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Emilia-Romagna is considered one of the richest regions of Italy with regard to its gastronomic .

Parmesan cheese, prosciutto ham, balsamic vinegar, ragú, tortellini and lasagna...great destination for gourmet lovers!

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Besides gourmet, Emilia-Romagna has 3 UNESCO World Heritage Site namely:

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Emilia Romagna

By Erika Varga - Pixabay

Bologna

Bologna is the capital city of the Emilia Romagna region, home to the oldest university in Western Europe. It is known for its great cuisine,  tagliatelle, tortellini, mortadella, lasagna and the famous ragú. 

As an university hub, there is a large student population which adds to the city’s vibrant atmosphere. The soft red colors of many of its buildings, give the city its nickname, ‘The Red City’ (La Rossa).

It is one of the most unique, beautiful, and underrated cities in Italy. There are so many things to do in Bologna and it makes a great base for exploring other attractions in the region.

Arcaded Porticoes

Bologna’s famous landmark, the covered arcaded walkways or the Porticoes, which stretch for more than 40 kilometres around the centre of Bologna. The covered porticoes of different age and style are the result of nine centuries of urban planning. It makes Bologna a unique landscape to walk day and night.

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The portico of St. Luca, 3.8 km long, consists of 666 arches and 15 chapels, leading to the Sanctuary of San Luca, pearching on the hilltop.

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The Porticoes are now in the tentative list of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Will the porticoes of Bologna be Italy’s next Unesco World Heritage site?

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Piazza Maggiore

Spend some time lingering in Piazza Maggiore, located in the city’s old center, Bologna’s beating heart. A classic example of Renaissance town planning, it is one of the most graceful public squares in Italy.

The square is surrounded by the unfinished Basilica di San Petronio, the Palazzo Communale (city hall) , the handsome Fountain of Neptune, sculpted in 1566 and the iconic two towers that lean in a different direction.

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The Two Towers of  Bologna 

The two leaning towers, Garisenda and Asinelli,  the traditional symbol of Bologna, are both named the noble families in Bologna.  In the late 12th century, at least one hundred towers dotted the town's skyline, but today only twenty have survived the ravages of fire, warfare and lightning. Asinelli Tower is the town’s tallest. It is possible to climb 498 steps up to the top,  to enjoy great epic views over the city.

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Sanctuary of San Luca

The Sanctuary is situated on top of a hill, offering a splendid panoramic view of the city. The highlight is getting there on a 50-minute walk from the center Portico San Luca, starting from Porta Saragozza, under the 666 arches and passing 15 chapels, 3,8 km long , the longest in the world. The route is flat until the Arco del Meloncello, it climbs uphill. It sounds challenging, but the reward is astounding!

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Ferrara

Ferrara located in the Po di Volano, a branch channel of the main stream of the Po River. The town has broad streets and numerous palaces dating from the Renaissance, when it was governed by the Dukes of Este.  Lying in the middle of the Po Valley, Ferrara still has the atmosphere of the past, which blends in harmoniously with the lively atmosphere of the present. For its beauty and cultural importance, it has been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

The Ferrara, City of the Renaissance, and its Po Delta

In 1995, UNESCO has included the historical centre of Ferrara in the list of World Cultural Heritage ,

considered as the best example of Italian Renaissance town planning.  In 1999, the site is extended to the Po Delta Park and to the Delizie Estensi.

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Delizie Estensi was a big landscape transformation projects that illustrate the influence of Renaissance culture on the natural environment. For this reason, UNESCO recognizes the extraordinary work of the Este family, giving the Villas the recognition of World Heritage. It consists of approximately thirty villas used by the Este family as leisure and hunting areas. Many of them has  falling apart, almost dilapidated, however, the beauty and charm some of the best preserved ones is enough for us imagine what it was like under the ruling of Estense government.

 

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These Delizie Estensi or villas includes:

  • Castle of Mesola- open to public

  • Delizia del Verginese in Gambulaga of Portomaggiore - open to public

  • Delizia di Belriguardo in Voghiera - open to public

  • Palazzo Schifanoia in Ferrara - currently closed for restoration

  • Villa della Mensa in Copparo - currently closed for restoration

  • Pio Palace in Tresigallo - currently closed for restoration

  • Delizia di Benvignante in Argenta - not open to public

  • Delizia di Zenzalino- not open to public

  • Delizia di  Fossadalbero - not open to public

  • Delizia della Diamantina in Vigarano - not open to public