Located in northern Italy, the Emilia-Romagna region entices travelers with its rich history, culture, and culinary delights. From the medieval streets of Bologna to the coastal charm of Ravenna, Emilia-Romagna offers a diverse array of experiences that cater to every traveler's taste.
And I am not just talking about food. Here are my top five cities to see in this region.
Bologna
Nestled in the heart of the Emilia Romagna region, Bologna is a city that effortlessly blends rich history with a vibrant urban atmosphere. Like other major cities in Italy, it has its share of historical churches, amazing architecture, and spirited history. But most importantly Bologna is a food lover's dream come true – the place practically invented Parmigiano, balsamic vinegar, and prosciutto.
It's a land of medieval stone streets and handmade pasta. Your to-see list might include:
Exploring the historic food markets in Bologna (they have three)
Visiting the oldest working university in the world (established in 1088 AD)
Seeing the longest meridian line in the world (the sundial is 220 feet long) inside the infamously unfinished cathedral.
Climbing the clock tower for amazing views (like the view in the photo above)
Hike the 2.5 miles of the iconic Porticos of San Luca (you can also ride up and walk down if you prefer)
Modena
Famous for its automotive heritage ( luxury sports car manufacturers like Ferrari and Maserati) and exquisite cuisine, Modena is a city that exudes sophistication and style.
Beyond its automotive fame, Modena is also a culinary paradise, with traditional balsamic vinegar and delectable dishes that showcase the region's gastronomic prowess.
With its small central nucleus, Modena is easy to see in a day. You might want to visit the following:
For the car enthusiasts, explore the Enzo Ferrari Museum
Visit an authentic Basalmic Vinegar attic, to see how the delicacy is created
Admire the Romanesque architecture of the Cathedral of Modena and the Ghirlandina Tower nearby
Ravenna
Steeped in history and artistic splendor, Ravenna is a city that transports visitors back in time with its stunning Byzantine mosaics and well-preserved monuments. Once the capital of the Western Roman Empire, Ravenna is a treasure trove of cultural heritage, with its UNESCO-listed sites offering a glimpse into the city's illustrious past.
From ancient churches, peaceful gardens, and pedestrian-friendly streets Ravenna is a city of beauty and tranquility that captivates all who wander its enchanting streets.
Parma
Renowned for its culinary delights and architectural beauty, Parma is a city that embodies the essence of Italian tranquility. Made famous for its Parmigiano Reggiano cheese most tourists visit the cheese factories in the countryside, leaving the city center free from crowds. Parma's elegant streets are lined with historic palaces, charming cafes, and exquisite boutiques, creating a picturesque setting that enchants visitors with its timeless charm.
Be sure to put the following sites from my Parma Guide on your must-see list:
The Parma Cathedral Complex: Santa Maria Assunta Cathedral, the Baptistry, and the museum
Camera di San Paolo - Room of St. Paul which is actually a room inside the abbey of Benedictine nuns
Piazza Garibaldi with the Palazzo del Governatore
Ferrara
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Ferrara is more than 1000 years old. The small town has a perfectly preserved medieval nucleus and Renaissance structures northward enclosed by 5.5 miles of defensive walls. The Estense Castle is connected to the 13th-century Municipal Palace (still Ferrara’s city hall) creating a single structure that is almost 3 blocks long.
With my favorite Emilia Romagna guide - Fabio, we saw the following sites:
the Estense Castle (photo above)
the Diamanti Palace
the Cathedral
the Ducale Palace and main square
the Old Ghetto (market) area with picturesque Vaults Street
the Schifanoia Palace Museum (fabulous frescos inside).
Ferrara is one of Italy's top bicycle-friendly cities. It’s the best way to get around the city and like Lucca in Tuscany, you can bike on the defensive walls as well. You can easily make this a day trip by train from Bologna (30 minutes) or Florence (1 hour, 10 minutes).
TRAVEL TIP: Spend the night and slow your pace for an even more enjoyable experience.
Beyond its culinary riches, Emilia-Romagna fascinates visitors with its stunning art and architecture like the intricate mosaics of Ravenna and the grand palaces of Parma. All five of these vibrant cities make the region of Emilia Romagna a destination that promises a truly unforgettable Italian experience.
The Way To Italy has been providing fee-based, custom travel planning for travelers to Italy for 23 years. I handcraft once-in-a-lifetime Italy experiences down to the last detail.
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