Travel in Emilia-Romagna

Emilia-Romagna

What is Emilia Romagna? The porticoes that shelter and shade your way through the streets of the historic center of Bologna; the modern, dynamic and wealthy city, which at the same time is capable of preserving its human face? Or the infinite, multicolored sea of umbrellas on the sunny beaches of Romagna, the lengthy coastline, crowded with tourists drawn by the irresistible trinity sun-sea-fun? Is this Emilia-Romagna?

Yes, it is all this, and much, much more, starting from its extraordinary historic, artistic and cultural heritage. Emila-Romagna is one of the richest regions of Italy, it is a gigantic treasure house filled with architectural gems and artistic masterpieces, with ancient and famous universities, and modern centers of artistic and cultural learning.

In Emilia-Romagna food is king: Bologna is called "la Grassa"  - "the Fat", here you can find yourself immersed in a sea of flavors and delicacies, mortadella di Bologna is something you will not forget, together with the tortellini and ragu alla bolognese it defines the culinary identity of the city. And in Modena the aceto balsamico - balsamic vinegar, aged for at least 12 years, 25 if vecchio - old, has a taste that is worth its price. In Modena you will find Ferrari and Maserati near cotechini and zamponi for the enjoyment of all your senses. And what about Parma and Reggio Emila, the only places in the world where the Parmigiano Reggiano is made?

But, in addition to being famous for its cuisine, Bologna, is called "la Dotta" - the knowledgeable as it is the home of the most ancient Italian university from the eleventh century. Here the monuments of great artistic value are truly countless, and we shall mention just the two ancient spectacular towers of the Asinelli and the Garisenda, both leaning, and Piazza Maggiore, with its great medieval buildings, and the gothic Duomo of S. Petronio, where Charles V was crowned emperor in 1530.

If you are looking for monuments, outside Bologna, you should not miss the Byzantine masterpieces of Ravenna, the medieval baptistery of Benedetto Antelami in Parma, the Tempio Malatestiano in Rimini, the Romanesque church of S. Mercuriale in Forli', the ancient Palazzo Comunale in Piacenza, the seventeenth-century Sanctuary of the Madonna della Ghiara in Reggio Emilia, the splendid Galleria Estense in Modena, or the harmonious and well-preserved historic center of Ferrara.

A recommended gastronomic visit!

Travel Italy _

Festivals in Emilia Romagna
Official Tourist Boards - APT dell'Emilia Romagna - Useful links
Emilia-Romagna Tourism info | Campings and vacation villages

© 1997-2010 Enrico Massetti
TangoItalia - Food, Wine, Travel, and... tango in Italy.