONCERT
Where: Neonian Baptistery garden – Piazza Duomo, 1
Time: 9 pm
The concert and entry to the Baptistery are free of charge. For information: info@ravennamosaici.it
EPIC POEM ” LA GUERRA SI VINCE SE TORNA IN BATTAGLIA DI ERACLE L’ARCO E LA FRECCIA MITRAGLIA”
Where: Palazzo Rasponi dalle Teste – Piazza J.F. Kennedy, 12
Time: 9 pm (duration 50′)
Eugenio Sideri and Enrico Caravita bring the legendary tale of Philoctetes to the stage in a sort of lecture-turned-performance. A gripping epic tale that remains strikingly relevant today, exploring strategy, passion and the dynamics of power – which remain the same, yesterday as today.
Free admission, subject to availability.
• VERBUM ET MUSICA. LE PAROLE DI FRANCESCO E CHIARA D’ASSISI IN DIALOGO CON J.S. BACH
Where: Church of Santa Maria Maddalena – Via Corrado Ricci, 10
Time: 10 pm
A journey of listening and meditation in which four texts from the Franciscan tradition alternate with pieces by Johann Sebastian Bach.
Maurizio Padovani narrator
Antonio Amoroso piano
Anna Maltoni cello
Curated by Istituto Musicale Verdi, organized by Opera di Religione.
Free entry. For information: erconcerti@yahoo.it
OTHER EVENTS
• LA BANALITÀ DEL MARE
Where: Palazzo Rasponi dalle Teste – Piazza J.F. Kennedy, 12
Time: from 7 pm in loop until 1 pm
Video installation curated by Gerardo Lamattina
Free entry
• RAVENNA NIGHTMARE FILM FESTIVAL
Where: Rasi Theatre– Via di Roma, 39
Time: 9 pm
A day dedicated to the dark side of cinema: screenings, international competitions, previews and meetings with filmmakers.
For more information click HERE
• SPORT IN DARSENA AND NAVIGARE IN DARSENA
Where: Darsena di Città
An event to promote sport, organised in collaboration with sports associations.
Sailing regattas, demonstrations and concerts.
• SPOTTED NOTTE D’ORO
Where: Piazza Andrea Costa
Time: 9 pm
Spotted’s Notte d’Oro is back for the third year running. Dj sets, food and drink, and university promotions.
• ANTIQUE MARKET
Where: streets and squares of the city centre
Time: 8 am – 7 pm
• GARAGE SALE
When and where: Sunday 18th Octobre | Borgo San Rocco
Time: 10 am – 6.30 pm
• CHISOCO CLASSENSE. NOTTE D’ORO IN GIOCO
Where: The area in front of the former newsagent’s in Piazza del Popolo
Time: 3.30 pm – 7 pm
Board games for adults and teenagers – a chance to discover new games, challenge friends and family, and spend an evening filled with strategy, creativity and fun. I also offer book loans and help with signing up to the Classense Library.
• IMPROWAY
Where: Via Barbiani, corner via Cavour
Time: 9 pm – 11 pm
Theatrical improvisation involving the audience. Organised by the 05Quartoatto Aps Association.
For information: 05quartoatto@gmail.com
• OMMAGE TO NOTTE D’ORO
Where: IAT – Piazza S. Francesco, 7
Time: 8.30 am – 10 pm
MTS – Mosaic Temporary Shop. Exhibition of artistic mosaic crafts
NOTTE D’ORO FOR KIDS
• RIFLESSI D’ORO E GIOCHI DI TESSERE
Where: MAR – Ravenna Art Museum – Via di Roma, 13
Time: 4 pm
Duration: 1 h e 30′
Mosaic workshop for children aged 5 to 11, organised by the Education Department of RavennAntica.
Cost: € 11, free for accompanying adults
For information and required booking: +39 0544 473717
• GOLDEN HOLDEN
Where: Classense Library (sala Holden) – Via Baccarini 1 e 3
Time: 8 pm – 11 pm
Board games to suit all tastes, for girls and boys aged 0 to 120. On the day, you’ll be able to sign up for library services and browse the shelves to choose books to read and borrow.
Free entry. For information: +39 0544 482112 – segreteriaclas@classense.ra.it
BARS AND CLUBS
• FELLINI SCALINO 5
Where: Piazza J.F. Kennedy, 15
Time: from 6 pm to 2 am
Aperitifs and music with a DJ set, followed by a dinner show featuring entertainment and surprise moments. From 10.30 pm, a DJ set in collaboration with the Matilda staff.
• CLOS
Where: Via Ponte Marino, 11/13
Time: from 6 pm till late
Italian vinyl with dj Rone.
• IGINGINI
Where: Via IX febbraio, 14
Time: from 6 pm till late
A special evening to mark the Notte d’Oro, featuring an aperitif, dinner, cocktails and music, followed by a night of dancing.
The evening will also feature special events and surprises dedicated to the Notte d’Oro.
