An urban center with a long and varied history, Ravenna is famous around the world for the beauty of its Byzantine mosaics and the fascinating basilicas and churches that enrich the historic city center and make Ravenna the ideal destination for a holiday dedicated to art history. The province has a population of about 389 thousand inhabitants and is home to lively beaches, the municipality of Ravenna is the second-largest in Italy (after Rome). The University of Bologna has a campus in Ravenna with 4,124 students enrolled (RER, a.y. 2023-24). The quality of life is high with a natural and historic heritage including two Unesco World Heritage Sites: the historic centre of Ravenna and the Delta Po Park. Indeed, tourism industry is a relevant economic factor with attractions such as the Mirabilandia water park and the tomb of Dante Alighieri. The city center is just 8 km from the sea and is connected directly to the coast via a system of canals, with the area ‘Darsena di città’ that offers valuable investment opportunities. The Ravenna port – the only one in Emilia-Romagna region – is the driving force of the area’s economy, and thanks to its strategic position, represents a key logistic hub that handled 2.1 million tons of goods in 2024. The Port is also a core hub of the regional ZLS Simplified Logistic Zone.
Population
RAVENNA | Data | Source – Year |
Total population | 388,982 | RER – 2024 |
Male | 48.9% | RER – 2024 |
Female | 51.1% | RER – 2024 |
% youth population (<15 years) | 11.5% | RER – 2024 |
% elderly population (>65 years) | 26.1% | RER – 2024 |
No. students enrolled in university | 4,124 | RER – a.y. 2023/24 |
Residential property market trends
(Source: OMI Agenzia delle Entrate; data processing by ART-ER)
The Province of Ravenna is characterized by territories of a very heterogeneous nature which include coastal areas, flat areas and mountain areas. There are 18 municipalities, with 2 Unions of municipalities.
Data on transactions shows an increase from 4,496 in 2018 to 5,850 in 2023, with a growth of 30.1%.
In terms of property size, transactions in the province of Ravenna can be broken down as shown:
- 9% properties up to 50 sqm
- 36% properties between 50 sqm and 85 sqm
- 23% properties between 85 sqm and 115 sqm
- 13% properties between 115 sqm and 145 sqm
- 20% over 145 sqm
Description of socio-economic context
Production specialisation, districts and specialities, foreign investors in the province
The most important industries are agrifood, building and construction, and mechanical engineering, with outstanding quality in machinery, artistic ceramics of Faenza, typical food products (pears, piadina, wine, meat and cheese), as well as important chemical and boating companies. There is an important exhibition centre in Faenza.
There are about 105 companies in the province with a turnover of more than 1 million euros controlled by a foreign global ultimate owner (2023, Aida BvD, elab. ART-ER), including , Bunge, Marini, Comecer, Kastmonu, Cisa, Nespak (Guillin), Kverneland, Borgwarner, Come (Manitou)Gowan, Orion, Cofco
Other outstanding companies include: Martini Alimentare, Bucci Automations, Fruttagel, Caviro, Terre Cevico, and Deco.
Companies and work | Data | Source – Year |
Number of local units | 42,431 | Infocamere – 2024 |
Employees | 153,805 | Infocamere – 2024 |
Unemployment rate | 4.6% | Istat – 2023 |
Employees by key sector
(Infocamere 2024, data processing by ART-ER)
Services
Innovation, transport, smart city, etc.
The province of Ravenna enjoys an advantageous logistic position: the Port of Ravenna is the region’s main port and is a key hub for agribusiness logistics and beyond. The province has several freight terminals (Lugo and Faenza) and benefits from its proximity to the airports of Bologna and Rimini. Ravenna holds 18th place nationally (out of over 100 cities) in the 2019 smart city index by I-City Rank (Forum PA). The Ravenna Technopole comprises 7 laboratories (CIRI MAM, CNR, ENEA-TEMAF, and CertiMaC relating to the ceramic district and CIRI FRAME and CIRI EC).
Cultural and natural heritage, accommodation, tourism
Ravenna was the capital of the Roman, Gothic and Byzantine empires. The historic centre is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Buildings, with famous mosaics, in addition to the tomb of Dante Alighieri. The province registers an annual presence of 6.57 million visitors (2024, RER) and an accommodation capacity of approximately 78,397 beds (2023, RER). Natural attractions include the Po Delta Park, which is also a UNESCO heritage site, the coastal areas and various protected oases. The coast is also famous for its lively nightlife and amusement parks such as Mirabilandia. National capital of culture in 2015 (re-nominated in 2019), the cultural attractions include the Alighieri Theatre and the Ravenna Festival which involves the whole territory.
For more information: https://emiliaromagnaturismo.it/en/towns/ravenna
Map of main structures and infrastructure
Distances | Km |
Ravenna – Venezia | 143 |
Ravenna – Rimini | 55 |
Ravenna – Parma | 67 |
Ravenna – Bologna | 78 |



A selection of companies from the Province of Ravenna











Real estate in Ravenna
RAVENNA – LOGISTICA 1&2 DEVELOPME...
RAVENNA – CASA GHIGI
RAVENNA – AREA TO BE DEVELOPED
RAVENNA HUB – DARSENA DI CITTA’
RAVENNA – LOGISTICA 1&2 DEVELOPME...
RAVENNA – CASA GHIGI
RAVENNA – AREA TO BE DEVELOPED
RAVENNA HUB – DARSENA DI CITTA’
RAVENNA – LOGISTICA 1&2 DEVELOPME...
RAVENNA – CASA GHIGI
RAVENNA – AREA TO BE DEVELOPED
In-depth links
- Ravenna Tourism: http://www.turismo.ra.it/ita/Homepage
- Campus di Ravenna – Università di Bologna: https://www.unibo.it/en/campus-ravenna/ravenna-campus
- Ravenna Festival: http://www.ravennafestival.org/en/
- Mirabilandia: https://www.mirabilandia.it/
Italian Only:
Tecnopolo di Ravenna: http://tecnopolo.ravenna.it/