I am planning to take a day trip to Ravenna on a Sunday. Our interest is primarily in seeing the mosaics. I have not been able to see specific opening days or times for the churches in which the mosaics are located (not surprisingly). I am wondering if the churches are open for visitors on a Sunday or whether the churches are closed other than for those attending mass. Any idea when mass is generally held? Any websites that have more detailed information for visiting Ravenna?

you might find this helpful: http://www.turismo.ravenna.it/conten...onumenti&cat=3

We went on a Sunday and had no problems. Hours given here:
http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/desti...098ravenna.htm

The main sights are almost always open (except a few major holidays, like Christmas) Visiting on a Sunday won't be a problem.

I thought Ravenna's tourism information centre was extremely helpful with maps and directions. It's very near San Vitale (which may be the most beautiful and accessible of all the mosaic sites)

Ravenna's mosaics are spectacular, you'll have a wonderful time.

Yes, they are quite something, the best of their kind anywhere. I saw them 30 odd years ago, but regrettably couldn't squeeze them in while we were in the neighborhood this Summer. The turismo website above doesn't do them justice.

Rick

One good hint given to us b4 we went was to take binoculars. U can also rent them from the sites. The mosaics are incredible.

We visited Ravenna on a Sunday morning on the way from Ferrara to Urbino and we did face a problem seeing the mosaics while Mass was going on. In fact the main church (Basilica di San Vitale,I think) had a guard posted and would only let people in who were attending Mass. It would have only been an hour or so wait but we had other plans also.

Thanks for the responses. Toni, do you recall what time the mass was being held? We could plan to go a bit later in the morning (say 11am). I am not sure if there are likely to be afternooon masses as well.

From the number of people entering the church I think Mass was just about to start and it was about 10:30 am, 11:00 at the latest.

Just wanted to report back that Ravenna was wonderful. We had no problems visiting on Sunday. We arrived around 10.30 and went straight to the tourist office. The person there told us that San Vitale would be closed to visitors until about 11.30 so we just looked elsewhere first. Thanks for the advice.