Ravenna is the capital city of the Province of Ravenna, located in the Emilia-Romagna region of Northern Italy. It ranks as the 24th-largest city in Italy by population, with an estimated 156,475 inhabitants as of 2026. Additionally, it is the second-largest city in Italy by area, covering 653.82 km2.
The city holds significant historical importance as a former imperial seat. It served as the capital of the Western Roman Empire during the fifth century A.D. until its collapse in 476. Following this period, it functioned as the capital of the Ostrogothic Kingdom and subsequently the Byzantine Exarchate of Ravenna.