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Emilia Romagna lies between the River Po to its north and the Apennine Mountains (to its south). It is one of the most fertile and productive regions of Italy, thanks to the mitigating effect that the Adriatic Sea has on the coastal climate.
The diversity between the mountains and sea offers visitors to Emilia Romagna breathtaking views, in addition to beauty for both the eyes and spirit, with a mixture of the earthy colors, the aromas and the fresh sea air. Not to mention that Emilia Romagna is a hotbed for music, cinema and art appreciated nationally and internationally.
Many who love the combination of sun, sea and entertainment choose the Romagna Riviera. It possesses the longest beach in Europe, and is where visitors flock to enjoy its sport offerings and leisure facilities. Towns such as Rimini, Riccione and Cattolica are highly-outfitted for touristic reception, emphasizing relaxation and fun.
Further from the coast, the beautiful landscape of the Apennines, for instance, makes the region ideal for horseback riding or trekking in the area between Parma and Piacenza. Make a visit to the splendid parks and wonderful nature reserves.
The hinterland features several wellness spas like Salsomaggiore and Bagno di Romagna, due to its many types of water springs, as well as modern facilities and technology.
Both culinary and artistic methods found themselves on the fertile soil of this land, and their roots run deep.
This is the land of Verdi’s novels and Giovanni Pascoli’s poetry, as well as Fellini’s unmistakable cinema - a director who became a legend through his many masterpieces that come to life in this, his native region. In Emilia Romagna, one can enjoy amazing views anywhere, and the list of places to choose from is endless.
Emilia Romagna sits on the border with the third-smallest country in Europe, the Republic of San Marino.
The provinces of the region are: Bologna (the region's capital), Ferrara, Forli-Cesena, Modena, Parma, Piacenza, Ravenna, Reggio Emilia, and Rimini.
Art, history and architecture are only some aspects in the wide range of features characterizing Emilia Romagna. Bologna is part trade show city and commerce, part grande dame of culture, art and cuisine, and in part college town with a rather alternative flair. Similarly to Bologna's own diverse characteristics, the Basilica di San Petronio, one of the most beautiful churches in Italy, displays a with its half marble and half raw façade.
Those who want to reach the heights of the city must climb the 498 steps of the Asinelli Tower. The view from its top will reward all those who make the climb.
Ferrara, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, is a marvelous example of Renaissance splendor perfectly preserved. This can be seen in the roads, façades of the buildings and the other artistic treasures the town has to offer, especially the Castello Estense.
Modena, then, boasts its Romanesque cathedral and the Ghirlandina Church Tower.
With no fewer than 8 Christian monuments deemed worthy of the UNESCO World Heritage List, Ravenna is Emilia Romagna's city of mosaics. The masterpieces of this town, a capital of the Byzantine (Exarchate) Empire, bear witness to the wealth acquired over its long history. Highlights include: the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, the Mausoleum of Theodosius and the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare in Classe (featuring some of those above-mentioned spectacular mosaics).
Faenza, rich in monuments and historical and cultural heritage, is internationally-acclaimed for its ancient ceramics industry, dating back to the 13th Century.
In the province of Modena is Maranello, where sports car enthusiasts can visit the Ferrari Museum to see the most prestigious cars produced - along with race trophies and photos - by this world-famous manufacturer. And Imola, with its historic forts and piazzas, is the seat of the Enzo and Dino Ferrari Autodrome, continuous venue for bicycle and motorcycle events.
It is finally possible to visit all of Italy from just one location. In the heart of the Adriatic Riviera, we can go from one end of Italy to another in the matter of seconds, thanks to Italy in Miniature. A park with 273 small-scale reproductions of principle Italian and European monuments, young children in particular can have fun seeing the beauties of the Bel Paese by way of various learning routes designed just for them.
Emilia Romagna itself offers a diverse series of itineraries, almost all customized to visitors’ demands.
For nature lovers, 2 national parks, 14 regional parks and 11 regional reserves offer sport and leisure to those who want to plunge into the green. The flora and fauna typical of the area can be enjoyed via trekking, kayaking and cycling in complete freedom.
Horseback riders can follow itineraries on the Via Francigena in the areas of Piacenza and Parma, enjoying the many parks and following the myriad paths - even off the bridle-ways - that are scattered almost all over the region.
Another well-catered sector to explore here is that of beauty and wellness. Several spas offer relaxation and rejuvenation through their therapeutic and regenerating treatments. Salsomaggiore, Tabiano, Bagno di Romagna, Castrocaro, and Porretta are only some of the places that are best-known for their spas, another integral aspect of the region.
Then, the "roads" of wine and cuisine are a good way to discover the historical and cultural identity of the territory, with its typical products and unforgettable tastes.
Finally, we cannot forget the fairs and festivals held throughout the region year-round. Just take your pick!
A journey in discovery of the roots of this region leads in many directions - one of these paths is the art of taste. The region is known for its bold and refined cuisine, from those of the countryside of Emilia to those of the Romagna coast, via the lagoon of the Comacchio Valleys, with its famous eels.
Discovering a region means tasting the results of its traditions, from the typical Erbazzone, a quiche with spinach, or the pisarei e faso, small dumplings with beans made in the area of Piacenza, to the tortelloni, agnolotti and all types of homemade pasta enhanced by their delicious fillings, herbs and flavors.
We can stop in Bologna to try its mortadella, perhaps inside rolled or folded piadina bread. The unquestioned king of Parma, yet well-known and enjoyed all over the world, is of course Parma Ham (Prosciutto di Parma) that, together with the wonderful Grana and legendary Parmigiano cheeses, are the pride of this land's gourmet traditions.
As in all Italian regions, good wine in Emilia Romagna is a given: Gutturnio, produced in the hills of Piacenza,Trebbiano, Lambrusco, Barbera, Sauvignon and Sangiovese.
Simplicity and taste is the winning combination that makes the cuisine of this region so special.
Piedmont is in Italy's northwest and borders Switzerland and France. True to the meaning of its name (foot of the mountain), Piedmont is a land of mountains. It is surrounded on three sides by the Alps, with the highest peaks and largest glaciers in Italy.
Trentino Alto Adige is situated in the very north of Italy bordering Austria and Switzerland, and is best known for the beauty of its peaks. Its territory stretches from the Adamello-Brenta range and the peaks of Ortles and Cevedale to the most striking mountains ...
This region is situated in Italy's northeast and borders Slovenia and Austria . Friuli Venezia Giulia overlooks the Adriatic Sea and is surrounded by high mountains, enclosing many different landscapes. The ...
Situated in northern Italy, the Province of Rimini lies in the southeastern zone of Emilia Romagna . Well-equipped seaside resorts, borgoes and villages rich in art and history, gently-rolling hills just a ...
Ravenna, located in the region of Emilia Romagna, is an artistic treasure of the Byzantine era. It preserves the magnificence of its great mosaics. Between the fifth and the sixth centuries, Ravenna has played an extraordinary role that allowed it to be recognized three times as the capital and a ...
The city of Faenza is very famous for one of the most ancient and sublime arts in the world: the art of ceramics, and, above all, for the special and enameled art called “Majolica”. At each corner of the old town there are artisans' shops, with a lot of special crafts' laboratories on the back. ...
An intriguing and mysterious trip to the medieval Romagna: from the fortress of Castrocaro to the stronghold of Dozza, with many rites and ancient traditions. It is a perfectly restored medieval fortress in the province of Forlì bringing to life ancient characters and costumes. The fortress is one ...
The dukedom of Parma and Piacenza lasted more than 300 years, but the fortresses and the castles which are located in this territory recall older memories. More than 300 fortifications, among towers, walled houses, fortresses, manors and walled villages, are scattered in this borderland and ...
Porta Schiavonia, built on the Via Emilia at the end of the fifteenth century, is the only gate remaining of the walls of Forlì. Beside the gate are the ruins of a watchtower.
The Tempio Malatestiano is one of the masterpieces of Renaissance architecture. The facade, the work of Leon Battista Alberti, is inspired by a triumphal arch in ancient Rome, while the side walls recalls a Roman bridge, in reference to the two principal monuments of the city. The temple was ...
The baroque portico that links Porta Saragozza to the sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca, on the Colle della Guardia, measures 3.5 kilometres and is considered the longest portico in the world. Built between 1674 and 1715, it is interspersed with small chapels with the Mysteries of the Rosary. ...
The urban structure of Milano Marittima recalls a 'garden city' with so many plants that it differs from the nearby resorts. At Cervia there is still part of the ancient pinewood cultivated by the Romans for the production of the wood used in the shipyards at Ravenna.
