10 good reasons to come in Emilia Romagna

Benvenuti in Emilia Romagna!

Come with us in one of the most beautiful regions of Italy, from the sea up to the hills, from the small villages to the big cities of art, walking along nature paths and parks!

In the heart of Italy’s FoodValley

Parmigiano Reggiano | Photo © Lola Akinmade — Parmigiano Reggiano | Credit: Lola Akinmade

If you want to get to know the real Italian food and drink culture and lose yourself in the flavours of culinary delights that few in the world can boast of, then go to Parma (Unesco Creative City of Gastronomy), or better still, go to the tiny strip of land between Parma, Reggio Emilia and Modena.

Here you can taste some products that are the pride of our peninsula, such as Parmigiano Reggiano, Parma ham and balsamic vinegar.

Once you enter one of the many typical restaurants in the area, such as an osteria or a trattoria, you are sure to experience a unique culinary experience.

In the ducal Castles of Parma Piacenza and Pontremoli

Castle of Torrechiara, Parma | Photo © Alberto Ghizzi Panizza — Langhirano (Parma), Castle of Torrechiara | Credit: Alberto Ghizzi Panizza

Let yourself go and discover the fortresses, castles and estates that dot the territory of Parma, Piacenza and the historic area of the Lunigiana. And… why not? Book your stay in one of their charming accommodations.

This is a land where illustrious and noble dynasties echo in the folds of history, and every place has a fascinating legend to tell you.

Enjoy the big Regional Parks

The Foreste Casentinesi, Monte Falterona and Campigna National Park

The Tuscany-Emilia Apennines National Park and the Casentino Forests, Monte Falterona and Campigna National Park are ideal for skiing, walking, climbing, biking and horse-riding, and above all for getting in touch with nature without being too far from the big cities such as Bologna, Milan, Florence or Genoa.

Let it rip with the legends of the MotorValley

Enzo Ferrari Museum | Photo © Enzo Ferrari Museum

A large “theme park” dedicated to the fascination of motorbikes and the thrill of adventure. Along the historic Via Aemilia you will find some of the biggest names in the world of motorbikes.

Ferrari, Lamborghini, Ducati, Pagani are just a few of the endless list that invite you to discover their history, their museums and their unique private collections.

This is a true paradise for 2 and 4-wheel lovers: there are numerous events, international sports festivals, track tests and much more on the region’s circuits.

Get lost in the city centre of Bologna

Bologna, view from the top of the Torre degli Asinelli | Pic by bolognawelcome.com — View from the top of the Torre degli Asinelli (Bologna) | Photo by © bolognawelcome.com

Look at the students coming and going from Europe’s oldest university, hide in the crowd and take shelter from the rain under the porticoes of the “cultured, fat, red and towering” city of Bologna.

Every corner of its historical centre, with its medieval origins, will offer you an original view, a tower or a noble residence will surprise you around the next corner, and you will be invited into one of its amazing museums or exhibitions.

The restaurants will welcome you with traditional Emilian dishes and invite you to return.

Guests are treated as sacred here, just as the people of Bologna treat the beauty of the Santuario di San Luca, which for centuries has watched over the city from the top of the hill on which it stands.

From the Po River to Ferrara and back

It is not easy to describe the natural ecosystem of the Po Delta Park. There are an infinite number of amazing itineraries to discover the area.

Here, where earth and sky meet and merge, you can find artistic, historical and natural treasures. These treasures, together with the city of Ferrara, the quintessential Renaissance city, are so valuable that they have been declared a Unesco World Heritage Site.

The mosaics in Ravenna

Neonian Baptistery, Ravenna | Photo © Andrea Bernabini — Neonian Baptistery (Ravenna) | Photo © Andrea Bernabini

There is magic in the mosaics of Ravenna, something that touches you and makes your eyes shine with wonder. Seven of its eight Unesco monuments invite you to travel back in time to discover the richness of this ancient Byzantine and Roman art, while in the artisan workshops of the city centre the tradition lives on in new and contemporary forms.

On the track of Pilgrims

St. Anthony's Way | Photo © Giorgio Minguzzi — St. Anthony’s Way | Photo © Giorgio Minguzzi

From the valleys to the Apennines, Emilia Romagna is crisscrossed by a network of footpaths and cycle paths that have evolved from ancient pilgrim routes. Today they are home to new forms of tourism: spiritual, ecological and, above all, slow.

Pack your backpack and set off! Choose one of the possible itineraries: the Via Degli Dei, the Via Francigena, the Via Degli Abati, the Via di Linari or the Cammino di Dante. It’s up to you to understand what you’re really looking for and what your destination will be!

Discover the ancient villages

The little hamlet of Montegridolfo (Rimini)

Castles, fortresses and picturesque medieval villages dominate the Emilia Romagna region. From the hills of Piacenza to the Adriatic Sea, the choice is yours!

The territory is dotted with small towns of a few hundred souls, waiting for you to discover them, their art, beauty and cultural treasures.

Brisighella, Castell’Arquato, Montegridolfo, Bertinoro, Montefiore Conca and Dozza are just some of the places worth visiting: it’s time to slow down, savour the local culinary tradition and indulge in a good glass of wine from the Enoteca Regionale Emilia Romagna.

The charm of Rimini and of its hinterland

Rimini (RN), Arco di Augusto | Credit: Olena Kosynska, via Shutterstok (solo per uso editoriale)

Rimini has always been known as the city of sun and fun. It is the largest seaside resort on the entire Adriatic coast.
Every year thousands of people gather on Rimini’s sandy beaches to have fun in one of the many theme and amusement parks of the Riviera.

You can visit one of the many historical monuments or stroll through the town centre with its wide range of pubs and restaurants.
The Romans, and later the Malatestas, have left their mark on this town, while seaside tourism and the services it provides have done the rest.

The true soul of the city is hidden in the hinterland. Take the road and discover the valleys of the Marecchia and Conca rivers: along the way you will discover astonishing skylines and the villages and landscapes you will encounter will amaze even the most indifferent to beauty.

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Davide Marino

Davide Marino was born archaeologist but ended up doing other things. Rational – but not methodic, slow – but passionate. A young enthusiast with grey hair