Notes on Emilia-Romagna

Notes on what to see, do and eat in Emilia-Romagna – The Italian region known for its food, Ferrari and terracotta coloured arcades.

The really strange thing about Emilia-Romagna, is its relative lack of tourist appeal. While travellers crowd the neighbouring regions of Tuscany and Veneto, few bother to spend their holidays in Emilia-Romagna. And those who do venture to this part of Italy, stay on the Adriatic coast, where endless campsites, villaggios and theme parks keep the north European families occupied.

Secret Cities

The uneven distribution of visitors means that you will hear some foreign languages in Rimini and Ravenna located by the seaside, while Bologna, Modena, Ferrara, Forli-Cesena, Parma, Piacenza and Reggio Emilia are virtually unaffected by mass tourism.

Not that they don’t have anything to offer. Bologna was one of the most important renaissance cities, housing Europe’s oldest university. And both Ravenna, Modena and Ferrara have properties inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

Food and Fast Cars

In addition, Emilia-Romagna is generally considered the centre of Italy’s culinary tradition with local produce such as Parmesan, prosciutto, Balsamic vinegar, Barilla pasta, Lambrusco wines, etc., etc. They have a strong tradition for fast cars, manufacturing such brands as Ferrari, Maserati and Lamborghini.

And there are national parks, mountains, wellness spas, pilgrim sites, medieval castles, opulent palaces to explore. Along with loads of history, sports and cultural events.

So why not stop and have a look around, instead of speeding through the Po valley. It’s hard not to be impressed by the food, the Ferraris and the shade and shelter of never-ending terracotta-coloured porticos.