Cultural Travel ideasBenvenuti in Emilia Romagna!
Come with us in one of the most beautiful regions of Italy, from the sea up to the hills, from the small villages to the big cities of art, walking along nature paths and parks!
1/10 In the heart of Italy’s FoodValley
If you want to know the real Italian food and drink culture and lose yourself in the flavours of culinary delights few in the world can boast, then go to Parma (gastronomy creative Unesco city) or better – in that tiny plot of land among Parma, Reggio nell’Emilia and Modena. Here you can savour some products that are the pride and joy of our Peninsula, such as Parmigiano Reggiano, Parma raw ham and balsamic vinegar. As soon as you step into one of the many typical taverns of the territory, like an osteria or trattoria, you will certainly live a culinary experience with no equal.
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2/10 In the ducal Castles of Parma Piacenza and Pontremoli
Let yourself go and discover the 32 fortresses, castles and manor houses that are spread throughout the territories of Parma, Piacenza and of the historical area of the Lunigiana. And… why not? Book your stay in one of their 14 charming accommodations. In this Land, illustrious and noble dynasties echo among the folds of history and every place here keeps an engaging legend to tell you.
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3/10 Enjoy the big regional parks
The Tuscan-Emilian Apennines National Park and the Foreste Casentinesi, Monte Falterona and Campigna Park are ideal for a ski, a walk, a climb, a byke or a horse ride, and, most of all, here you can find and create a deep contact with nature, without going too far away from the big cities like Bologna, Milan, Florence or Genoa.
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4/10 Let it rip with the legends of the MotorValley
A big “themed park” dedicated to the appeal of motors and to the thrill of adventure. Along the historical Via Aemilia, you will find some of the greatest names from the motorbike world. Ferrari, Lamborghini, Ducati, Pagani are only a few of the endless list, and they invite you to get to know their history, their museums, and their unique private collections. This is a real paradise for all the 2 and 4 wheels lovers: there are plenty of events, international sports festivals, tests on the racing-circuits and much more throughout the racetracks of the region.
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5/10 Get lost in the city centre of Bologna
Look at the students who go back and forth from Europe’s oldest University, hide among the crowd and find refuge from the rain under the porticoes of the “cultured, fat, red and towered” city of Bologna. Every corner of its historic centre with Medieval origins has an own original glimpse to show you, a tower or a noble dwelling will surprise you behind the next corner and you will be invited in one of its amazing museums or exhibitions. The restaurants will welcome you with dishes of the Emilian tradition and they will invite you to come back again. Guests are venerated as sacred here, just exactly as the people of Bologna do with the beauty of the Shrine of St. Luca: it has been overlooking the city for centuries from the top of the hills where it stands out.
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6/10 From the Po River to Ferrara and back: the beauty of nature and art
It is not easy to describe the natural ecosystem of the area of the Po Delta Park. There are endless amazing itineraries in order to discover the area. Here, where earth and sky meet and blur together, you can find artistic, historical and natural treasures. These treasures, as well as the city of Ferrara, which is the Renessaince city par excellence, are so valuable that they have become Unesco World Heritage.
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7/10 The mosaics in Ravenna
There is magic in the mosaics of Ravenna, something that touches you and that lights up your eyes with wonder. Seven of its eight Unesco monuments invite you to start a journey backwards in time, to know more closely the wealth of this ancient Byzantine and Roman art, while in the craft workshops of the city centre tradition continues to live in new and contemporary forms.
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8/10 On the track of Pilgrims
From the valley up to the Apennines, the Emilia Romagna region is crossed by a network of pedestrian and cycle paths that developed from the track of the ancient pilgrimage routes. Today, they embrace new forms of tourism: spiritual, eco-friendly and – most of all – slow tourism.
Pack your rucksack and hit the road! Choose one of the 14 possible paths: the Via Degli Dei, the Via Francigena, the Via Degli Abati, the Via di Linari or il Cammino di Dante (Dante’s walk). It’s up to you to understand what you are really searching for and what your destination will be!
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9/10 Discover the ancient villages
Castles, fortresses and picturesque Medieval villages contend for the Emilia Romagna area. From the hills of Piacenza up to the Adriatic Sea, you have only to choose!
The territory is dotted with little municipalities with a few hundred souls and they are waiting for you to discover them, their art, beauty and cultural treasures. Brisighella, Castell’Arquato, Montegridolfo, Bertinoro, Montefiore Conca and Dozza are only some of the places worth a visit: it’s time to slow down, to embrace the local food and drink traditions and to abandon yourself to a good glass of wine offered by the regional wine promotion association Enoteca Regionale Emilia Romagna.
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10/10 The charm of Rimini and of its hinterland
Rimini has always been famous for being the city of sun and amusement. It is the biggest beach resort on the whole Adriatic coast. Every year thousands of people meet on the sandy beaches of Rimini and they have fun in one of the several themed and amusement parks of the Riviera. You can visit one of its several monuments rich in history or you can walk through the city centre, with a wide choice of pubs and restaurants. The Romans first, and the Malatestas later, marked the fortune of this city, while the seaside tourism and the related services made the rest. The real soul of the city is hidden in the hinterland. Go on the road and discover the valleys of the rivers Marecchia and Conca: on your journey, you will discover amazing skylines and the villages and landscapes you will meet will bewilder even the most indifferent to beauty
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Author
Davide Marino
Davide Marino was born archaeologist but ended up doing other things. Rational – but not methodic, slow – but passionate. A young enthusiast with grey hair