Ten good reasons (+1) to visit the Emilia-Romagna region in Italy
1. Fill your belly in Italy’s FoodValley
If you want to know the real Italian food and drink culture, get lost in the ancient streets of Bologna’s Quadrilatero, search for the best farm produce in the Albinelli Market of Modena, discover how many DOP products are made in Parma (our UNESCO City of Gastronomy) or go for a piadina with a seaview along the coast.
Emilia-Romagna’s food tradition is made of fresh pasta (tortellini, tortelloni, cappelletti, tagliatelle – please don’t ask for Spaghetti Bolognese!) handmade by the “sfogline”, and world-famous products such as Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, Traditional Balsamic Vinegar, to be paired with the typical wines, from sparkling Lambrusco to fruity Sangiovese.
Read also:
5 gastronomic experiences not to miss in Emilia Romagna
Dozza, the Wine Capital of Emilia Romagna
2. Delve into history at the Ducal Castles
The territory between Parma and Piacenza has been historically ruled by some of the most important Italian noble families (Borbone, Farnese, Visconti, Rossi, Sanvitale up to Maria Luigia and Napoleon) who left their legacy with many beautiful castles that we can still admire.
Take a look at the “little Versailles” Reggia di Colorno, discover the love story that took place in the decorated rooms of Castello di Torrechiara, get back to medieval times in Castell’Arquato (that has been also one of the locations of Ladyhawke movie), admire the panoramic view from the embattled walls of Vigoleno.
Discover more on https://castelliemiliaromagna.it
3. Enjoy a digital detox in our UNESCO Natural Parks
Emilia-Romagna can boast 17 Natural Parks within its territory, where it’s possible to relax and admire the beauty of nature, amid mountains and meadows, lakes, rivers and waterfalls, ancient shrines and woods.
Among these, four parks have been identified by UNESCO with very special recognitions: the Appennino Tosco-Emiliano National Park, the Po Delta Regional Park (where you shouldn’t miss the pink flamingoes) and the Po Grande area are UNESCO MAB Reserve, while the Sasso Fratino Integral Reserve, that is part of the Foreste Casentinesi National Park, has become part of the World Heritage list since 2017.
Read also:
The Natural Parks of Emilia-Romagna
5 experiences to do in the Po Delta Park
The most gorgeous waterfalls in Emilia-Romagna
4. Get an adrenaline rush in the MotorValley
Did you know that the biggest automotive brands come from Emilia Romagna? Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Pagani, Ducati were born and raised in that little piece of land that stretches from Modena to Bologna.
The love for dream cars is part of the soul of the region, something that’s inside people’s DNA, and if you want to discover the story behind the technology and experience what adrenaline is, you should visit the Museums, private Collections and Circuits of the “Land where speed was born”.
Read also:
7 things you should know about the MotorValley of Emilia Romagna
The MotorValley Museums of Emilia-Romagna
Guided tours in the factories of the Italian MotorValley
5. Live like a local in Bologna, “the red, fat & learned city”
Bologna has historically 3 nicknames:
the red city, from the colours of its roofs;
the fat city, thanks to its delicious culinary tradition;
the learned city, because it is the cradle of the oldest University of Europe (Alma Mater Studiorum).
Bologna is a very lively city, with an informal lifestyle and lots of places to eat and drink something while chatting with friends.
Get lost in the maze of medieval alleys, discover the hidden gardens, walk under the world’s longest porticoes up to the San Luca Sanctuary and at sunset, enjoy the view above the city from the two towers.
Read also:
Bologna, the city of porticoes
Stories and secrets of Bologna
6. Discover UNESCO heritage sites in the Cities of Art
Emilia-Romagna has 3 cities of art that have been awarded the UNESCO Heritage Site recognition:
Modena, with its Cathedral and Ghirlandina Tower in Piazza Grande, Ferrara, City of the Renaissance, Ravenna, with its 8 Early Christian Monuments.
When you’re in Emilia Romagna you should consider spending at least one day in these beautiful cities to climb the Ghirlandina Tower and admire the Romanesque art sculptures of Modena’s Cathedral; go on a bike tour along the beautiful Renaissance Palaces of Ferrara, nicknamed “City of Bikes”; and gape at the Early Christian golden mosaics of Ravenna, that date back to when the city was the capital of the Western Roman Empire.
Read also:
Eleven UNESCO Heritage sites in Emilia Romagna
The Unesco Art Cities in Emilia Romagna
Discover Emilia Romagna from above: on top of Towers and Bell towers
7. Challenge yourself along one of the walking paths
In Emilia-Romagna there are several historic-religious itineraries that crisscross the region. For pilgrims, these routes were once sources of spirituality and the symbol of the culture of welcoming. Today, they are treasures on a map that leads to the soul of this territory, a chance to experience the region in a slow and authentic way.
Pack your backpack and walk along one of these 18 paths: the road may sometimes be tiring but the natural landscapes you will encounter and the people you will meet will repay the effort and leave unforgettable memories.
Discover more on https://camminiemiliaromagna.it/en
8. Enjoy the slow lifestyle of the Ancient Villages
To live slowly means to listen to nature around you, to exchange a few words with the people you meet, to breathe clean air and to dedicate yourself to small daily activities, away from the stress of modern life. This is what you can still experience today in the villages of the Italian hinterland. In Emilia-Romagna, there are many villages rich in history and charm, such as Bobbio with its fascinating Ponte Gobbo on the Trebbia River, Dozza with its painted walls, and San Leo with the spectacular rock overlooking the Marecchia Valley.
Read also:
The most beautiful Italian Villages in Emilia Romagna
The Orange Flag Villages in Emilia-Romagna
Dolce Vita in Valmarecchia: a itinerary among hamlets and hills
9. Get your fill of beach, fun and culture along the coast
Almost everyone who has already been to Emilia Romagna knows that Rimini is the one of the Italian capitals of Summer, thanks to its long and well-equipped beaches and an endless nightlife. But Rimini is more. In this ancient city, you can find evidence of a culture that goes back to Roman times. So this is the perfect place to combine the beach life, between sports and aperitivos on the sand, and cultural tours, between archaeology and cinema: did you know that Rimini is also the birthplace of the great director Federico Fellini, the city where he grew up and developed his passion for the seventh art?
Read also:
The true story of the Ponte di Tiberio in Rimini
Blue Flag Beaches in Emilia Romagna
10. Discover the music soul of Emilia-Romagna
In Emilia-Romagna, the music tradition has a long story to tell: from classical to contemporary music. Don’t miss the chance to admire Giuseppe Verdi’s masterpieces in the land where he was born – Parma’s hinterland – or to visit the many historical theaters that hosted great masters such as singer Luciano Pavarotti or conductor Riccardo Muti, both from Emilia-Romagna.
Bologna is (since 2006) a recognised UNESCO City of Music, an acknowledgement of its rich musical tradition and its lively contemporary musical scene, that ranges from opera to jazz, rock and electronic.
Read also:
11. Visit the smallest Republic in the world
Surrounded by Emilia-Romagna, just few miles from Rimini’s coast, you can find what is considered to be the oldest and smallest Republic of the world: San Marino.
Erected on Mount Titano and overlooked by 3 defensive towers (Torre Guaita, Torre Cesta and the smaller Torre del Montale), the medieval architecture of San Marino continues to amaze those who walk on its ancient streets. Do not miss the Passo Delle Streghe, which connects the two towers Guaita and Cesta, from where you can enjoy a truly breathtaking view.
Discover more on http://www.visitsanmarino.com
There you have it: ten good reasons (plus one) to visit Emilia-Romagna! Come visit us soon!