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!
Besides gourmet, Emilia-Romagna has 3 UNESCO World Heritage Site namely:
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Cathedral, Torre Civica and Piazza Grande, Modena
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
These Delizie Estensi or villas includes:
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Castle of Mesola- open to public
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Delizia del Verginese in Gambulaga of Portomaggiore - open to public
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Delizia di Belriguardo in Voghiera - open to public
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Palazzo Schifanoia in Ferrara - currently closed for restoration
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Villa della Mensa in Copparo - currently closed for restoration
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Pio Palace in Tresigallo - currently closed for restoration
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Delizia di Benvignante in Argenta - not open to public
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Delizia di Zenzalino- not open to public
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Delizia di Fossadalbero - not open to public
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Delizia della Diamantina in Vigarano - not open to public
Langhirano
Langhirano, a city in the province of Parma hosts the beautiful castle of Torrechiara.
By Valter Cirillo - Pixabay
By Valter Cirillo - Pixabay
Maranello
The Ferrari Museum which contains more displays on the history of the Ferrari brand, as well as models of F1 race cars and sports cars.
By Go Travelling, Public Domain
Modena
An automotive industry city with the manufacture of famous Italian sports cars such as Ferrari, Lamborghini, Pagani and Maserati . Modena is the home of high-quality balsamic vinegar and fabulous Italian cuisine, as well as hometown of the famous singer Luciano Pavarotti. His house is now converted to a museum, displaying his private collection of memorabilia, costumes and awards gathered throughout his long career.
Cathedral, Torre Civica and Piazza Grande
The magnificent 12th-century cathedral at Modena, the work of two great artists (Lanfranco and Wiligelmus), is a supreme example of early Romanesque art. With its piazza and soaring Ghirlandina tower, it testifies to the faith of its builders and the power of the Canossa dynasty who commissioned it. The Cathedral, the tower and the Piazza Grande are Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage
Parma
Parma is renowned for its prosciutto (ham), Parmesan cheese and amaizing gastronomy. Parma has beautiful gardens, medieval buildings ,piazzas and interesting shopping! It's a very walkable city.
Ravenna
Ravenna was the seat of the Roman Empire in the 5th century and then of Byzantine Italy until the 8th century. It has a unique collection of early Christian mosaics and monuments.
All eight buildings – the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, the Neonian Baptistery, the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, the Arian Baptistery, the Archiepiscopal Chapel, the Mausoleum of Theodoric, the Church of San Vitale and the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare in Classe – contain extensive mosaics decoration, that were constructed between the 5th and 6th centuries. They show great artistic skill, including a wonderful blend of Greek-Roman tradition, Christian iconography oriental and Western styles. These eight buildings are delcared as UNESCO World Heritage List under "Early Christian Monuments of Ravenna".
Mausoleum of Galla Placidia
This stunning ceiling counts 570 golden stars, all in mosaic and shining on an intense blue sky with at its centre a big latin cross, the symbol of resurrection.
Rimini
Rimini, probably the most popular destination for holidaymakers on the Adriatic coast, famous for its long stretch of beautiful golden sand beaches. Thousands of visitors flock here to indulge in the joys of sunshine, beaches, bars, great seafood, and escape from busy modern life.
But there's history here as well. The city has preserved some interesting Roman and Renaissance historical and architectural monuments.
Ponte di Tiberio
Ponte di Tiberio, the Tiberius bridge is 2000 years old, and links the city centre to the picturesque Borgo San Giuliano. Take a stroll across this ancient beautiful bridge, following the footesteps of the Roman Empire while surrounded by modern life, to the charming village of Borgo San Giuliano, used to be a fishing village, but in the 11th century, this fishing village was lay outside the city walls of Rimini. However, during the 20th century, the district was incorporated into the growing city. Browse through these narrow alleyways , cobblestones and admire the street art inspired by the work of the famous film director Federico Fellini, who was born in this neighborhood. The vista is so romantic!
Arc of Augusto
Cross under the Arc of Augusto, built by Emperor Augustus in 27 BC, to mark the end of the Via Flaminia, an important road that connected the cities of Romagna and Rome.
Piazza Tre Martiri
Piazza Tre Martiri has always been the center of the city. Here used to be the Foro Romano, a market place in Roman times. There is still a market on the weekend.
Taking a dip in the sea, building sand castle, having a cocktail or two, or simply lazing under the beautiful sun, and enjoy the Rimini’s coastal atmosphere and charm!
Rimini is also the best base for visiting the independent Republic of San Marino.
San Leo
San Leo is a medieval town that used to be part of the Marche region but was moved into Emilia Romagna in 2009. It sits on top of limestone cliffs and boasts a wonderful example of a Renaissance castle, where you can enjoy the breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains and Republic of San Marino in the distance.
Republic of San Marino
The Republic of San Marino, charming and fascinating microstate, is Europe’s third smallest country, and fifth in the world. Being one of the oldest republic in the world, San Marino was never ruled by Monachy. San Marino was founded in 301AD by St. Marinus and a group of Christian refugee, who settled there to escape Roman’s persecution. Since then, the state was ruled by its own statutes and consuls. The commune was able to remain independent despite encroachments by neighbouring bishops and lords, mainly because of its isolation and its mountain fortresses.
San Marino sits atop of Mount Titano, part of the Apennine mountain range, is mostly rugged and mountainous, completely enveloped by Italy. It and offers stunning views of the landscape of Italy and Adriatic coast.
It has nine cities but, the most visited town is the capital City of San Marino
(Città di San Marino), declare as a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring enchanting architecture, from 14th- and 16th-century convents to neoclassical basilica, and three fortresses that represent the nation’s freedom and independence.
Area: 61 sq km
Population: 32,500
Three symbolic towers
The three symbolic towers, Rocca Guaita, Torre Cesta and Montale, are depicted on both the national flag and coat of arms.
Rocca Guaita and Torre Cesta are two fortress towers situated on a ridge at the summit of Mount Titano. Both are open to public. The most impressive is Rocca Guaita, it was built in the 10th century directly onto the rock with no foundations. Given its precarious position, it has been reconstructed many times throughout the centuries. Historically this was where the population of San Marino would take refuge against sieges – parts of the tower were still used as prisons up to as late as 1970! The second tower, Torre Cesta, it has a museum with showcases over 1,550 weapons dating from the Medieval Era to the modern day. The third tower is Torre del Montale, unlike the other towers, this one is not open to the public, but it is well worth making the trip there as you will find even more spectacular views over San Marino, as well as several quaint spots to relax with a picnic as you take in the unspoilt scenary.
Piazza della Libertà
Piazza della Libertà was once the epicentre of political life in San Marino. Here you’ll find Palazzo Pubblico, the town hall and official government building, the façade of which is elaborately decorated with the coat of arms of the republic and its four municipalities. Over the square’s stone walls the views of the surrounding landscape are beautiful.
Tax Free Shopping
Take advantage of tax-free shopping.....Like many other microstates, San Marino has a very low tax policy so you can shop liberally here. The locally produced hand-painted ceramics, refined lace and embroidery are lovely. For collectors of rare stamps and coins, San Marino is particularly appealing.
