Interview with Alessandro Barattoni, Mayor Of Ravenna, Emilia-Romagna

14 Nov Interview with Alessandro Barattoni, Mayor Of Ravenna, Emilia-Romagna

Could you present the city of Ravenna to the readers of USA Today and highlight its offerings for international visitors?

Ravenna is a beautiful city, which UNESCO confirmed when they recognized eight of our monuments as World Heritage Sites in 1996. Over the centuries, great poets, painters and artists have visited Ravenna and today tourists from all over the world continue to come and experience its magic. Just this past April, King Charles and Queen Camilla visited Ravenna, accompanied by the president of Italy. Alongside Rome, it was the only stop on their anniversary trip to Italy — a sign of the city’s growing international appeal.

Our goal is to showcase Ravenna to the world in all its splendor and history. The city’s churches hold a unique heritage of light, beauty, gold and mosaics. From the outside, they may seem modest, but stepping inside reveals breathtaking mosaics covering ceilings and walls, something truly unique to Ravenna and unparalleled anywhere else.

Beyond its artistic treasures, Ravenna offers incredible beaches, nature and parks just a few miles from the city center, easily reachable by public transport or bicycle. The Adriatic Sea is only five miles away and the Comacchio Valley — an extraordinary system of saltwater lagoons — is less than 10 miles from the city. Together with our newly redeveloped maritime park, this allows visitors to combine art, culture, seaside relaxation and world-class gastronomy in one trip.

Looking ahead, our new cruise terminal, developed in partnership with Royal Caribbean, will be operational next year. It will become a major departure port for Mediterranean cruises, welcoming travellers from around the globe and encouraging them to spend additional days exploring Ravenna’s rich heritage and vibrant culture.

The redevelopment of the waterfront and port combines economic growth, tourism and environmental sustainability. How has the redevelopment of the port and waterfront contributed to Ravenna’s development?

We are actively investing in various urban development projects. For example, the maritime park has been redeveloped to better connect our beaches with the ancient pinete — local pine forests that are a defining feature of Ravenna. Our coastline consists of nine distinct beach areas, known as lidi, each offering a different experience — from natural, tranquil settings to lively beach clubs, discos famous for their parties and nightlife and opportunities for surfing and sailing sports. The redevelopment of the sea park will also ease traffic congestion in these areas, allowing people to safely walk to the beach under the shade of the pinete. With over 2,000 hectares of pine forest, Ravenna safeguards a precious part of Italy’s natural heritage.

Unlike other Italian cities facing over-tourism, Ravenna offers a more authentic, undiscovered experience. Many visitors fall in love with our city just as I did, drawn to its unique historical center and welcoming atmosphere. In recent years, we have also strengthened the University of Ravenna in collaboration with the University of Bologna, attracting more young people and fostering a vibrant academic environment. Today, Ravenna is truly a city for all generations with amusement parks like Mirabilandia for children and cultural, leisure and entertainment opportunities that cater to teenagers, young adults and seniors alike.

What role do major cultural events play in Ravenna’s image and economy?

Cultural events play a fundamental role in shaping Ravenna’s identity and attracting visitors from around the world. The Ravenna Festival, held in both summer and autumn, is one of our main attractions, enriched by the long-standing presence of Maestro Riccardo Muti, who has been living in Ravenna for a long time. Ravenna is also the center of the Dante celebrations, which run throughout the year and culminate every September.

We believe that both cultural and sporting events are essential to our community and to tourism. That is why this year we have invested heavily in activities such as beach volleyball, beach tennis and national and international sports tournaments, combining outdoor recreation with the opportunity to enjoy the city’s natural beauty. These events not only boost our economy but also leave a lasting impact on education, tourism and the cultural vibrancy of Ravenna.

You campaigned promising free public transportation and the development of urban forests. What are the quick-impact actions the city can implement right away?

Carbon neutrality is a primary goal for our city. We have a duty to leave future generations a more sustainable environment. To achieve this, we must make Ravenna less energy-consuming and more sustainable, not only in our parks and green areas but also throughout the historic city center. One of our priorities is reducing car traffic by expanding parking lots outside the city center and shifting mobility toward buses. This will allow us to introduce more free public transport lines. Visitors will be able to park for free at city entrances and take free buses directly to the downtown area. This approach not only cuts pollution but also fosters social connections, bringing people together and encouraging new relationships within the community.

Which attractions or experiences are drawing visitors throughout the year and how is tourism growth balanced with the needs of residents?

Ravenna is beautiful year-round. The most captivating times to visit are spring and autumn, when the weather is perfect for exploring our historic streets. Of course, summer remains special with our beaches, but we are working hard to make winter just as appealing.

We host major events throughout the year, such as the Ravenna Marathon — renowned in Europe for its scenic route through the city center — and the Mosaic Biennale, a major international art event. This November, the Biennale will feature an exhibition dedicated to Chagall and the influence of our mosaics on his work.

Our long-term goal is to ensure that Ravenna is alive and vibrant in every season. We are investing heavily in the city center to keep it populated with local residents, avoiding the emptying effect seen in other historic cities. We believe our city should be a living, working and commercial hub that tourists can enjoy alongside residents. creating shared memories and a true sense of community.

Ravenna has launched several initiatives to support education, entrepreneurship and cultural participation as well as digital skills, and job creation. How is Ravenna using technology to improve public services and the citizen experience?

We are making significant investments in our university with the goal of increasing student enrollment and creating a stronger academic ecosystem. Over the next few years, we plan to expand opportunities for students by adding cafeterias, study halls, gyms, community spaces and coworking areas. These initiatives will not only attract students from outside Ravenna but also encourage them to stay and build their futures here after graduation.

Interestingly, Ravenna does not face high unemployment. In fact, we need more workers to meet the demands of our rapidly growing commercial hub. We aim to make Ravenna an attractive destination for young professionals and families by investing in schools and childcare services for children aged 0–6, providing essential support to working parents.

On an international level, we see enormous potential for cultural exchange and global partnerships. For example, this July I traveled to London to promote Ravenna’s beauty and opportunities for investment. Just like our churches, which may seem modest from the outside but reveal spectacular mosaics inside, our city holds surprises waiting to be discovered.

What is your long-term vision for Ravenna over the next ten years and what is your final message for the readers of USA Today?

Come to Ravenna. Dedicate a few days of your trip to Italy to visit our city, you won’t regret it. Here, you’ll find something truly unique, an experience you won’t find anywhere else in the world. In just a short stay, you’ll discover amazing stories and sights to share with your friends and family when you return home.

Ravenna has always been open to the world through its port, its history and its rich culture. Our hospitality is renowned; many visitors tell us that once they arrive, they simply don’t want to leave. Over the next decade, we envision Ravenna as a model of sustainability, innovation and cultural vitality, a city that honors its past while embracing a forward-looking future.