Emilia-Romagna: Culture, Cuisine and Landscapes

Discover Emilia-Romagna through a range of interests: early Christian mosaic art in Ravenna, Renaissance urban history in Ferrara, protected landscapes and regional cuisine. As you plan your trip, consider whether you would like to focus primarily on art and architecture, culinary experiences or nature. The region’s places and attractions offer concrete ways to explore these interests—from a vibrant mosaic tradition to routes and tastings.

Art and Urban History

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ravenna’s Early Christian Monuments comprises eight monuments that represent architectural and artistic developments between the 5th and 6th centuries AD. Their mosaics are among the best-preserved examples of this art form in Europe and bring together Western and Eastern motifs and techniques. Ravenna thus offers insight into visual art and a range of artistic influences. The mosaic tradition is part of the city’s cultural identity and is kept alive through education, training, preservation and the promotion of mosaic art. Alongside the monuments, the ongoing care of this art is also part of the cultural story.

In Modena, Piazza Grande lies on the historic Via Emilia in the medieval city centre. The cathedral and Torre Civica are together considered an outstanding example of early Romanesque art, with exceptional architectural and sculptural quality. In Ferrara, the focus is on urban development: it was the first Renaissance city to be developed according to a complex urban plan. The city’s planning itself is therefore one of the ways to explore Ferrara’s Renaissance history.

Landscapes and Outdoor Experiences

Emilia-Romagna’s network of protected areas stretches from the Apennine ridge to the Adriatic coast. It includes two national parks, one interregional park, 14 regional parks and 17 nature reserves. The region also protects and preserves 73 different habitats, more than 2,700 plant types and over 350 vertebrate species. Emilia-Romagna safeguards a diverse natural environment, with a variety of habitats and abundant plant and vertebrate life.

In the Po Delta, Emilia-Romagna’s regional park lies south of the Po, opposite Veneto’s regional park to the north of the river. The landscape of the Ferrara Po Delta stretches from the Po to the Valli di Comacchio. The original Renaissance landscape can still be seen in the region’s landscape design in the 21st century. For birdwatching, Po Delta Regional Park offers dedicated routes, equipped areas and observation points. The beaches of the Romagna Riviera extend for more than 110 kilometres.

Another way to experience the landscape is the Ciclovia dei Gessi di Gaibola. The approximately 21-kilometre route can be started at San Lazzaro di Savena or Ozzano dell’Emilia train station. Due to its considerable climbs, it is recommended for mountain bikes. Its approximate length and climbs are useful details to consider when planning this ride.

Regional Produce and Culinary Experiences

The production of regional specialities is another way to discover Emilia-Romagna. Cheese dairies, ham producers and balsamic vinegar makers organise tours that end with a tasting. These visits combine insights into how the products are made with the opportunity to sample them.

In Dozza, the Rocca Sforzesca houses a permanent exhibition featuring more than 1,000 wines, spirits and balsamic vinegars. At the Enoteca Regionale dell’Emilia-Romagna, visitors can taste and buy every label in the in-house wine bar; producer meet-ups are also held there regularly. The two offerings have different focuses: the exhibition brings together a wide selection, while the Enoteca combines tastings and purchases with opportunities to meet producers.

Across the region, there are 24 museums dedicated to typical local products. They tell the stories behind these products, the people involved and the techniques used to make them. At Casa Artusi, the “Mariette” teach visitors how to prepare piadina romagnola, sfoglia and fresh egg pasta, kneaded by hand and rolled out with a rolling pin. The culinary offering thus ranges from product history and tastings to learning how to prepare specific dishes.

Plan Your Stay Around Your Interests

When choosing where to stay, start with the focus of your trip: art and urban history, regional produce, or nature and landscapes each offer a different experience.

Discover more destinations: Piacenza, Ravenna, Parma, Bologna, Ferrara, Forlì-Cesena, Modena, Rimini, Reggio Emilia.

For the main travel overview: Italy.