The 12 things to do in Emilia-Romagna

Are you going to Italy soon? Discover the most beautiful places to visit in Emilia-Romagna, one of the most beautiful regions of the Botte!

poisoning Tuscany and of Veneto , Emilia-Romagna is a region in the north of Italy to discover as soon as possible.

Combining captivating cities and villages, tasty gastronomy, legendary car manufacturers, seaside resorts of the Riviera Romagnola, and beauty of landscapes, the discovery of the region is a pure pleasure. Then let yourself be tempted! And precisely, we have prepared a guide to visit Emilia-Romagna as it should be!

1. Bologna

The capital and capital of the region, the "red city" or the "savante" is an essential step to visit Emilia-Romagna at best. Enjoy it to stroll under the arcades, explore the alleys and discover the canals and the most iconic monuments.

Piazza Maggiore

Here is the heart of the city and therefore a must-see passage. You can admire the palaces that frame the square, the San Petronio Basilica, as well as the Neptune Fountain.

Due Torri

Discover the two symbols of the city! The Due Torri, the Asinelli Tower and the Garisenda Tower are two of the largest medieval towers that Man has built. Moreover, it is possible to climb up the Asinelli tower for a breathtaking view of the city.

But we'd rather warn you, there's going to be sports!

Religious monuments

San Petronio Basilica is the largest brick Gothic church and the fifteenth largest church in the world. The Cathedral of San Pietro is also to be seen, just like the Basilica of San Stefano. Finally, don’t hesitate to climb to the top of Monte Guardia to contemplate the Madonna di San Luca Shrine.

It is a place of pilgrimage, organized as a route. For this, pass under the 666 arcades to access it.

Palazzo dell’Archiginnasco

This is a magnificent Renaissance-style building that has been the seat of the oldest university in the city for centuries. Take the time to take a tour of one of the most beautiful witnesses of this time of the country.

2. Villages and small towns

Many small towns and villages are interesting to visit in Emilia-Romagna:

Ferrare

Ferrarara is a Renaissance city, which is part of UNESCO’s heritage. We can admire the finesse and details of the architecture of this era in the facades of the palaces, such as the palace of diamonds, and the turn of alleys. The castle of Este is also to be seen as the medieval ramparts.

Modena

It is the city of the famous balsamic vinegar and car manufacturers. Visitors can admire the Romanesque cathedral and the Guirlanda campanile.

Imola

The city of Imola will appeal to car enthusiasts with its autodrome Enzo Ferrari and the statue with the effigy of Ayrton Senna , legend of Formula 1, died after an accident in a Grand Prix played on the autodrome.

The Palazzo Tozzini and the Rocca Sforzesca fortress are also to be seen.

Ravenna

The famous city of mosaics has 8 monuments classified as World Heritage Unsco. Among the most beautiful monuments are the mausoleum of Theodoric and the basilicas of San Vitale, Saint Appolinaire le Neuf and Saint Appolinaire in Classe.

Small picturesque villages also deserve the detour. Castell’Arquato, close to Plaisance (or Piacenza), is a medieval village on a hill. In the same style, we also advise you, Dozza, who is close to Imola.

Don't miss the villages of Bardi, Bobbio, Brisighella... As well as the cities of Faenza and Reggio Emilia.

3. The Riviera Romagnola

The Riviera Romagnola is the sea coast, the perfect place if you are looking for what to do in Emilia-Romagna to relax and enjoy the sea air. About 30 seaside resorts are lined up over 100 km on the Adriatic Sea. The best known are Rimini, Cattolica, Riccione, Misano Adriatico.

The beaches are equipped with a wide range of hotels, bars and restaurants. Water activities are also available. There are also several amusement parks, and in the evening the seaside is lively.

Concerning Rimini, it is the city of the famous director Fellini. Moreover, visits to his tracks are proposed.

4. The vineyards

The amateurs of good wines who seek to do in Emilia-Romagna could plan a stay with dominant oenological ! The region is indeed renowned for its vineyards. Follow the wine route and explore the local producers of Lambrusco or Albabana di Romagna for example.

In addition, the region of Modena is also known for its famous balsamic vinegar. Some areas welcome visitors, offer visits to wine cellars and tastings of the best wines. So enjoy it!

5. Same

Parme is a city full of charm to visit in Emilia-Romagna. Known for its ham and parmesan, it is recognized as "Creative City of Gastronomy" by Unesco. The historic heart of the city is to be discovered for its monuments.

The cathedral and baptistery on Piazza Duomo

The cathedral or Duomo Romanesque style lombard dates back to the 11th / 12th centuries. The dome deserves a look at the frescoes of Corrège. As for the baptistery of the late 11th century in pink marble it is essential, especially since it is decorated with beautiful medieval frescoes.

San Giovanni Evangelista

A monument to be seen close to the cathedral. There you will also admire the frescoes of the dome as well as the organs. And if we have time for the convent cloisters.

Piazza Garibaldi

The square is the heart of the city. This includes the statue of Giuseppe Garibaldi, the palace of the governor and the palazzo Podestà. If you visit the city, it's impossible not to pass here!

Palazzo della Pilotta

The Palazzo della Pilotta is a must-see monument in Parma, which houses the Teatro Farnese and its wooden ridges, the Palatine library, the archaeological museum and the Galleria Nazionale.

Parco Ducale

Bordering the Ducal Palace (or Palazzo Ducale), it allows to relax in the cool greenery, all in a large city.

Teatro Regio

Beauty and culture, here are two words that perfectly correspond to the theatre, which must be absoiled. If you can, we even advise you to attend an opera.

6. Gastronomy

Visiting Emilia-Romagna is also a taste of local products and local cuisine. Fresh and stuffed pasta is the honour: tagliatelle al ragù (also known as Bologna in France), tortellacci , tortelloni ... Parma ham and mortadella are also on the menu.

The dishes are cooked with olive oil from the surrounding area and raised with the famous balsamic vinegar of Modena. Also, meals are accompanied by local wines such as Colli Bologsi, Albana di Roma, Lambrusco or Pignoletto. If you are on the seaside, on the Riviera Romagnola, you can (and advised) order fish dishes and seafood.

As for desserts, the Torta di Riso is a flagship regional pastry shop. Finally, to finish the meal let yourself be tempted by walnut liqueur, the Nocino di Modena.

7. Museums

Several museums are to be seen when visiting Emilia-Romagna. Among them:

• The Museo Ferrari Maranello. For all the fans of the brand to the cabré horse, this is an unmistakable visit, which will leave wonderful memories;
• If we take a step in Bologna, Museo Civico Archeologico is exciting. It dates from 1881, is in the Palazzo Galvani and exhibits objects of the Prehistory, Roman and Etruscan period and numerous pieces from Egypt;
• Always in Bologna, the Pinacoteca Nazionale contains numerous paintings created between the 13th and 18th centuries.

8. The Baths

The region of Emilia-Romagna is also known for its thermal baths. So you can do a spa or a spa treatment. It will also be an opportunity to visit the thermal cities that often have buildings of all beauty, such as Salsomaggiore Terme, at the foot of the Apennines.

In fact, the Berzieri Spa, of Art Deco architecture, deserves the detour alone. The city of Bagno di Romagna, surrounded by mountains, can also please you. On the Riviera Romagnola, Rimini is also renowned for its thermal baths, with spas that use sea water.

So, if you want to combine visits with well-being and fitness, you know what to do in Emilia-Romagna!

9. Automobile manufacturers

The Emilia-Romagna region is world-famous for its major automobile manufacturers, especially in the vicinity of Bologna, Modena and Maranello. It is here in the Motor Valley that the most prestigious brands are born and where the factories and headquarters of the companies are still located.

The enthusiasts of beautiful mechanics will therefore be at the angels, on the lands of Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, De Tomaso, Bugatti, Pagani, Ducati and will therefore have to do what to do in Emilia-Romagna with the visit of dealers and museums.

Without forgetting that Amédée Gordini and Enrico Nardi were born in this region. Depending on the period, you could attend a race on the circuits of Imola or Misano Adriatico.

10. Castello di Torrechiara

Impossible to visit the Emilia Romagne without going to see its magnificent castle of Torrechiara! An impressive fortress less than 20 km from Parma, on the town of Langhirano. The fortress is particularly well preserved with its corner towers and defensive walls.

Also, this castle built by Pier Maria Rossi for its beloved is representative of the Italian castles of this time. What made him serve as a filming place for several films. The interior is to be seen absolutely for its painted frescoes.

As for its dominant position, it will offer you a breathtaking view of the surrounding countryside.

11. Palazzo Ducale de Sassuolo

Take the direction of Sassuolo, southwest of Modena. You can visit the Palazzo Ducale, a true masterpiece of baroque art. In 1634, the castle already existed, was transformed into a summer residence of the ducal court by the family of Este. The palace nicknamed Delizia is highlighted by its majestic and refined façade.

The interior is of all beauty and representative of the baroque art of this time. Here you can admire the famous gallery of Bacchus, paintings in trumpet, frescoes of Boulanger and other artists of this period. Outside, peschiera , fish basin with very particular structure deserves a look for its style.

12. Natural spaces and activities

Between the mountains of the Apennines dominated by Monte Cimone (2,165 metres), the Pô plain, the longest river in the country and the Adriatic coast, the landscapes are varied. Emilia-Romagna has two natural parks: the National Park of the Apennines, planted with forests, mountains and lakes. But also the beautiful national park of Casentinesi forests with one of the oldest beech forests, classified at Unesco.

These parks are suitable for hiking, mountain biking and cross-country skiing in winter. As for the regional park of the Po plain, with its marshes and pine forests, it allows to observe birds.

You will also be able to discover the salts of Cervia, or follow the Via Degli Dei, the path of the gods between Bologna and Florence , which passes through the Apennines, on horseback, on foot or in mountain biking.

Visiting Emilia Romagne is also discovering its nature, so enjoy it!

How do I go to Emilia-Romagna?

Several possibilities are available to you to visit Emile Romagna:

The plane

From Paris (1h40 flight), Lyon (1h10 flight) and Marseille (1h flight), you can book a direct flight to Bologna.

If you want to leave another airport Toulouse flights to Bologna are usually made with a stopover. A comparison of flights as Skyscanner you will find the best flight based on your availability. As soon as you arrive at the airport, you can rent a vehicle to go on a road trip and discover the whole of Emilia-Romagna.

The car

You can easily travel the area by car because the road network is well developed between the main cities, especially via highways and roads A1 / A14 / A13 / E35 / E45 / E55 . For information purposes, here are some distances from Bologna:

• Same. 1h10/100 km;
• Ravenna: 55 mn/75 km;
• Rimini: 1h15/115 km;
• Modena: 55 mn/50 km;
• And Rimini/Parma: 2h00/210 km.

The bus and the train

The main cities are connected by bus and trains. You can check the schedules on several sites like Trenitalia, Save a train or Flixbus.

Where to stay in Emilia-Romagna?

To visit Emilia-Romagna you can take a step at Same in the north, or Bologna southerly, and radiate around. If you want to enjoy the sea, select accommodation on the sea Riviera Romagnola . Small towns and villages will be perfect for quieter stays. Also, use one Compare hotels you will find the best accommodation. Think about it too Airbnb , which allow to accentuate the local aspect of the stay.

In addition, in Italy, the Agriturismo is very popular. These are bed & breakfasts in the countryside in farms. It is an experience to live absolutely during your stay. Especially since your hosts will be happy to make you taste the best local products.