Things to see in Emilia Romagna
By Dion Protani
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Latest update: 1 December 2023
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The first place to start with Emilia Romagna is the cities as the region has some of the most impressive in the country.
The capital is Bologna which is known for its medieval architecture but also for its food with famous dishes such as lasagne, tortellini and tagliatelle al ragù (aka Spaghetti Bolognese in some quarters) originating there. We then come to Ravenna which was once the capital of the Western Roman Empire and as such became endowed with incredible riches from the era; none more so than the astonishing Byzantine mosaics that can be found in churches such as the Basilica di San Vitale and the Neonian Baptistery. |
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Emilia-Romagna highlights
Emilia Romagna features heavily on the UNESCO World Heritage List with both Modena and Ferrara represented. Ferrara's Castello Estense and Modena Cathedral are just two reasons why.
Another city that's renowned for its food is Parma; the famous Parmigiano cheese and Parma ham come from here but the city itself offers much more besides with its wonderful historic centre containing gems such as the Cathedral and Baptistery.
Much of the tourism in Emilia Romagna centres around sun-worshipping during the summer months. The region's biggest seaside resort, and indeed one of the biggest in the country, is Rimini. A city that's famed for its nightlife and endless beaches, also offers a great deal to history buffs with its Roman Arch, the Ponte di Tiberio Roman bridge and its medieval city centre. Just down the coast from Rimini is another major hot-spot: the resort of Riccione. Further Seaside Towns include Cervia and Bellaria but a particular favourite of mine is Cesenatico where you can witness the spectacle of the old ships as they unfurl their colourful sails.
Away from the major cities there are also dozens of smaller towns to discover; Brisighella, Bobbio and Fontanellato are just a few examples while the town of Dozza with its murals covering almost every inch of the medieval centre is not to be missed. Classical music fans can take a trip to the town of Busseto, birthplace of famous Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi while the spa town of Salsomaggiore Terme offers a completely different type of diversion.
Another city that's renowned for its food is Parma; the famous Parmigiano cheese and Parma ham come from here but the city itself offers much more besides with its wonderful historic centre containing gems such as the Cathedral and Baptistery.
Much of the tourism in Emilia Romagna centres around sun-worshipping during the summer months. The region's biggest seaside resort, and indeed one of the biggest in the country, is Rimini. A city that's famed for its nightlife and endless beaches, also offers a great deal to history buffs with its Roman Arch, the Ponte di Tiberio Roman bridge and its medieval city centre. Just down the coast from Rimini is another major hot-spot: the resort of Riccione. Further Seaside Towns include Cervia and Bellaria but a particular favourite of mine is Cesenatico where you can witness the spectacle of the old ships as they unfurl their colourful sails.
Away from the major cities there are also dozens of smaller towns to discover; Brisighella, Bobbio and Fontanellato are just a few examples while the town of Dozza with its murals covering almost every inch of the medieval centre is not to be missed. Classical music fans can take a trip to the town of Busseto, birthplace of famous Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi while the spa town of Salsomaggiore Terme offers a completely different type of diversion.