Major Cities:
BolognaParma
Modena
Rimini
Comprised of two very historic areas – Emilia and Romagna – the Italian district of Emilia-Romagna sits in Northern Italy, stretching nearly all the way across the country and including a number of different types of terrain, including plains, hilly areas, and mountains (Apennines). Well-developed and quite wealthy, the region of Emilia-Romagna is home to numerous Renaissance cities, rich cultural venues, and some of the prettiest scenery in the country.
Covering about 8,500 square miles, this region has a population of about 4.5 million and is one of the richest European regions per capita. Its wealth comes mostly from industrial ventures in the area, including a notable presence of high-end automobile manufacturers including Ferrari, Ducati, Lamborghini, and Maserati. If your reason for visiting the region is to catch a glimpse of these stunning automobiles. You’ll love recounting to your friends what it feels like to drive a Ferrari through the Italian countryside when you get home!
Bologna is the region’s capital and this large city is home to the oldest university in the world, the University of Bologna, founded in 1088. A highly-developed city, it is often touted as one of the top ten for “quality of life” within Italy, an ideal place to live and raise a family. Named a European “Cultural Capital”, Bologna is not only a premiere location for higher education but also boasts numerous museums, musical and theatrical venues, and centers for great food. Indeed, Bolognese Sauce originated in this northern Italian city and the town is also known for its cured pork products, like salami and prosciutto, and for its rich meat and cheese dishes including lasagna, tortellini, and others. There are several notable wineries in and near the city as well.
For more great food, those touring Northern Italy will want to head to Parma, home of – what else? – one of the world’s most famous cheeses – Parmigiano Reggiano. Like Bologna, it’s also famous for its ham, including well-known Prosciutto di Parma. Barilla and Parmalat, two international food companies, are headquartered there. Parma also boasts many beautiful churches and palazzi.
Another fascinating Renaissance city in Emilia-Romagna is Modena, long time home of opera singer Luciano Pavarotti. The town’s opera house is named in his honor and is a wonderful place to experience Italian opera at its finest. If you’re a luxury automobile lover,you’ll find that Modena is included in your Luxury Ferrari Experience Tour, as the home of the prancing horse is found within a few kilometers of the city. Because of the presence of so many great auto makers in the Emilia-Romagna region, the area – Modena in particular – has strong ties to the auto racing industry as well.
There are also other opportunities for visitors to watch great spectator sports in Modena, including a soccer team and a particularly good volleyball team.
The Emilia-Romagna coastline is also worth a visit, featuring resort locations such as Rimini and Catollica. The former, the most famous resort on what is known as the Adriatic Riviera, is rich in ancient history and has been a tourist destination since the early 20th century, though it suffered much damage during World War II. Catollica is smaller and quieter but still quite popular with seaside visitors.
www.emiliaromagnaturismo.it
www.regione.emilia-romagna.it
