Discover Reggio Emilia: Culture, History and Trails

Reggio Emilia combines traces of Italian history with museums, architecture and paths through green spaces. When planning your trip, you can choose between exploring the region’s development, enjoying art or taking an outing along walking and cycling paths. Regional specialities and experiences in the wider Reggio Emilia area also offer a broader perspective on the city.

History and Art in the Museums

At the Palazzo dei Musei, a permanent historical display on the second floor traces the story from prehistoric times through the Etruscan presence and Roman conquest to the early Middle Ages. The museum also houses collections of art, archaeology and natural sciences. A permanent section is dedicated to the work of Luigi Ghirri; the exhibitions shown there change. This means that, in one building, you can explore both different periods of regional history and a variety of collection areas.

The Museo del Tricolore offers several perspectives on Reggio Emilia. On the ground floor, the Italian tricolour, contemporary art and creativity meet educational workshops. The first floor covers the city’s political events from 1796 to the beginning of the Restoration. It also explains that, on 7 January 1797, delegates from Reggio, Bologna, Modena and Ferrara proclaimed the creation of the Cispadane Republic and the green, white and red flag.

The Basilica della Beata Vergine della Ghiara is considered a masterpiece of Counter-Reformation art. Admission is free; check the visitor information before your trip. A free app and QR codes on the interior pillars provide historical information and artistic details. They also let you view the paintings under special lighting. As digital visitor services may be updated, it is advisable to check the latest visitor information.

Architecture and Walking Tours

The Galleria Parmeggiani brings together a distinctive architectural history and a 19th-century collection history. Three collections formed its foundation in 1925 and include paintings, furniture, textiles, weapons and jewellery. The building itself was constructed between 1925 and 1928 to a design by engineer Ascanio Ferrari, in the Gothic-Renaissance style. The Teatro Municipale Romolo Valli catches the eye with a different architectural form: its neoclassical façade features a Doric portico with twelve columns.

The “Di piazza in piazza” walking tour takes you through the historic centre, connecting churches, museums and other sights. It provides an introduction that brings together several kinds of places to visit. To reach the Via Matildica del Volto Santo from the city centre, follow the route over the Ponte di San Pellegrino, accessible via Porta Castello and Viale Umberto I.

Trails in Green Spaces and Getting Around

The section of Parco del Crostolo south of Reggio Emilia covers 5.7 million square metres. The Passeggiata Estense links the city centre with the park, continuing through green spaces to the Reggia di Rivalta and Villa d’Este. The Passeggiata del Crostolo offers another option for planning: it comprises around 16 kilometres of a combined cycling and walking path, which can be used on foot or by bicycle.

Another hiking connection, CAI trail 646V, links Parco del Crostolo with the Rosta Nuova/Pappagnocca neighbourhood and Parco delle Acque Chiare. This gives you a choice between a combined cycling and walking path and a route specifically described as a hiking connection. If you are mainly interested in museums and historic buildings, you can plan your days differently than if you want to devote more time to trails through green spaces.

For getting around, Stazione AV Mediopadana is a notable architectural landmark: it is the only high-speed railway station between Milan and Bologna and was designed by Santiago Calatrava. If you are looking for a hotel for your stay, you can base your choice on your travel plans: would you rather visit historical and cultural sites in Reggio Emilia, or plan walking and cycling trips?

Regional Specialities and Experiences

The local cuisine is also part of Reggio Emilia’s character: Erbazzone Reggiano is a savoury pie and a symbol of the city’s culinary tradition. In the Reggio Emilia area, visitors can also tour traditional balsamic vinegar cellars. Visiting options vary by cellar, so arrange your visit directly with the one you choose.

In the province of Reggio Emilia, guided tours of cheese dairies offer the chance to discover how Parmigiano Reggiano is made at close quarters. This is a different regional experience from visiting a vinegar cellar: one focuses on cheese-making, the other on traditional balsamic vinegar production. Check the visiting options with the individual businesses before making plans. This way, you can add a regional theme to your trip without treating these experiences as equivalent to the sights in the city centre.

Discover more destinations: La Collina, San Giovanni, Bagno, Vecchia, Cerredolo, Febbio, Barco, Albinea, Casalgrande, Villa Minozzo, Collagna, Gattatico, Castellazzo, Gaida, Baiso, Villarotta, Casale, Montecatini, Tabiano, Rubiera, Regnano, Reggio Nell'emilia, Reggiolo, Montecchio Emilia, Luzzara, Correggio, Castelnovo Di Sotto, Fogliano, Ligonchio, Cadelbosco Di Sopra, Praticello, Salvaterra, Fabbrico, Campagnola Emilia, Cavriago, Scandiano, Bagnolo In Piano, Vezzano Sul Crostolo, La Villa, Quattro Castella, Gualtieri, Toano, Massenzatico, Carpineti, Viano, San Polo D'enza, Canossa, Ramiseto, Cecciola, Cerreto Alpi, Poviglio, Novellara, Lignano, San Bartolomeo, Cervarezza, Casina, Castellarano, San Donnino Di Liguria, San Martino In Rio, Rolo, Cerreto Laghi, Castelnovo Ne' Monti, Monteduro, Bosco, Bibbiano, Il Cantone di Pieve Modolena, Borzano, Campegine, Brescello, Succiso Nuovo, Sant'ilario D'enza.

For the broader travel overview: Emilia-Romagna.