10 unmissable places to visit in Emilia Romagna

If you are looking for a destination that combines culture, gastronomy and breathtaking views, Emilia Romagna is the perfect place for you. This region of northern Italy is a true treasure of beauty to discover, where every corner tells a fascinating story. From ancient cities of art such as Bologna and Parma, famous for their culinary and historical heritage, to the enchanting landscapes of Romagna, every visit turns into an unforgettable experience. In this article, we will explore the 10 unmissable places to visit in Emilia Romagna, to help you plan your dream trip to this extraordinary part of Italy. Pack your suitcase, because the adventure is about to begin!

Bologna: the city of historic porticoes

Discovering Bologna is like leafing through a book of history and culture, where the historic porticoes tell of a fascinating past. This city, also known as “La Dotta” for its ancient university, is a real jewel to explore. Walking under the arcades, which extend for over 38 kilometres, you are surrounded by a unique atmosphere, perfect for getting lost among artisan shops, historic cafés and gastronomic shops.

You can’t leave Bologna without tasting the traditional Emilian cuisine: try the tortellini in broth or a portion of Bolognese sauce, perhaps accompanied by a good glass of Sangiovese. For those who love art, the Piazza Maggiore and the Basilica of San Petronio are unmissable stops, where time seems to have stopped.

To make the visit even more special, don’t forget to climb the Torre Asinelli: from here, the panoramic view of the city is breathtaking. Plan your trip during May or September, when the weather is ideal for walking. Bologna is well connected, so it is not difficult to reach it by train or car from other cities in Emilia Romagna.

In summary, Bologna is a perfect mix of culture, gastronomy and history, an experience that you cannot miss during your tour in Emilia Romagna.

Parma: a journey into authentic taste

Parma, the capital of the province of the same name, is a true gastronomic mecca. This Emilian city is not only famous for its artistic and cultural heritage, but above all for its unmistakable flavours. Walking through its streets, the scent of Parma ham and Parmesan Reggiano will envelop you, inviting you to discover the secrets of its traditional cuisine.

Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Covered Market of Parma, where you can taste fresh and local products, or treat yourself to a lunch in one of the characteristic restaurants that offer typical dishes such as tortello d’erbetta. Every bite tells a story of passion and tradition, and you can perceive the love that the Parma people put into their cuisine.

But Parma is not just food. Its historical monuments, such as the Duomo and the Baptistery, are works of art that deserve to be admired. The Teatro Regio, famous for its perfect acoustics, offers shows that attract opera lovers from all over the world.

To make your visit even more authentic, I recommend taking part in a guided tour of the cellars, where you can discover the production processes of Parmigiano Reggiano and raw ham. Don’t forget to pop into Torrechiara Castle, a fascinating fortress that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

Parma is an invitation to live an experience of taste and culture that you will not easily forget.

Modena: home of balsamic vinegar

Modena is a gem of Emilia Romagna, famous not only for its history and culture, but above all for its balsamic vinegar, a true gastronomic treasure. Walking through the streets of the centre, it is impossible not to be fascinated by the porticos that characterize the city, creating an enchanting and sheltered atmosphere, ideal for a walk.

Visit the Traditional Balsamic Museum, where you can discover the production process of this fine condiment, which requires years of aging in wooden barrels. Here you will have the opportunity to participate in guided tastings, to appreciate the different nuances of flavor that balsamic vinegar can offer. Don’t forget to explore the Mercato Albinelli, a local market where the authentic flavors of Modena come to life; here you will find fresh products, local cheeses and cured meats to pair with vinegar.

Another must is the Modena Cathedral, a UNESCO world heritage site, with its majestic Romanesque facade and the famous bell tower, the Ghirlandina. If you are a motor enthusiast, you cannot miss the Ferrari Museum, which celebrates the history of one of the most iconic car manufacturers in the world.

Modena is a sensorial journey between tradition and innovation, where every corner tells a story. Don’t forget to take advantage of the numerous food festivals held throughout the year, to fully experience the authenticity of this extraordinary city.

Ravenna: mosaics that tell stories

Ravenna, a jewel of Emilia Romagna, is famous for its extraordinary mosaics, which seem to tell us stories of distant eras. Walking through the streets of this city, you will find yourself immersed in a magical atmosphere, where every corner is a work of art. The Byzantine mosaics, a UNESCO world heritage site, adorn churches and monuments, including the Basilica of San Vitale and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, where the sky seems painted with stars.

Don’t miss the opportunity to also visit the Neoniano Baptistery, with its bright colors and intricate details, which offer a unique glimpse into the spirituality of the time. Each mosaic tells a story, from the ascension of Christ to the scenes of the Last Judgment, inviting you to reflect on the beauty and complexity of human history.

For the full experience, take time to explore the historic centre, with its welcoming cafes and artisan shops. Don’t forget to taste the typical dishes, such as cappelletti and meat pie, for a true journey into local flavours.

Finally, if you are looking for an alternative to the frenzy of modern life, treat yourself to a walk along the Marina di Ravenna beach or visit the Po Delta Park, to immerse yourself in nature and tranquility. Ravenna is a place where every visit becomes a work of art to be experienced.

Rimini: beaches and culture of Romagna

Rimini is not only the queen of Romagna’s beaches, but also a treasure of history and culture waiting to be discovered. With its 15 km of sandy seafront, Rimini is the ideal place for those seeking relaxation under the sun, but there is much more beyond the waves of the sea.

Walking through the historic center, you will find yourself in front of the Tiberius Bridge, an imposing Roman structure that dates back to 21 AD, symbol of a city that has managed to keep its historical legacy alive. Don’t miss the Malatesta Temple, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture dedicated to Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta, which fascinates with its beauty and artistic details.

After a day of cultural exploration, treat yourself to a moment of pure relaxation on the equipped beaches, where you can try the typical Romagnola piadina dish in one of the many kiosks. If you are a lover of nightlife, Rimini offers a wide choice of clubs and discos, making it a perfect destination for night owls too.

To make your visit even more memorable, consider attending local events, such as the Ancient World Festival, which celebrates Rimini’s history and culture with shows and activities. With a unique mix of beaches, history and liveliness, Rimini is a must for anyone visiting Emilia Romagna.

Forli: art and history in the heart

Forli, a hidden jewel of Emilia Romagna, is a city capable of enchant with its millennial history and its vibrant artistic panorama. Walking through its streets, you are surrounded by an atmosphere that mixes the past with the present, where every corner tells a story.

You can’t miss the Rocca di Ravaldino, an imposing fortress dating back to the 13th century, which offers a fascinating view of the city. Inside, the garden is an ideal place for a break, immersed in history. A few steps away is the San Domenico Museum, which houses works by artists such as Giovanni Battista Salvi da Sassoferrato and Piero della Francesca. Its collection and temporary exhibitions make this museum a must for art lovers.

Forli is also famous for its historic churches, such as the Cathedral of San Mercuriale, with its bell tower soaring into the sky. If you are an architecture enthusiast, don’t forget to visit Palazzo Romagnoli, where you can admire splendid decorations and frescoes.

For nature lovers, the Parco della Resistenza is a perfect corner of greenery to relax. Finally, don’t forget to taste the local culinary specialties, such as tortellini and the famous Sangiovese, a wine that tells the story of this land.

Forli awaits you for a journey through art and history, promising an unforgettable experience!

Ferrara: a walk among castles and bikes

Ferrara is a jewel of the Italian Renaissance, where time seems to have stopped within the walls of its castles and cobbled streets. The city is famous for the Estense Castle, an imposing fortress with moats and crenellated towers, which tells the story of the powerful Este family. Crossing its doors, you are greeted by a magical atmosphere, perfect for a family visit or a romantic walk.

But Ferrara is not just history: it is also a city to explore by bicycle, thanks to its network of cycle paths. Renting a bike and cycling along the medieval walls, which offer panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, is an unmissable experience. Don’t forget to stop in one of the many parks, such as Parco Massari, for a picnic in the shade of the centuries-old trees.

If you are a culture lover, you cannot miss the Palazzo dei Diamanti, home to art exhibitions of international importance. And for gastronomy enthusiasts, Ferrara offers typical dishes such as pumpkin tortellini and salami da sugo, which will make you fall in love with Emilian cuisine.

In summary, Ferrara is a city that combines history, art and a love of the outdoors, making it an unmissable stop on your trip to Emilia Romagna.

Dozza: the village of mural artists

In the heart of Emilia Romagna, Dozza is an enchanting village that seems to have come out of a fairy tale book. With its narrow streets and brightly colored houses, this charming village is known for its murals, works of art that embellish the facades and tell stories of life, tradition and culture.

Walking through the streets of Dozza, art lovers can admire over 100 murals created by internationally renowned artists, which transform every corner into an open-air gallery. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Rocca Sforzesca, an imposing medieval fortress that hosts events and art exhibitions, also offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding countryside.

For foodies, Dozza is also famous for its wines. The road of wines and flavors of Emilia Romagna passes through here, and you can enjoy a glass of Sangiovese in one of the many local wine bars.

If you’re planning a visit, consider attending the Mural Festival, an annual event that celebrates street art and offers workshops and live performances.

Reaching Dozza is simple: it is only 30 minutes from Bologna by car and 40 minutes by train. Don’t forget your camera, because every corner of this village is a work of art to immortalise!

Salsomaggiore: wellness and historic spas

Immersed in the greenery of the Parma hills, Salsomaggiore Terme is a true oasis of well-being and relaxation. Famous for its thermal waters, this location is the ideal place for those seeking an escape from the daily routine. Its historic spas, such as the Terme Berzieri, are a masterpiece of Art Nouveau architecture, where you can enjoy regenerating and relaxing treatments.

Walking through the center, you can admire the elegant buildings that tell the story of elite tourism, with boutiques and cafes that invite you to stop by. Don’t forget to visit Salsomaggiore Castle, an imposing fortress that dominates the landscape and offers breathtaking views of the valley below.

For nature lovers, the surrounding hills offer numerous scenic hiking trails, ideal for a regenerating walk. Furthermore, the local cuisine is another strong point: don’t miss the famous Culatello di Zibello and the Colli di Parma wines, which will perfectly accompany your meals.

If you want to live an experience of wellbeing, culture and gastronomy, Salsomaggiore is an unmissable destination in Emilia Romagna. Don’t forget to book your spa sessions in advance, especially during the high season, to ensure a moment of pure relaxation.

Colli Bolognesi: an experience of wine and nature

Discovering the Colli Bolognesi is a journey that enchants the senses, where the scent of the vineyards mixes with the fresh air of the hills. This region, a few kilometers from Bologna, is a paradise for wine lovers, with its historic cellars and breathtaking landscapes that extend as far as the eye can see. Here, Pignoletto and Sangiovese reign supreme, making every sip an authentic experience rich in history.

Walking among the gentle slopes, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the small villages such as Dozza, famous for its murals and its Rocca Sforzesca, where unmissable food and wine events take place. In spring and autumn, the harvests open the doors of the cellars, allowing visitors to participate in tastings of fine wines, accompanied by typical dishes of the Emilian tradition.

Don’t forget to explore the paths that wind through the vineyards: they are perfect for a regenerating walk or a bike ride, immersed in nature and tranquility. The Route of Wines and Flavours of the Bologna Hills offers the opportunity to discover local specialties, from cured meats to cheeses, in a context that celebrates authenticity and the art of good living.

Visit the Bolognese Hills and let yourself be enveloped by their beauty: an experience that combines taste, culture and nature in a perfect balance.