10 Fun Things to Do in Emilia Romagna: Exploration Guide
Emilia Romagna is a region in northern Italy that is known for its rich cultural and historical heritage, as well as its delicious food and wine. From ancient Roman ruins to medieval castles and charming seaside towns, there is something for everyone in this beautiful region.
Emilia Romagna has something to offer whether you’re interested in art, history, nature, or food and drink. This list will explore ten fun things to do in Emilia Romagna: visit historical cities, nature walks, and food and wine tours. So come discover all Emilia Romagna has to offer – you won’t be disappointed.
1. Visit the Historic City of Bologna
Bologna is the capital of Emilia Romagna and is known for its rich cultural and historical heritage. Visit the historic city of Bologna and see Piazza Maggiore and the iconic Two Towers (Torre degli Asinelli and Torre Garisenda).
Piazza Maggiore is the main square in the city. It is home to several important Italian landmarks, including the Basilica of San Petronio and the Palazzo dei Banchi. The Two Towers, Torre degli Asinelli and Torre Garisenda are two medieval towers that are symbols of the city and are open to the public.
Foods to try in Bologna
While visiting Bologna, enjoy trying the local specialty, tortellini in brodo, which is a type of pasta filled with meat and served in a broth.
Suggested Read: Top 10 Bologna Attractions: What To See in Bologna
2. Go on a Food Tour and Try Some of the Region’s Famous Specialties
Emilia Romagna is known for its delicious food and wine. Go on a food tour and try some of the region’s famous specialties, such as cured meats, cheese, and traditional balsamic vinegar.
Many food tours allow visitors to sample some of the region’s famous specialties. Some must-try items include cured meats such as prosciutto di Parma, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, and traditional balsamic vinegar.
Foods to try while on a food tour
Try a variety of local specialties, including cured meats such as prosciutto di Parma and salami, as well as cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano and Grana Padano. Taste traditional balsamic vinegar, which is made from grapes grown in the region.
3. Explore the Medieval Town of Ferrara
Ferrara, a city in Emilia Romagna, is known for its beautiful medieval architecture and landmarks. Explore the Ferrara Cathedral, Palazzo dei Diamanti, and Castello Estense.
Ferrara’s landmarks include the Ferrara Cathedral, a Gothic-style cathedral dating back to the 14th century; the Palazzo dei Diamanti, a Renaissance-style palace home to many art exhibitions; and the Castello Estense, a medieval castle built in the 14th century.
Foods to try in Ferrara
Enjoy some of the local specialties, such as cappellacci di zucca, which is a type of pasta filled with pumpkin and served with butter and sage sauce. Also, salama da sugo, a type of cured sausage.
4. Visit the City of Modena, the Birthplace of the Italian Renaissance
Visit the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, the city of Modena, and see the Ghirlandina Tower and the Modena Cathedral. The Ghirlandina Tower is a medieval tower that is one of the city’s symbols, and the Modena Cathedral is a stunning Romanesque cathedral that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
While in Modena, make sure to visit the Ferrari Museum in Maranello, which is home to a collection of vintage and modern Ferraris and exhibits on the history of the iconic Italian car brand.
Foods to try in Modena
Try some of the local specialties, such as tortellini alla modenese, which are a type of pasta filled with meat and served with a sauce made from chicken broth, butter, and Parmesan cheese, Also, cotechino con le lenticchie, which is a type of sausage served with lentils.
5. Take a Trip to the Seaside Town of Rimini
Rimini is a famous seaside town in Emilia Romagna known for its sandy beaches and lively atmosphere. Relax on the sandy beaches of Rimini or visit the ancient Roman ruins at the Arco d’Augusto. Visitors can relax on the beach or visit the ancient Roman ruins at the Arco d’Augusto, a triumphal arch dating back to the 1st century AD.
Foods to try in Rimini
While in Rimini, you might enjoy trying some of the local seafood, such as grilled or fried calamari, or a dish called piadina, which is a type of flatbread filled with cured meats and vegetables.
Suggested Reading: 10 Italian Sea Towns You Won’t Want to Miss: The Ultimate List of Coastal Getaways
6. Go on a Wine Tour and Taste Some of the Region’s Famous Wines
Go on a wine tour and taste some of the region’s famous wines, such as Lambrusco and Sangiovese. Many wine tours allow visitors to taste some of the region’s best wines. Some of the most famous wines from Emilia Romagna include Lambrusco and Sangiovese.
Foods to try while on a wine tour
Taste some of the local food specialties, such as prosciutto di Parma and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. And, of course, try some of the region’s famous wines, such as Lambrusco and Sangiovese.
Suggested Reading: 10 Red Wines of Italy You Need to Try ASAP for an Epic Wine-Tasting Experience
7. Visit the Historic Center of Parma
Visit the historic center of Parma and see the Parma Cathedral, Palazzo della Pilotta, and the Teatro Regio di Parma. Another landmark is the Parma Cathedral, a stunning Romanesque cathedral that dates back to the 11th century. The Palazzo della Pilotta is a Renaissance-style palace home to several art exhibitions.
Foods to try while in Parma
Taste some of the local specialties, such as prosciutto di Parma and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. In addition, dishes like culatello, a type of cured ham, and tortelli di zucca, a type of pasta filled with pumpkin.
8. Explore the Ancient City of Ravenna
Ravenna is a city in Emilia Romagna known for its dazzling mosaics, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the ancient city of Ravenna and see the stunning mosaics at the Basilica of San Vitale and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia.
The Basilica of San Vitale is a 6th-century church home to some of the most famous mosaics in the city. The Mausoleum of Galla Placidia is a 5th-century mausoleum that is also home to beautiful mosaics.
Foods to try while in Ravenna
Enjoy trying some local specialties, such as cappelletti in brodo, a type of pasta filled with meat and served in a delicious broth.
9. Take a Trip to the Charming Town of Forlì
Take a trip to the charming town of Forlì, in Emilia Romagna, and visit the Rocca Sforzesca castle and the Museo Civico di San Domenico. The Rocca Sforzesca castle, a 15th-century castle, is now open to the public as a museum.
The Museo Civico di San Domenico, a museum with several art and history exhibits, is also found in the town. Forlì is known for its beautiful medieval architecture.
Foods to try while in Forlì
Try some of the local specialties, such as piadina, which is a type of flatbread filled with cured meats and vegetables, or crescentine con tigelle, which are small, thin bread rounds served with a variety of toppings.
10. Go on a Nature Walk at the Parco Nazionale
Go on a nature walk through the Parco Nazionale delle Foreste Casentinesi, Monte Falterona, and Campigna and see the beautiful forests and wildlife.
The Parco Nazionale delle Foreste Casentinesi, Monte Falterona, e Campigna is a national park in Emilia Romagna, home to several beautiful forests and a rich diversity of wildlife. Visitors can take a nature walk through the park and see a variety of plant and animal species.
Foods to try while on a nature walk in Emilia Romagna
Enjoy packing a picnic lunch with local specialties such as cured meats, cheeses, and bread. Eat it while enjoying the beautiful natural surroundings.
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