Recommendations? I'm considering a day trip from Florence to Ravenna, but hesitate because of the distance. Does anyone have any experience with such a day trip?
Also, what are your thoughts on Lucca? It sounds interesting, but I've read negative comments. My interests are art, the spiritual, and architecture. Thanks!

It's only about 2 hrs by train to Ravenna, not bad for a day trip. I would much rather see the mosaics of Ravenna any day.

We went to Ravenna on a day trip once- it was great and we will do it again. Most of the buildings with the mosaics are in easy walking distance of the train station. They are very spectacular. Check Rick Steves Italy book for suggestions for a day trip there.

I was thinking Ravenna was longer then 2 hours by train but evidently not.

Shari, Ravenna is beautiful! The mosaics are so beautiful.

If you do this leave in the morning as early as possible because you will want to see as much as possible. And do go to Dante's grave.

Also, be sure to enjoy one of the cafes in the piazza, it is such a fun people watching place. Ravenna has a "leaning tower" too. Not the Leaning Towers of Pisa for sure, but it is interesting to see.

I can't remember the names of any of the restaurants in Ravenna but a restaurant right near the "leaning tower" had the best tortellini in broth (broda) I have ever tasted. That is not much help without the restaurant's name though, is it. But actually ever meal I have had in Ravenna has been so delicious. Have fun!

Well, I will be the odd one out and vote for Lucca. But then again, I am biased because Lucca is one of my most favorite places in Italy. Florence is also very close to Lucca. I have never found anything negative about Lucca, I am sorry to hear that you have read some comments to that effect.

Ravenna's uniqueness in specific reference to the mosaics mentioned might make it a more attractive option for you overall, however.

I like Lucca; it's a more "real" city than some of the more touristy cities in Italy. That being said, however, we visited Ravenna last fall, and it was one of the top 10 visual experiences of my life. The mosaics are stunning, and there's not just one building with the mosaics, but a bunch. I would say the visit will be well worth your travel time!

Lucca, don't miss it. It is one of our favorite places in Italy. Great gelato, great olive oil, great walk on the walls around the city. You will love it. It has a "home town" feel I think you will love.

Si Lucca one of the finest thoroughly old-world looking cities i've ever seen. Ravenna i think is a so-so city with the astounding frescoes. But Lucca is exceptional and much close to Florence. Not saying Ravenna not great but can't get much better than walled Lucca.

For a day trip, I think Ravenna's the better choice -- the mosaics will knock your socks off. If you were looking for a place to spend a couple of nights, I'd vote for Lucca. It's an exceptionally pleasing town, but it's best if you can devote some time to it, to soak up the atmosphere and get in the Lucca frame of mind.

I've visited both Lucca and Ravenna. If you are interested in art or history, Ravenna is the place to go. Ravenna is world-renowed for its mosaics, both ancient and modern and is on the list of the UNESCO World Heritage sites. The mosaics there are very important in the history of art as they represent a period of transition from ancient Roman art to early Chritian art. It is fascinating to see ancient Roman motifs familiar from Pompeii, such as doves drinking from a bath and the Greek key design, blended with images of Christianity. Ravenna itself is also very significant in the history of Christianity as there are basilicas there built by the Emperor Theodoric, who supported the Arian sect, which denied the divinity of Christ. You can also see his tomb, which is unique in the ancient world.

Recently, remains of Roman houses with mosaic floors and some frescoes have been opened to the public.

Ravenna has a traffic-free zone where you can bike from sight to sight to see the mosaics.

Lucca is also a very lovely town to visit. You can bike or walk on the medieval walls that surround the town and peer into lovely yards and gardens as you go. Lucca was also a Roman town and the shape of the amphitheatre is retained in the layout of modern buildings. You can still pass through the gateways to the ancient amphitheatre. There are also lovely early churches to visit with alabaster windows. The body of St. Zita, a very well-preserved mummy, is visible in one of them.

Lucca is also the birthplace of Puccini and you can visit his home.

Both cities have their charms. Both cities blend the ancient with the modern. Both cities are desirable for different reasons.

I take negative information with a grain of salt. I found nothing negative in Lucca, according to my tests and sensibilities anyway.

The best parts are the bike path built into the old city wall that encircles the old city. Very scenic ride on a rented bicycle. Very tasty spot for an impromtu picnic.

The duomo displays the body of St. Zita and has a large Della Robia piece over the bapistry and other examples of Christian art.

The amphitheatre, as Athena notes, has the shape of the original Roman structure.

On the other hand, Ravenna has many incredible mosaics of early Christian art, a neat pedestrians-only city center, and other historical sites and museums.

I like to visit both cities whenever in the area, but I can't pick a favorite.

Have a great trip.