Emilia Romagna

10 STAGES IN EMILIA ROMAGNA

Emilia Romagna is one of those regions that offers you so many opportunities it is hard to choose the best. We do not underestimate the fact that the Italian culinary tradition has its roots here. So, here is some general information about the things that have particularly struck me.

#1 – RAVENNA AND BYZANTINE MOSAICS

The tour starts from San Vitale. The basilica houses the sacred mosaic that represents the gardens of the imperial palace, the emperors Justinian and Theodora, made with bright colors and an infinite mastery. We continue on to the mausoleum of Galla Placidia, which rests under the starry sky of the mosaic of the dome. At Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, it is gold that rules and radiates through all the space. This is only the beginning, but you will see, you will be amazed.

#2 – CASTLES OF PARMA AND PIACENZA

This is the area of greatest concentration of castles in Emilia Romagna. A network of 24 beautiful manors that will take you back to the past, between legends and ghosts. I’ll mention a couple to give you an idea: the Castle of Rivalta marks the dominion of the Landi’s family in Piacenza, with its magnificent park and its unique profile; the Palace of Colorno, 12 km from Parma, is architecturally unusual with 400 rooms, and a French garden with an astronomical observatory that reminds us of Versailles.

#3 – MEDIOPADANA STATION OF REGGIO EMILIA

This is the high-speed station that connects Milan to Bologna. It’s not a classic attraction, but I like it! The project by Santiago Calatrava, creator of the sailing bridges over the highway of the sun,repeats the module 25 times with different rotations. The dynamic effect is really amazing.

#4 – PARK OF DELTA DEL PO

Since 1999 this has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It covers the territory of Ferrara and Ravenna and includes many cultural attractions, such as the abbey of Pomposa and the city of Comacchio. You can visit it on foot, by bike, or by boat. You will have the opportunity to admire substantial different fauna and be enchanted by beautiful sunsets.

#5 – CERWOOD

Do you want an adventure? In Reggio Emilia the largest adventure park in Italy awaits you. The aerial routes are developed at many heights and with different levels of difficulty. You will also be able to dare various jumps in the void, throw with pulleys, play in paintball matches, and shoot with a bow and arrow. Prepare your packed lunch and head out for an exciting adventure!

#6 – ROCCA DI SAN LEO

It is not by chance that this is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. It dominates the Valmarecchia and owes its name to San Leone of Dalmazia, the first bishop of the area. The fortress is even mentioned in the Divine Comedy and saw Charlemagne, Matilda of Canossa, and Montefeltro pass through its streets. Located on a hill 639 m high, it offers beautiful views.

#7 – THE FINZI AND CONTINI GARDENS

We are in Ferrara, where the novel by Giorgio Bassani was born, which tells the story of a family struggling with racial laws. On reading it you will retrace the Ferrara of the past, with its walls, its Este legacies, and its characteristic Palace of Diamonds. It is built with ashlar masonry to recall an age-old shape and give a name to the palace with its 8,500 blocks of white marble.

#8 – SANTARCANGELO DI ROMAGNA

This is famous for the six km long tuff caves, used in medieval times as cellars to preserve Sangiovese wine. During World War II they were a refuge for the local population. Santarcangelo is also a beautiful medieval village with ancient buildings, but also modern and the two are harmonious, like the castles of Paolo and Francesca.

#9 – BOBBIO

For those who want to visit a town rich in history with typical flavors, while also relaxing and taking a nice bath, you have found the right place. We are on the banks of the Trebbia river and, in the summer heat, you will find peace in its fresh waters. Bobbio is a very lively village full of events such as the Movie Festival held every year with illustrious guests. The most intrepid will challenge the devil along the famous Hunchbacked Bridge, constructed by him in one night with the help of his demons who held the vaults; their different heights led to arches of varying sizes being built.

#10 – GASTRONOMICAL TOUR

You know Emilia Romagna is the home of food. The top itinerary that I recommend is the one in Piacenza with pisarei (the typical pasta), fried gnocco, and charcuterie, accompanied by a good Gutturnio or Ortrugo wine. Passing through Bologna, do not miss the tagliatelle with meat sauce and tigelle (a kind of bread) stuffed in every way. Arriving on the shores of the Adriatic, toast to life with piadine and eels! Sorry, I’m going off to eat, that made me hungry!