Some dreams shimmer a little brighter than others—like sunlight bouncing off tiny tiles of glass and gold. That’s how I imagine the experience of making a mosaic in Ravenna, Italy: radiant, hands-on, and steeped in centuries of art and history.
Ravenna has quietly held the crown as Italy’s mosaic capital for centuries, and for good reason. With eight UNESCO World Heritage sites and dazzling early Christian mosaics adorning ancient churches and basilicas, the entire city feels like a living museum. But what pulls me in isn’t just gazing at the intricate patterns—it’s the idea of making one myself.
There are incredible workshops in Ravenna where travelers can learn the art of mosaic-making under the guidance of local artisans. Schools like Koko Mosaico and Mosaic Art School offer short courses where you can select your design, choose your tiles (called tesserae), and learn how to cut, place, and grout your own piece of art. Whether it’s a traditional motif or a modern twist, the process seems as meditative as it is creative—like bringing a piece of ancient history to life with your own hands.
I imagine walking into a sunlit studio, tools at the ready, the scent of fresh mortar in the air, and being completely absorbed in a project that connects me to artists from centuries ago. Then, after a day of artistic bliss, wandering the streets of Ravenna with a gelato in hand, my heart full and fingers dusted with specks of tile and imagination.
One day, I hope to sit at one of those long wooden tables, laughing with fellow travelers, chipping away at marble and glass, and leaving with more than just a souvenir—a memory I’ve quite literally pieced together myself.
Have you ever created a mosaic or visited Ravenna? I’d love to hear your story—or add your recommendations to my future itinerary!
