Exploring Emilia Romagna
Bologna
Although the capital and the largest city of Emilia-Romagna region, Bologna remains quite calm compared to Italy’s most popular tourist attractions. Medieval in its nature, Bologna offers lovely wine and art tours through its medieval architecture. With our personal chauffeur services, you’ll manage to see the best of this charming and historic university town. Bologna is known as “the learned” for having the oldest university in Europe, “the red” for the terracotta rooftops, and “the fat” for the rich cuisine. Some of Bologna’s treasures can be seen through the 2 towers, Piazza Maggiore, San Petronio Church, The Anatomical Theater and the ancient market area, not to mention that it is the gastronomic capital of Emilia Romagna.
Culture and history lovers shouldn’t miss visiting Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna that exhibits artists like Giotto, Raffaello, and Tiziano. Museo Civico Archeologico displays the most prestigious archaeological collection in Italy, while Museo Civico Medievale tells a fascinating story about Bologna’s turbulent history.
Don’t forget to try some of Bologna’s local cuisine while on the road, and experience the genuine Bologna. Opt for lovely wine and cheese tours in Emilia Romagna and you won’t regret it.
Ravenna
Located between Bologna and San Marino, and easily accessible by ground transportation, Ravenna is one of the largest cities in the region of Emilia-Romagna. Ravenna is quite a picturesque town, rich in Byzantine culture, as shown in its numerous churches and museums. The center of the city offers beautiful, ornamental churches and basilicas such as Basilica di San Vitale and Basilica di San Francesco. The Neonian Baptistery, the most ancient standing building in Ravenna, is an important religious site and a World UNESCO Heritage site. Other more important sights to visit are the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, Museo Nazionale Ravenna, Arian Baptistery, and probably the most intriguing – the Tomb of Dante Alighieri. The Piazza Del Popolo is one of the most beautiful and busiest squares to visit here.
Parma
Parma is home to the gastronomic treasure of authentic cured ham, the Prosciutto di Parma. It also boasts the grandiose Pilotta Palace with the unique Farnese theatre and Art Gallery which contains remarkable paintings by Cima da Conegliano, Carracci, Correggio, and Parmigianino. In the beautiful main square, the 11th century Duomo is dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and the magnificently frescoed dome is by Correggio. Also, not to be missed; the pink-marbled octagonal Baptistery, the Church of San Giovanni Evangelista (c. XVI) and the Camera di San Paolo – both with stunning frescoes by Correggio.
You’ll have enough time to learn about the rich history of the sports car manufacturer and how they took racing by storm. Various models will be on display, as well as the numerous trophies Ferrari won over the years. At the end of the tour, you’ll be able to purchase souvenirs from the official store.
Modena
Modena is a beautiful city that is often overlooked. It has countless masterpieces to be discovered along with its exquisite cuisine. Explore Modena’s town centre and the beautiful Romanesque Cathedral – known for its striking west facade which has exceptional sculptures in relief by the master Wiligelmo – see the “Ghirlandina” tower, and the Piazza Grande which have been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1997.
Ferrara
The great artistic legacy of the Renaissance age can be admired all over Ferrara. It is a perfect blend of the past co-existing with the present. Thanks to its beauty and cultural importance, the sites are part of the UNESCO World Heritage. Visitors can delve into the great past of the powerful Este family by visiting the Este Castle, the Schifanoia Palace, the Este Tomb, the Cathedral and Cathedral museum, and the core of the medieval city.
