Ravenna
Emilia-Romagna

Ravenna

156,300 residents · 226,000 within 5 km · 3 m above sea level

85Quality of life
86Infrastruktur
79Economy

What Ravenna is actually like

Ravenna, located in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, emerges as a city rich in history and culture, making it an intriguing choice for expats and retirees. Renowned for its stunning UNESCO-listed Byzantine mosaics, Ravenna serves as a cultural hub with 13 museums and a vibrant arts scene, including the celebrated Ravenna Festival. The city’s compact size boasts a walkable landscape and excellent air quality, though public transport options are limited, and traffic congestion can be an issue. Ravenna's heritage as a historical bridge between Europe and the East contributes to its unique atmosphere. However, expats may face challenges such as a high cost of living and crime rates that exceed the national average. While the local community is regarded as friendly and welcoming, the limited availability of English-speaking services can pose some difficulties. Outdoor activities abound nearby, particularly at the Delta of the Po Park, and the local seafood industry enhances its culinary pleasures.

How Ravenna scores, and why

  • Quality of life here rates strong (85/100) — lifted by getting around on foot, and shops, bars and restaurants within reach, held back by exposure to flood, landslide or earthquake and air quality.
  • Infrastructure here rates strong (86/100), lifted by rail connections and getting around on foot.
  • The local economy rates strong (79/100) — lifted by a big population within reach and local incomes, held back by the cost of property against local wages.

How Ravenna is built

Post-war expanded comune

Pre-war 17%Mid-century 67%Modern 16%
Settlement pattern
Compact
13% of homes scattered in the countryside
In town 87%Dispersed 13%
Condition
90%
Mostly sound — 10% needs work
Good / excellent 90%Poor / mediocre 10%
Occupancy
72%
Mixed — 28% holiday or vacant
Main homes 72%Holiday or vacant 28%
RavennaLido AdrianoMarina di RavennaPorto FuoriPunta MarinaMezzanoPiangipane
Historic coreEstablishedPost-warModernRuralSparsely built
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Building age, condition and occupancy from the ISTAT census (2011), by census section. Occupancy is shown as one honest split — the 2011 census does not reliably separate holiday homes from vacant ones.

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The rest of the Ravenna profile — cost of living, healthcare, climate, broadband, schools and the full pros & cons — is behind a free account.