Ravenna's Surroundings

Other attractions of great historical, artistic and naturalistic interest can be found within a short distance and can be easily reached within one hour's bus drive at the most from the Cruise Passenger Terminal.

Bologna (80 km from the Cruise Terminal), chief city of the Emilia-Romagna region and seat of the most ancient University in Europe, offers a well-known artistic and monumental heritage: a medieval city centre with its two famous towers, the basilica of S. Petronio and the striking complex of the seven churches. Particularly interesting, also, are the Civic Museum, the Morandi Museum and the modern art Gallery.

Ferrara is an ideal Renaissance city and in fact, its perfectly preserved and intact old town centre is protected by UNESCO. The city owes its elegance and charm to the powerful Este family who, during their period of rule, made Ferrara one of the capitals of Italian culture. Walking through its narrow streets means continually discovering new and perfectly-preserved buildings, loggias, gardens and frescoes.

During the Middle Ages, the ancient Benedictine monastery of Pomposa was one of the most important centres of spirituality and culture in the world. This is where the monk Guido d'Arezzo invented a music script based on the hexachord thet is still used today. It is one of the purest examples of Romanesque architecture in Italy.

Just a few kilometres from the abbey is the "delle Valli" lagoon complex, with over 13,000 hectares of water, Comacchio is the capital of this realm, a charming lagoon town built on 13 small islands that dates from the late-Roman period.

Maranello (2 hours of bus from Cruise Terminal), in the province of Modena, is the heart of Motorvalley and the world of Ferrari, the legendary car manufacturer. Here, in the historical factory founded by Enzo Ferrari, the most famous cars in the world are designed and built. This is also where the Ferrari Gallery is situated; covering a total surface area of 2,500 sqm, it is the official museum of the rampant horse and narrates the history and legends surrounding motor racing and the founder of the famous brand.