Still off the beaten track, Emilia-Romagna is a real gem. This region of Northern Italy, one of the richest in Europe, is full of interesting sites to discover. So don't waste another minute! As soon as the weather is fine, it will be time to cross the Alps to discover this little-known Italian land.
The country of culture and artistic genius
Italy holds the record for the number of sites inscribed on the Unesco World Heritage List with 55 sites. An inestimable number of treasures are spread over a hundred archaeological sites and in the 3,000 museums present throughout the country. From the Etruscans to ancient Rome and the genius of the Renaissance, visitors can only marvel at this past that has long shone on the world
And Bologna is the heart of Emilia Romagna. A must for any visit to the region, this fascinating city is home to the oldest university in the world and charms visitors with its magnificent medieval center, its pleasant and dynamic living environment, its student atmosphere and a gastronomy to die for. But Emilia-Romagna hides many other treasures, such as Ferrara, a jewel of the Renaissance whose center is a world heritage site. Half an hour from Bologna, well protected by its high walls inherited from the wars between paladins, the city is worth a visit. The best way to explore its quiet streets is by bicycle, which you can rent locally. The castle of the Este family and the Renaissance palaces make a visit to Ferrara a dive into another world. If you feel like it, try the pasticcio di maccheroni, a local specialty in a trattoria in the heart of the city. Ravenna is also worth discovering with its incredible Byzantine sites. This exceptional collection of basilicas, baptisteries and other mausoleums whose mosaics and frescoes remain remarkably well preserved, makes the city a must-see. And for those who love sunbathing, a day at the seaside in Marina di Ravenna or Marina Romea is a must. Finally, Parma is an elegant and refined city. If the gastronomic stage seems obvious in the city of ham and parmesan, Parma is above all a city of art with a peaceful atmosphere, where it is good to stroll in the historic center between Piazza Garibaldi and the Duomo. Of course, we will also go on the road to discover the multitude of small villages with a medieval look
But Italy is also the home of painters, sculptors and architects such as Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, Donatello, Giorgione, who influenced their time and left works of a rarely equaled splendor. From a literary point of view, Dante or Machiavelli produced universal works, studied all over the world. Not to mention the 7th art, which is at home in Italy thanks to names like Fellini, Rossellini, De Sica, Visconti, Antonioni, Pasolini or, closer to us, Moretti, Bertolucci and some others. In short, a stay in Emilia Romagna will delight lovers of culture and old stones.
A generous nature
Italians are close to their land and have a boundless love for it. 10% of the territory is under the protection of environmental laws. The dozens of national and regional parks, the hundreds of national and maritime reserves are a good example of this love for nature and the efforts undertaken by the State. Green tourism can also be an original and pleasant way to discover Emilia Romagna
Situated between the course of the River Po to the north, the Apennine mountains to the south and the Adriatic Sea to the east, Emilia-Romagna offers travelers a multitude of varied landscapes
Lovers of the sea, sun and fun will choose the Romagna Riviera, with its long sandy beaches, calm sea and movida until dawn. But if you move to the Apennines, the landscape, culture and traditions change completely. It is here that nature lovers and hikers will find their happiness, discovering wonderful landscapes, made of waterfalls, lakes, forests and rivers where to cool off in summer. In winter, it is possible to go skiing. Finally, the Po River plain and, in particular, its marshy delta, offers a bewitching natural setting, still and silent, to be discovered on foot, by bicycle or by boat
Emilia Romagna is also home to many wild animals. Wild boar, deer, badgers, wild rabbits and hares are among the game, while among the birds, we must point out the presence of the fishing falcon and various species of herons. In the rivers you will find, among many others, trout, eels, tench, sturgeon, pike, lavaret and grayling. Something for the hiker to enjoy!
Human diversity
If traditionally one opposes a rich and industrial North to a poor and underdeveloped Mezzogiorno, the contrasts remain strong within the northern part of the peninsula. The regionalisms occupy an important place and draw the human landscape. From history to language, particularisms are still cultivated today. In the past, in Emilia-Romagna, a strong rivalry undermined the relationship between the inhabitants of Emilia and Romagna who perceived themselves as very different from each other. This ancient rivalry has now given way to a love-hate relationship; everywhere in Emilia you will be told that the Emiliani are much better than their neighbors, while in Romagna the Romagnoli will assure you of the opposite! Moreover, each province has its own identity and dialect. You will see, along your journey, all the cultural richness of Emilia Romagna
The art of the table
Let's not forget the other great wealth of the region: its gastronomy! Deeply rooted in the local peasant tradition, Emilia Romagna's cuisine is rich, abundant and tasty. Many of its specialties are world-famous, such as tortellini, tagliatelle, lasagna, mortadella, parmesan cheese, ham and balsamic vinegar
A stay in the peninsula can be a fantastic culinary marathon that even the most discerning gourmets will not be able to resist. Wines and other wonderful beverages will brighten up these copious meals. And this gentle way of life, which is a true art in Emilia Romagna, will seduce you with its endless aperitifs, its coffees sipped on the terrace, its tasty cuisine in the trattorias and the incredible smile of its inhabitants.
Useful information
When is the best time to visit? Emilia-Romagna has a continental climate, with cold, wet and rainy winters and summers that can be very, very hot and humid. The most pleasant seasons are spring and autumn, when you can enjoy the beautiful weather and the sites without feeling the heat or the rain.
Getting there. Finding flights to Emilia-Romagna is easy, as there are many airlines that fly to Bologna.
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Useful. To prepare your trip in the best way.
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