Santa Maria Foris is the historic villa located in the heart of Ravenna that served as “nest” during our stay in the city. It is just a five-minute walk from the 5th- and 6th-century early Christian and Byzantine buildings famous for their exceptional mosaics and UNESCO monuments, from the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia to the Basilica of San Vitale, the Baptistery of Neon, the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo and Piazza del Popolo, the main square of the ancient capital of the Western Roman Empire.
In a boutique hotel in the historic center
Formerly owned by the Sama-Ferruzzi family, this palace boasts a very ancient section dating back to 1261, as evidenced by the marble plaque located just above the entrance, which commemorates the existence of a church called Santa Maria in Foris, from which the refined boutique hotel takes its name.
After a period of closure, the villa reopened last July as a comfortable, charming hotel, restored by architect Alvin Grassi with particular attention to the building’s history and environmental sustainability, the cornerstones of the Ravenna hotel, along with an exquisite, inclusive welcome that includes our four-legged friends.
Another plus? Santa Maria Foris is not only located just steps from the pedestrian area of the historic center, home to eight UNESCO monuments, but also has a convenient garage where you can leave your car and enjoy strolls among the city’s attractions and elegant boutiques. We chose this property precisely because we wanted to fully experience Ravenna, which, with its enchanting mosaics, has always been one of Italy’s most sought-after tourist destinations and tops the list of places to visit at least once in a lifetime. And we hadn’t even done it yet…
The city also boasts important cultural events that distinguish it, such as the Contemporary Mosaic Biennial. Many events are planned for the ninth edition, inaugurated on October 18, 2025, and closing on January 18. Among these is “Around the Halls”, a traveling exhibition in the reception areas and lounges of Ravenna’s hotels curated by Chiara Gizzi and Daniele Torcellini, which brought to Santa Maria Foris works from the “What I See” collection by Bolognese artist Alice Zanelli, large mosaic eyes that seem to look into you and which particularly fascinated us.
The 12 rooms have a unique charm, furnished with exclusive fabrics in soothing colors that contrast beautifully with ebony-toned furniture and distinctive details, from feather lamps to large mirrors, which together contribute to a charming and refined atmosphere. One of the boutique hotel’s highlights is the meticulously maintained internal garden, redesigned to offer a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city, where you can enjoy breakfast or a drink in the warmer months.
Santa Maria Foris is a special place that offered us an unforgettable experience thanks to the kindness and professionalism of the team who pampered us and our Otto. We also greatly appreciated the attention to the environment: the property is not only completely energy-independent thanks to photovoltaic panels on the roof, but also embraces a completely plastic-free philosophy. Guests are provided with Ortigia products in the bathrooms, while the rooms are designed with meticulous attention to detail to offer perfect comfort.
Ours? The spacious suite number 8 on the first floor of the building, where our Otto found a comfortable fabric dog bed just for him, along with bowls for water and food. Over 30 square meters, furnished in a sophisticated yet functional style, illuminated by tall windows overlooking the main street, it is divided into a relaxation area with a sofa and armchairs, a large, dramatic fireplace, and a work area with a desk. But each room is characterized by a refined atmosphere that creates a fascinating connection between modern comforts and the history of the noble building.
On the same level are the buffet room for the rich and delicious sweet and savory breakfast served every morning in the adjacent room with tables where you can sit for breakfast and the library, a charming intimate refuge where you can carve out moments of tranquility among refined materials, fresh flowers and warm, discreet lighting.
Speaking of the library: this is exactly what I dreamed of, with a comfortable armchair to sit in and read a good book from those neatly arranged on the shelves, a low table next to which to place a steaming cup of tea, and a softly glowing lamp to create the perfect cone of light for reading.
Villa Santa Maria Foris is a small, charming hotel with a team always ready to discreetly and courteously accommodate even the most demanding guests. Its elegant yet intimate and relaxing atmosphere makes it a perfect base for those seeking a comfortable stay in Ravenna.
Villa Santa Maria Foris
Via Giuseppe Pasolini, 61 – Ravenna
Info: +39 351 0423396 – info@villaforis.it
