Basilica di San Francesco
Discover Ravenna's Basilica di San Francesco, famed for its 10th-century crypt perpetually flooded with water and goldfish.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful viewing
Basilica di San Francesco
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Ravenna's Basilica di San Francesco, famed for its 10th-century crypt perpetually flooded with water and goldfish.
"The most unique sight in Italy! A must-see for its surreal underwater crypt."
💡 Crypt Viewing Fee
There's a small fee to see the crypt. Bring cash or check if cards are accepted.
🐠 Spot the Goldfish
Keep an eye out for the goldfish swimming in the crypt's water!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Flooded Crypt
Under the high altar
Admire 10th-century mosaics submerged in water, often with goldfish swimming by. A truly unique sight!
Romanesque Architecture
Explore the basilica's original 10th-century Romanesque structure, a testament to its long history.
Dante's Funeral Site
Stand in a place where Dante Alighieri's funeral was celebrated in 1321, adding a layer of literary history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
The Submerged Secret
Timing Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💡 Crypt Viewing Fee
There's a small fee to see the crypt. Bring cash or check if cards are accepted.
🐠 Spot the Goldfish
Keep an eye out for the goldfish swimming in the crypt's water!
🚶♂️ Avoid Tour Groups
Visit outside of peak tour times for a more serene experience.
📸 Flashlight Tip
If lights aren't on, use your phone's flashlight for better photos of the crypt.
Tips
from all over the internet
💡 Crypt Viewing Fee
There's a small fee to see the crypt. Bring cash or check if cards are accepted.
🐠 Spot the Goldfish
Keep an eye out for the goldfish swimming in the crypt's water!
🚶♂️ Avoid Tour Groups
Visit outside of peak tour times for a more serene experience.
📸 Flashlight Tip
If lights aren't on, use your phone's flashlight for better photos of the crypt.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently impressed by the Basilica di San Francesco's unique submerged crypt, a surreal spectacle of ancient mosaics and swimming goldfish. While the basilica itself is appreciated for its Romanesque charm and historical significance, the crypt is the undeniable highlight, offering a memorable and unusual experience. Some note that it can get crowded with tour groups, and there's a small fee for crypt access.
"Surpusing 10th-century Romanesque basilica, radically remodeled in the 18th century, where Dante's funeral was celebrated in 1321. Throughout its history, the church has been regularly raised due to the subsidence of the ground in Ravenna since Antiquity. The original plan of the basilica is 3.6 m below road level. Through a window located under the high altar, one can see the 10th-century crypt, whose original floor is constantly submerged by water, which does not prevent one from admiring its mosaics ..."
Enjoy life
"A nice stop from our roadtrip from Milan to Brindisi. The church is not beautiful like many catholic churches but seeing it half underwater with fish swimming is pretty cool. But like every catholic church ,they have closed the window in the room so natural light won't come in and you will pay 1€ (I don't even remember)to turn on the lights to see the monument.Of course we didn't pay we just put our flashlights on and took a beautiful picture for free as it should be."
maria Tz
"Interesting place, the queue to see the crypt was quite long so we didn’t bother, had a quick look and moved on, worth a look if you’re already in Ravenna, but wouldn’t make a detour for it."
Adam Peddie
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Basilica di San Francesco is located in the heart of Ravenna, easily accessible on foot from other major attractions like the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia. If arriving by car, look for parking garages near the city center.
Ravenna's city center is quite walkable. Local buses do serve the area, but most visitors find it convenient to walk from their accommodation or other historical sites.
Many of Ravenna's UNESCO World Heritage sites, including this basilica, are within walking distance of each other. Consider a walking tour to efficiently see multiple sites.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the basilica itself is generally free. However, there is a small admission fee to access and view the unique submerged crypt.
The basilica is typically open Monday to Saturday from 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 2:30 PM to 7:00 PM, and Sundays from 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM and 2:30 PM to 7:00 PM. It's always best to check for any seasonal changes.
Advance booking is usually not required for the crypt. You can purchase tickets upon arrival, though it's wise to check if group tours might affect availability during peak times.
The fee for the crypt is quite modest, often around 1 Euro, making it an affordable and worthwhile experience.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The crypt is famous for its 10th-century mosaic floor that is perpetually submerged by water due to ground subsidence. You can often see goldfish swimming in the crypt.
Photography is usually permitted inside the basilica, but check for any specific restrictions, especially in the crypt area. Using a flashlight can help illuminate the crypt's mosaics if the lighting is dim.
The main basilica area is generally accessible. However, the crypt involves stairs and is a confined space, which may pose challenges for those with significant mobility issues.
A visit to the basilica and its crypt typically takes about 30-60 minutes, depending on how long you spend admiring the crypt and if you encounter large groups.
📸 📸 Photography
The most unique photo opportunity is the submerged crypt with its mosaics and goldfish. The basilica's Romanesque architecture also offers beautiful shots.
Use your phone's flashlight to illuminate the mosaics if the ambient light is low. Be patient to capture clear shots without too much glare from the water.
Tripod usage might be restricted, especially during busy periods. It's best to rely on a steady hand or your phone's stabilization features.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the basilica itself is serene, the crypt's unusual nature is a great conversation starter. It's a good idea to visit during less crowded times to allow children to observe without feeling rushed. The proximity to other Ravenna attractions means it can easily be incorporated into a day of sightseeing without being overwhelming.
🏛️ History Buffs & Art Lovers
The basilica's connection to Dante Alighieri, serving as the site of his funeral celebration, adds a significant layer of cultural and literary importance.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Marvel of the Submerged Crypt
This unique situation has transformed the crypt into a surreal underwater museum. Visitors can peer through a window beneath the high altar to see the ancient mosaic flooring, remarkably preserved despite the water. The clear water often hosts a small population of goldfish, adding an unexpected touch of life to this ancient space.
While the basilica itself is a beautiful example of Romanesque architecture, the flooded crypt is undoubtedly the main draw. It offers a moment of quiet contemplation and wonder, a stark contrast to the bustling city above. The experience is both visually striking and historically significant, making it a must-see for any visitor to Ravenna.
Historical Significance and Architectural Evolution
Beyond its architectural evolution, the basilica holds a poignant place in Italian history as the site where Dante Alighieri's funeral was celebrated in 1321.
Social
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