Emilia Romagna

Located in a strategic position in north-eastern Italy, Emilia Romagna is the sixth most densely populated region in Italy and also from the point of view of territorial extent. It represents one of the most avant-garde industrial and technological districts in the nation.

It borders Lombardy and Veneto to the north, Tuscany, Liguria, the neighboring Marche region, and the Republic of San Marino to the south. In addition, it is delimited by the Adriatic Sea to the east. Its natural boundaries are demarcated by Po and Reno rivers to the north, by the foothills of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines to the southwest, and by the Sillaro river to the west.

Emilia Romagna is a charming region, which offers travellers a remarkable variety of landscapes: from the picturesque mountainous areas to the gentle downward slopes of the Lambrusco area, the romantic hills of Piacenza, Bologna, and Parma, sprinkled with magnificent villages, the lands of the ancient Bosco Eliceo, and the renowned coastline, embellished by sought-after locations all year round.

The territory of Emilia-Romagna has a varied and peculiar morphology, consisting of the extensive Po Valley, originating from alluvial deposits, the hills, and the enchanting slopes of the Apennines.

Its orography presents imposing peaks, including Mount Cimone, which you can glimpse in the area bordering Frignano Park, which boasts an altitude of 2165 metres.

Moreover, we encounter Mount Cusna, the highest peak in the Park Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, Alpe Succiso, Mount Fumaiolo, Mount Maggiorasca, Mount Marmagna, the Stone di Bismantova, Mount Prado, Mount Corno alle Scale, and Mount Falterona.

They are ideal destinations for hikers, trekkers, and winter sports enthusiasts, thanks to the famous ski resorts.

Its hinterland is delineated by the extended network hydrographic basin of the Po river, its tributaries with a torrential flow, such as the Trebbia, Tidone, Arde, Nure, Enza, Parma, Taro, Panaro, Secchia, and Reno, its tributaries, such as the Santerno, Senio and Sillaro, and tributaries, including the Ronco, Lamone, Montone, Marecchia, Conca, and Savio.

Emilia Romagna is a treasure chest of natural beauties, characterised by marvellous sceneries: besides to the well-known beaches of the Emilian Riviera, which is very popular during the summer season, it is possible to take a tour at the discovery of the many lakes with crystal-clear waters, snestled like precious gems in lush natural environments. Among the main lake basins there are Lake Suviana and Lake Brasimone, Lake Santo Modenese, Lake Santo Parmense, Lake Scaffaiolo, Lake Baccio and Turchino, Lake Quarto, Lake Calamone, Lake Lungo, Lake Acquapartita, Lake ofPontini, for relaxing, and Lake Ridracoli, overlooking the Casentino Forest National Park.

The history of Emilia Romagna dates back to the distant past; it is possible to admire the stratifications of civilisations that have followed one another over the millennia. The first traces of human settlements belong to the Palaeolithic period. Between the 9th and 8th centuries BC, the first stocks of the flourishing Villanovan civilisation reached the area where the city of Bologna now stands. During the 9th century BC, the Etruscans settled in the territories of Rimini and Bologna, and later the Gauls arrived there in the 5th century. During the 3rd century BC, colonisation by the Roman Empire led to the constitution of current Modena, Parma, Rimini, Ravenna, and Piacenza. Following the establishment of the Roman-Barbaric kingdoms in the 4th century AD, the Byzantines, Goths, Lombards, and Franks invasions occurred.

The toponym Emilia Romagna has a very ancient origin, deriving from the Via Aemilia, a Roman consular road built in the 2nd century BC.

The largest and most important city in Emilia Romagna is Bologna, seat ofthe most prestigious university in Italy and the oldest in the world: it is also considered the capital of culture, design trends, and the creative city of music.

From an administrative point of view, Emilia Romagna consists of nine provincial areas. Among the copius important and alluring cities there are Reggio Emilia, Modena, Forlì, Parma, Piacenza, Cesena, Ravenna, Rimini, and Ferrara. It is rich in precious artistic, architectural, and naturalistic masterpieces, 12 of which have already been recognised and included in the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Thanks to its location in the heart of Italy, it is easily accessible through the junctions that connect the countries of Northern Europe with the Eastern Europe and Balkan states. 

It has efficient road, aerial, and railway connections to reach the main Italian metropolises and the European continent.

The regional airports that manage the majority of aerial traffic are Guglielmo Marconi Airport in Bologna, Federico Fellini Airport in Rimini, and Giuseppe Verdi Airport in Parma. Bologna Airport is the stopover for main national and foreign flights. Rimini Airport has international and non-European passenger traffic, while Parma Airport controls domestic and European routes. All three airports are easily connected to efficient public transport services, including buses, shuttles, and the railway lines.

Emilia Romagna also offers natural beauties of outstanding tourist interest. Most tourists and travellers who arrive in Emilia Romagna pass through the enchanting city of Bologna, staying there from three to five days on average before moving on to other stops on their itinerary to discover the regional beauties. Intriguing Bologna is a lively and cozy city, that preserves a historical, artistic and cultural heritage.

It also offers many attractions to visit, such as the majestic Basilicas of Saint Petronio and Saint Stephen. There are the evocative towers of the Asinelli and Garisenda, from which it is possible to admire skyline of the city, the Archiginnasio, the National Art Gallery Bologna, Municipal Palace and the amazing Piazza Maggiore with its precious mediaeval historic centre. You can choose from a wide range of museums, theatres, and historical neighbourhoods or more recent ones, to immerse yourself in the teeming local nightlife.

The renowned destinations of Marina di Ravenna, the Renaissance city of Ferrara, Ravenna, the splendid city of mosaics, Parma with its gastronomic delicacies, Reggio Emilia, rich in artistic masterpieces, and Faenza with its marvellous handmade ceramics, are easily reachable within one-hour drive. Modena is also known for its Romanesque-style cathedral that has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its bell tower, nicknamed the Ghirlandina.

In the magic setting of the Bolognese hills, there are picturesque and fascinating villages to explore, nestled in spectacular landscapes. Famous towns and villages include Dozza, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, Brisighella, Monteveglio, Premilcuore, and the 16th-century Gualtieri. Castell'Arquato, where the cult movie Ladyhawke was filmed.

Other famous tourist places are San Leo, overlooked by its imposing fortress, Fontanellato, famous for its spectacular Rocca San Vitale, and Busseto, the birthplace of Giuseppe Verdi, Montegridolfo, Vigoleno, and Verucchio.