Character: History lives again at this 19th-century hotel in the heart of a classic Po Valley town. Advantages: Very close to the Byzantine churches of Ravenna, yet in a more historic town with very few other tourists. Location: In the center of Faenza, a 5-minute walk from the train station (Bologna is a 30-minute train ride away). The A14 autostrada is 2km away; Ravenna is 30km, the Adriatic beaches are 40km, Forlì Airport is 15km, Bologna Airport is 45 km. Imola Race Track and many vintage car collections are also nearby. Click here for a map.
There are two prime reasons to go to the delightful little town of Faenza, in Emilia Romagna. The first is for ceramics: the International Museum of Ceramics in Faenza is considered the world’s greatest, with a collection of over 3,500 works from around the world and spanning centuries. Not only does it have a vast range of Italian and European ceramics dating from the Renaissance to the present day, it also offers pre-Columbian and Asian material. Contemporary Italian and international art by the most important artists of the 20th century is also represented. The second reason to go to Faenza is to use it as a base for visiting Ravenna. This extraordinary town is the best place on earth to see Byzantine mosaics, with no less than eight buildings – dating from the 6th century – listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Because it is off the beaten path, Ravenna does not have the fame of Florence or even Siena, but for any lover of art its churches are an absolute must-see. Ravenna itself is modern and has very little to offer a sophisticated traveler, so we suggest that you stay in Faenza, a perfect little town with lovely architecture, great shopping, friendly artisans and residents, and some unforgettable places to sample the famed local cuisine. |
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