MOSAIC:
DIRECT METHOD
Spend a week studying the traditional direct mosaic technique in one of the world’s great historic centers of mosaic art. Guided by master instructors at the Mosaic Art School, you’ll create both an ancient-style mosaic inspired by a historical reference and a contemporary free-style design of your own.
Working entirely with the traditional direct method, you’ll learn the timeless techniques that have defined mosaic craftsmanship for centuries. During the first three days, you’ll recreate an ancient-style mosaic using Venetian smalti, marble, or a combination of both, carefully placing each tessera directly onto a permanent support using cement-based adhesive.
During the final two days, you’ll transition into creating a modern free-style mosaic, applying everything you’ve learned while developing your own artistic expression. Guests who prefer a larger challenge may instead devote the entire week to one ambitious mosaic project under the guidance of their instructor. Either path culminates in a finished piece you’ll be proud to take home.
Throughout the week, you’ll learn to cut mosaic materials using the traditional hammer and hardie—the same tools generations of Italian mosaicists have relied upon for centuries. Your master instructors will guide you through cutting techniques, material selection, spacing, composition, color theory, and craftsmanship while helping you develop confidence through daily practice.
The emphasis is not simply on completing a mosaic, but on understanding the traditional techniques and artistic principles that have shaped mosaic making for centuries. All specialized tools and materials required for the course are provided by the Mosaic Art School.
MICROMOSAIC:
FILATI JEWELRY METHOD
Spend a week learning one of Italy’s rarest artistic traditions at the Mosaic Art School. Guided by master instructors, you’ll explore the historic Filati technique while creating two handcrafted micromosaic jewelry pieces using delicate glass tesserae and traditional methods.
Originally developed during the early sixteenth century by the Vatican School, the Filati technique is one of the most specialized forms of mosaic art still practiced today. Working with molten glass heated to approximately 900°C, you’ll learn how to create delicate filati rods before cutting them into incredibly small tesserae capable of producing remarkable detail.
Your first jewelry piece introduces the essential techniques and craftsmanship required for micromosaic work. Building upon those skills, you’ll then create a second, more intricate piece while exploring advanced composition and finishing techniques. Depending on the materials available and your design choices, your pieces may take the form of pendants, rings, brooches, or other small jewelry designs.
Working with incredibly small glass tesserae, you’ll develop the patience and precision required for one of Italy’s most intricate art forms. Under the guidance of your master instructors, you’ll learn miniature cutting techniques, color selection, composition, and the careful placement of each tiny tessera to create remarkable detail. By the end, you’ll be able to render intricate patterns at a scale most artists never attempt.
Beyond creating beautiful jewelry, you’ll gain an appreciation for the craftsmanship, accuracy, and centuries-old traditions that continue to make Filati micromosaic one of the world’s most specialized artistic techniques.
One of the greatest advantages of studying mosaic in Ravenna is that your classroom extends far beyond the studio walls. Throughout the week, you’ll visit UNESCO World Heritage monuments including the Basilica of San Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, Sant’Apollinare in Classe, and other remarkable Byzantine landmarks that showcase some of the finest mosaics ever created.
These visits provide constant inspiration, allowing you to study color, composition, and craftsmanship firsthand before returning to the studio to apply those same principles to your own work.
THE RAVENNA MOSAIC SCHOOL
Mosaic Art School has been operating since 1969, sharing Ravenna’s rich mosaic tradition with students from around the world. Today, the school is led by Luciana Notturni, Director of Mosaic Art School, and continues to provide an authentic, hands-on education in traditional and contemporary mosaic techniques.
Located in the heart of Ravenna, one of the world’s great historic centers of mosaic art, the school offers students the opportunity to study centuries-old techniques in the city where Byzantine mosaic reached one of its greatest expressions.
Whether creating a classical mosaic with Venetian smalti or crafting intricate Filati micromosaic jewelry, students learn through intensive, hands-on instruction in a working studio led by master mosaicists. Small class sizes, individualized guidance, and a deep respect for centuries-old craftsmanship create an environment where every artist can grow in both skill and confidence.
RAVENNA,
EMILIA-ROMAGNA, ITALY
Northern Italy has long been a crossroads of art, culture, and craftsmanship, where Byzantine influence, Renaissance innovation, and centuries of artistic tradition continue to shape everyday life. Along the Adriatic coast lies Ravenna, a city unlike any other—home to eight UNESCO World Heritage monuments and some of the most breathtaking mosaics ever created. Golden tesserae shimmer beneath cathedral domes, ancient basilicas tell stories through intricate glass and stone, and quiet cobblestone streets invite visitors to discover the artistic legacy that has inspired mosaicists for over 1,500 years.
Guests will fly into and out of nearby Bologna, one of Italy’s most lively cultural cities and a convenient gateway to the Emilia-Romagna region, before traveling to Ravenna to immerse themselves in one of the world’s great historic centers of mosaic art. Throughout the retreat, you’ll learn directly from master artisans while exploring extraordinary Byzantine monuments, historic churches, bustling piazzas, and local workshops that continue this centuries-old tradition. Beyond the studio, you’ll experience the warmth of Emilia-Romagna through its renowned cuisine, welcoming cafés, artisan boutiques, and relaxed Italian pace of life. More than simply learning a new art form, this retreat offers the opportunity to experience mosaic where it has flourished for centuries and to leave with both new skills and a deeper connection to one of Italy’s richest artistic traditions.
Begin your week with an immersive guided introduction to Ravenna’s five UNESCO World Heritage monuments, where some of the world’s most extraordinary Byzantine mosaics have remained remarkably preserved for over 1,500 years. Accompanied by an expert local guide, you’ll visit the Basilica of San Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, the Neonian Baptistery, and the Archiepiscopal Museum with the Chapel of St. Andrew. As you explore these architectural masterpieces, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the symbolism, craftsmanship, and artistic techniques that continue to influence mosaic artists around the world. This experience provides the perfect foundation before stepping into the studio yourself, allowing you to appreciate the remarkable tradition you’ll spend the week learning.
Journey just outside Ravenna to visit the magnificent Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe, one of the finest surviving examples of early Christian architecture in Italy. Originally built beside the ancient Roman port of Classe, the basilica is celebrated for its breathtaking sixth-century apse mosaic depicting Saint Apollinaris surrounded by lush greenery, sheep, and a radiant jeweled cross beneath an endless blue sky. With the guidance of a local expert, you’ll discover the symbolism behind one of Ravenna’s most iconic masterpieces while gaining an appreciation for the remarkable artistic vision that continues to inspire mosaicists today. The peaceful setting offers a striking contrast to the bustling historic center and serves as another unforgettable chapter in Ravenna’s extraordinary mosaic story.
Continue your exploration with a visit to two of Ravenna’s lesser-known but equally fascinating mosaic treasures. Beneath the modern city lies the Domus of the Stone Carpets, an archaeological site featuring beautifully preserved Roman floor mosaics dating back more than 1,500 years. You’ll then visit the Arian Baptistery, a UNESCO World Heritage monument renowned for its remarkable dome mosaic portraying the Baptism of Christ in shimmering gold and brilliant blues. Together, these sites reveal another side of Ravenna’s artistic heritage—from elegant Roman domestic design to the rich religious traditions that shaped Byzantine mosaic art—offering fresh inspiration that beautifully complements your time in the studio.
One of the greatest joys of spending a week in Ravenna is discovering the rich culinary traditions of Emilia-Romagna, a region celebrated as one of Italy’s gastronomic capitals. Throughout the retreat, you’ll gather with fellow artists to enjoy authentic regional cuisine—from handmade pastas and slow-cooked ragù to local cheeses, cured meats, fresh seafood, and thoughtfully selected Italian wines.
During your free time, you’ll have the opportunity to explore Ravenna’s cafés, family-owned trattorias, wine bars, and Mercato Coperto, where you can enjoy a variety of local food and beverage offerings in a relaxed setting. Whether sharing a leisurely dinner after a day in the studio or enjoying lunch in one of the city’s charming piazzas, every meal offers another opportunity to experience the warmth, hospitality, and unforgettable flavors that make Emilia-Romagna one of Italy’s most celebrated culinary regions.
Please note: While the itinerary is carefully planned, we may adjust timing and details to ensure the best possible experience, based on local conditions and opportunities as they arise.
ITINERARY
BENVENUTI TO RAVENNA
Guests arrive at Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport, where a private shuttle awaits to welcome everyone to Italy. Leaving Bologna behind, you’ll travel through the Emilia-Romagna countryside before arriving in Ravenna—one of the world’s great historic centers of mosaic art, home to some of the finest Byzantine masterpieces ever created.
After checking into your boutique hotel in the heart of the historic center, you’ll have time to settle into your room, stretch your legs, or wander the nearby piazzas before gathering for the evening. That evening, join your fellow artists for a traditional Italian welcome dinner featuring regional specialties, accompanied by a glass of local wine.
Throughout the evening, you’ll get to know your fellow travelers and the Crafted Roads team while enjoying an introduction to the week ahead and the artistic heritage that makes Ravenna unlike anywhere else in the world. It’s the perfect beginning to a week devoted to creativity, craftsmanship, and connection.
DISCOVERING RAVENNA’S MASTERPIECES
After breakfast at the hotel, begin your first full day in Ravenna with a guided tour of the city’s five UNESCO World Heritage monuments, home to some of the world’s most spectacular Byzantine mosaics.
Your private tour includes:
• Basilica of San Vitale
• Mausoleum of Galla Placidia
• Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo
• Neonian Baptistery
• Archiepiscopal Museum & Chapel of St. Andrew
As your guide shares the history and craftsmanship behind each masterpiece, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the art form you’ll be studying throughout the week.
After the tour, enjoy lunch together before spending the afternoon exploring Ravenna or relaxing back at the hotel. Dinner is shared together that evening as everyone prepares for an inspiring week at the Ravenna Mosaic School.
TRADITION BEGINS
Begin your morning with a leisurely Italian breakfast at the hotel before making your way to the renowned Mosaic Art School for the start of your creative journey.
Today marks the beginning of your chosen mosaic course. Under the guidance of master instructors, you’ll be introduced to the techniques, tools, and materials that define your workshop before beginning your first project. Through demonstrations, hands-on instruction, and individualized guidance, you’ll build the foundational skills that will carry you through the rest of the week.
Enjoy lunch on your own at one of Ravenna’s nearby cafés before returning to the studio for an afternoon of guided instruction and hands-on practice. After your first day of creating, the evening is yours to experience Ravenna at your own pace—whether discovering a local trattoria, enjoying a glass of wine in a nearby piazza, or continuing conversations with fellow artists as you reflect on the beginning of your creative journey.
INSPIRATION & CRAFTSMANSHIP
Begin the day with another relaxed Italian breakfast before making your way back to the world-renowned Mosaic Art School, where your project continues to take shape. As your confidence grows, your instructors will provide individualized guidance while introducing techniques that bring greater precision, craftsmanship, and artistic expression to your work.
During your lunch break, enjoy the freedom to explore one of Ravenna’s charming cafés or trattorias before returning to the studio for an afternoon of continued instruction and creative progress. After class, travel to the magnificent Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe for a guided visit, where breathtaking Byzantine mosaics offer fresh inspiration and a deeper appreciation for the art form you’re learning firsthand.
The evening concludes with dinner at a traditional Emilia-Romagna trattoria, where handmade pasta, local wines, and warm Italian hospitality provide the perfect ending to another inspiring day.
STONE, GLASS & STORY
Start your morning with breakfast at the hotel before returning to the Mosaic Art School, where another full day of focused studio time awaits. As your project continues to develop, you’ll refine your techniques, strengthen your craftsmanship, and gain an even greater appreciation for the patience, precision, and artistry that have defined mosaic making for centuries.
Lunch is yours to enjoy however you choose—perhaps lingering over fresh pasta with fellow artists in a nearby piazza or discovering another favorite café tucked among Ravenna’s historic streets. After returning to the studio for the afternoon session, you’ll continue refining your work under the guidance of your instructors as your project steadily comes to life.
As the week reaches its midpoint, the evening is yours to enjoy after a rewarding day in the studio. Whether sharing a meal with new friends, revisiting a favorite corner of Ravenna, or simply taking time to recharge, you’ll have the opportunity to reflect on the progress you’ve made and the intricate details that bring your work closer to completion.
FROM HISTORY TO CREATION
Wake up to another leisurely breakfast at the hotel before returning to the Mosaic Art School for the next stage of your artistic journey. Building upon everything you’ve learned throughout the week, you’ll continue developing your project while refining your techniques and artistic expression with personalized guidance from your instructors.
Enjoy lunch on your own at one of Ravenna’s many cafés or trattorias before returning to the studio to continue your work. By now, the techniques that once felt unfamiliar will begin to feel natural, allowing you to focus less on the process and more on bringing your own creative vision to life.
After class, join your guide for an evening visit to the remarkable Domus of the Stone Carpets and the Arian Baptistery, where beautifully preserved mosaics offer yet another perspective on Ravenna’s extraordinary artistic legacy. Following the tour, gather with your fellow artists for a shared dinner, enjoying the flavors of Emilia-Romagna while reflecting on the day’s discoveries and creative journey.
FINISHING TOUCHES
Begin your morning with breakfast at the hotel before making your way back to the Mosaic Art School for your final day in the studio. With the guidance of your instructors, you’ll complete your projects, refine the smallest details, and add the finishing touches that transform your work into handcrafted pieces you’ll proudly take home.
As the workshop comes to a close, take a final opportunity to connect with your instructors, ask questions, and reflect on the progress you’ve made throughout the week. Every step has offered a deeper understanding of the patience, craftsmanship, and tradition behind this remarkable art form.
That evening, gather with your fellow artists for a celebratory farewell dinner, where you’ll share your completed work, reflect on the creative journey you’ve experienced, and enjoy one final evening together celebrating the friendships, memories, and skills gained throughout your time in Ravenna.
ARRIVEDERCI, ITALIA
Enjoy one final Italian breakfast at the hotel before saying goodbye to Ravenna and the creative community you’ve built throughout the week. After days spent immersed in the art, history, and craftsmanship of this remarkable city, a private shuttle will transfer the group to Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport for departing flights. Guests wishing to extend their travels may choose to spend additional time exploring Bologna or continue discovering the many incredible destinations Italy has to offer.
As you head home, you’ll carry far more than the mosaics you’ve created. You’ll leave with new artistic skills, a deeper appreciation for one of Italy’s oldest artistic traditions, and a connection to the generations of artisans who have shaped Ravenna’s creative legacy. Most importantly, you’ll take home meaningful friendships, unforgettable memories, and the experience of learning a centuries-old craft in the very place where mosaics continue to thrive.
Please note: While the itinerary is carefully planned, we may adjust timing and details to ensure the best possible experience, based on local conditions and opportunities as they arise.
ROOM + BOARD
Located in the heart of Ravenna’s historic center, our boutique hotel places you just steps from the city’s world-renowned Byzantine mosaics, charming piazzas, cafés, and artisan shops. Housed within an elegant historic building, the hotel blends classic Italian architecture with modern comforts, offering a peaceful retreat after each day spent immersed in the centuries-old craft of mosaic making.
From the hotel, guests can easily stroll to UNESCO World Heritage sites, local wine bars, traditional trattorias, and hidden streets lined with boutiques and workshops. A full European breakfast is served each morning before classes, while the hotel’s wellness center provides the perfect opportunity to unwind with a massage, sauna, or steam bath after a day in the studio.
Guests will stay in beautifully appointed Classic Rooms, each featuring a private ensuite bathroom, air conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi, minibar, television, in-room safe, and thoughtfully designed furnishings that provide a comfortable and relaxing home throughout the retreat.
Most rooms are reserved for single occupancy to give each guest a quiet place to recharge after intensive workshop days. Guests wishing to travel with a spouse or companion may request double occupancy, subject to availability. Full room options, occupancy details, and pricing can be found on the Book Now page.
Spacious room with private bathroom with shower, air conditioning, wi-fi, telephone, minibar, TV-LED (39 or 46 inches), hair dryer, vanity mirror, safety box.
Room size min. 15-18.50 sq. meters.
Dining / Beverage
Italian cuisine is an integral part of the retreat experience. Each morning begins with a generous breakfast at the hotel featuring fresh pastries, seasonal fruit, yogurt, eggs, artisan breads, Italian coffee, espresso, juices, and a variety of regional specialties.
Throughout the week, guests will enjoy five thoughtfully curated group dinners celebrating the flavors of Emilia-Romagna, including a traditional welcome dinner and a special farewell dinner. Lunches and other evening meals are intentionally left open for independent exploration. Ravenna is home to exceptional family-owned trattorias, wine bars, cafés, and pizzerias, giving guests the opportunity to discover authentic local cuisine at their own pace. Crafted Roads provides a curated dining guide featuring our favorite restaurants, cafés, gelaterias, and aperitivo spots throughout the historic center, allowing guests to experience the city like a local.
Most dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice. Guests may share dietary preferences during the registration process.
MICROMOSAIC: FILATI JEWELRY METHOD
1 Participant
