Emilia-Romagna contains some of Italy’s most beautiful towns and villages, fringed with sandy beaches and relaxing resorts. From the cultural highlights of Bologna to the laid-back Rimini coastline, soak in the warm, inviting shades of burnt sienna and enjoy the Italian destination that has something for everyone.
Peaceful Bologna
Bologna is a city that gives off a cosy vibe, despite its relatively large size. Almost all of the buildings in the capital of Emilia-Romagna are painted in shades of burnt sienna, which perhaps lends itself to a welcoming feeling? Or perhaps it is the scent of local comfort food dishes such as lasagna and tagliatelle con ragù alla bolognese that helps you feel at home; regardless, Bologna’s famously friendly inhabitants and the city’s location between the two lazily-flowing rivers of Reno and Savena all contribute to the feeling that life runs at a slower pace here.
There’s plenty to admire in the city itself, with the Asinelli Tower and the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca, both offering wonderful panoramas across the city and the surrounding Emilian Apennines hills. Stay cool in the midday sun with a stroll through one of the city’s many arcades — they stretch for a total of 53 kilometres! — including the legendary Corte Isolani, the wooden-built Via Marsala, and the Piazza Maggiore, where you can also view the Basilica of San Petronio, the Palazzo del Comune Town Hall, and the famous Neptune Fountain.
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Piazza Santo Stefano and Via Zamboni are the youthful beating heart of this ancient city but do check out the Museo della Storia to discover more about the city’s mediaeval history. If all that strolling has worked up an appetite, head to the Mercato di Mezzo. Set in a former hospital building, this market offers the opportunity to buy fresh local produce straight from the farmers, bakers and artisans. Late one, enjoy a peaceful wander around the mountain town of Brisighella, voted Bologna’s best place to live.
Luxurious Modena
Although Modena is well-known as the home of balsamic vinegar, there’s little to be sour about in this city! Head to Piazza Grande where you can visit Modena’s beautiful cathedral, or Piazza XX Settembre for a leisurely cup of coffee or a delicious dish of pasta. Local specialities abound at the Mercato Albinelli where a dizzying array of sights, scents and tastes await. If you enjoy losing yourself on a city walk without any particular destination in mind then start your journey on Via Emilio Centro. You can turn off into one of the many side streets and encounter historic churches, wooden-shuttered building facades and romantic squares. Similarly to Bologna, Modena’s arcades are a must-visit — try Via Luigi — and don’t forget the Palazzo Ducale, one of the main symbols of the city.
Of course, you will certainly get the opportunity to taste aceto balsamico di Modena, Modena’s renowned balsamic vinegar. For more background into this world-famous product, head to the small town of San Donnino where you can learn about the history of this speciality and see how it is made — amazingly, it takes up to 145 kilos of grapes to produce just one litre of this “liquid black gold”. Another well-known Modena export is Ferrari, along with Maserati and Lamborghini. You’ll see plenty of supercars around the city, however a visit to the ultra-modern exhibition centre is also highly recommended to learn more about the world’s fastest sports cars. For a lower-octane day out, the small town of Nonantola, about 20 kilometres from Modena, will delight you with its Benedictine monastery, a Romanesque cathedral and the tranquillity of provincial Italy.
Mosaic-Filled Ravenna
Located just 10 kilometres from the Adriatic coast, Ravenna isn’t typically a first choice destination for tourists arriving in Emilia-Romagna. However, although Ravenna may not be as well-known as Bologna or Modena, it is famous for its perfectly-preserved Byzantine mosaics. You’ll find them in the 6th century Basilica of San Vitale, the mausoleum of Galla Placidia (daughter of Emperor Theodosius) and the Battistero Neoniano. Don’t miss monuments such as the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo and the Tomb of Dante Alighieri, which dates back to the 15th century. Heading to Piazza del Popolo, the city’s main square, you’ll find plenty of buzzy eateries. Of course, Ravenna’s local specialities can be sampled in restaurants across the city, but also at the Mercato Coperto. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the zuppa di rane — frog soup. You can also order exceptionally delicious seafood and fish here as well.
Combine a visit to this former capital of the western Byzantine Empire with lazy days on the beaches of the Adriatic Sea. The nearby resorts of Lido Adriano, Lido di Dante, Casal Borsetti and Lido degli Estensi are ideal for this. Families and thrill-seekers will also be captivated by the suburban amusement park, Mirabilandia, while those who love nothing more than an active holiday will be drawn to Ravenna’s countless kilometres of cycle paths. All this adds up to making Ravenna a real paradise for those who want to combine exploration with relaxation when on holiday.
Ancient Rimini
Known as Italy’s holiday capital, Rimini is a marvel. Formerly known as Ariminium, it was one of the Roman Empire’s most important cities. Nowadays, music and the bustle of visitors echo around the city day and night, attracting not only Italians but also tourists from all over Europe to its many kilometres of wide, sandy beaches on the Adriatic. Rimini is great for beach-goers of all ages, be they young people looking for entertainment, retirees basking in the sun or children playing in the sand. It is also a favourite destination for Italian celebrities so don’t be surprised to see a paparazzo or two! If you plan on relaxing by the sea during your stay in Emilia-Romagna, do bear in mind that most of the beaches charge an admission fee. One exception is the beach near the 55-metre-high La Ruota Panoramica observation carousel in the historic Borgo San Giuliano district.
Rimini is famed for its excellent fish and seafood in every shape and form. Enjoy deep-fried fritto misto or clams with pasta in linguine alle vongole. The famous piadina is a wheat flour pancake filled with cold meat and cheese and is a great lunchtime snack. During the day, there are plenty of ancient monuments to explore in the historic city centre. These include the sandstone Tiberius Bridge, the Roman Amphitheatre, and L’arco di Augusto, said to be Italy’s oldest triumphal arch.
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Great shopping is available in the boutiques of Piazza Cavour and Piazza Tre Martiri, while a break from the crowds can be found in the quaint hilltop towns of Valmarecchia valley, such as San Leo and Pennabilli. An interesting fact — it is these very landscapes that you can view in the background of Leonardo da Vinci’s famous Mona Lisa! If you fancy a night out, then rest assured that Rimini is a city that never sleeps! Its centre is packed with clubs and bars with live music, while the beach turns into a dance floor by night, ensuring a night to remember.
