{"id":1756,"date":"2012-06-08T22:07:42","date_gmt":"2012-06-08T20:07:42","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/walks.friday.ie\/?p=1756"},"modified":"2026-11-01T01:50:26","modified_gmt":"2026-11-01T01:50:26","slug":"why-visit-emilia-romagna-and-bologna-italy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/why-visit-emilia-romagna-and-bologna-italy","title":{"rendered":"Why Visit Emilia-Romagna? 8 Things We Love About the Region"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Italy\u2019s Emilia-Romagna region has a little bit of everything that makes Italy so irresistible. Beautiful historic cities, world-famous food, spectacular art, and a rich cultural heritage. From the medieval streets of Bologna to the elegant squares of Modena and the extraordinary mosaics of Ravenna, there\u2019s plenty to discover.<\/p>\n<p>And then there\u2019s the food. This is the birthplace of some of Italy\u2019s most famous culinary traditions, including Parmigiano Reggiano, traditional balsamic vinegar, prosciutto di Parma, and fresh pasta. Add in fast cars, Renaissance history, and charming towns that are often overlooked by international visitors, and you have a region that deserves a place on any Italian itinerary.<\/p>\n<p>Here are <strong>eight things we love about Emilia-Romagna, and why you should visit.<\/strong><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_2238\" style=\"width: 1010px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2238\" class=\"wp-image-2238 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/06\/shutterstock_40371655.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"614\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/06\/shutterstock_40371655.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/06\/shutterstock_40371655-768x472.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-2238\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Parma, a gem in Emilia-Romagna<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/why-visit-emilia-romagna-and-bologna-italy\/#What_is_Emilia-Romagna_famous_for\" >What is Emilia-Romagna famous for?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/why-visit-emilia-romagna-and-bologna-italy\/#Historic_Castles_Medieval_and_Renaissance-era\" >Historic Castles: Medieval and Renaissance-era<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/why-visit-emilia-romagna-and-bologna-italy\/#Academic_Prowess_Home_to_Europe%C2%B4s_oldest_university\" >Academic Prowess: Home to Europe\u00b4s oldest university<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/why-visit-emilia-romagna-and-bologna-italy\/#World-famous_Foods_From_Parma_ham_to_Parmigiano-Reggiano\" >World-famous Foods: From Parma ham to Parmigiano-Reggiano<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/why-visit-emilia-romagna-and-bologna-italy\/#Fast_cars_Ferrari_Lamborghini_Maserati_and_Ducati\" >Fast cars: Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati and Ducati<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/why-visit-emilia-romagna-and-bologna-italy\/#World_Heritage_Cities_From_Modena_to_Ferrara\" >World Heritage Cities: From Modena to Ferrara<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/why-visit-emilia-romagna-and-bologna-italy\/#Natural_Gems_Mountains_beaches_caves_and_springs\" >Natural Gems: Mountains, beaches, caves and springs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/why-visit-emilia-romagna-and-bologna-italy\/#The_region_that_inspired_Verdi_and_Toscanini\" >The region that inspired Verdi and Toscanini<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/why-visit-emilia-romagna-and-bologna-italy\/#The_most_important_mosaics_in_Italy\" >The most important mosaics in Italy<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/why-visit-emilia-romagna-and-bologna-italy\/#FAQs_%E2%80%93_Visiting_Emilia-Romagna\" >FAQs &#8211; Visiting Emilia-Romagna<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/why-visit-emilia-romagna-and-bologna-italy\/#What_is_the_best_way_to_get_around_Emilia-Romagna\" >What is the best way to get around Emilia-Romagna?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/why-visit-emilia-romagna-and-bologna-italy\/#How_many_days_do_you_need_in_Emilia-Romagna\" >How many days do you need in Emilia-Romagna?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/why-visit-emilia-romagna-and-bologna-italy\/#When_is_the_best_time_to_visit_Emilia-Romagna\" >When is the best time to visit Emilia-Romagna?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_Emilia-Romagna_famous_for\"><\/span>What is Emilia-Romagna famous for?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Historic_Castles_Medieval_and_Renaissance-era\"><\/span>Historic Castles: Medieval and Renaissance-era<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Emilia-Romagna&#8217;s history has been, well, pretty confused. It was divided into various city-states in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Even after the Papal States took over most of the region in the 16th century, the territory of Parma, Piacenza, and Modena maintained independence, all the way up until the Reunification of 1861.<\/p>\n<p>And with this history of switching of alliances, and outright battles, comes the fact that medieval and Renaissance-era castles are thick on the ground. And they happen to be some of the best-preserved in Italy, particularly those in the region around Parma and Piacenza.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p><strong>Insider&#8217;s tip:<\/strong> Many of the region&#8217;s castles are open to overnight guests, like the Rocca d&#8217;Olgisio, Castello di Rezzanello, and Castell&#8217;Arquato.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Academic_Prowess_Home_to_Europe%C2%B4s_oldest_university\"><\/span>Academic Prowess: Home to Europe\u00b4s oldest university<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Oxford and Cambridge, move aside: The oldest university in Europe is actually in Bologna, in the heart of the Emilia-Romagna region. Founded in 1088, the University of Bologna has had such illustrious alumni as Albrecht Durer, Copernicus, Pope Alexander VI, Petrarch, and Dante.<\/p>\n<p>The graceful, medieval city of Bologna still buzzes with student life and academic fervor.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_18146\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-18146\" class=\"wp-image-18146\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Devour_Bologna_Food-Tour_High-Res_0199.jpg\" alt=\"A Devour guide in Bologna leads guests in front of the church of Basilica di San Petronio, in Piazza Maggiore\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-18146\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Beautiful Bologna, home to Europe&#8217;s oldest university.<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"World-famous_Foods_From_Parma_ham_to_Parmigiano-Reggiano\"><\/span>World-famous Foods: From Parma ham to Parmigiano-Reggiano<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Every region in Italy has its own characteristic cuisine. But you know the <a href=\"http:\/\/walksofitaly.com\/blog\/food-and-wine\/food-from-bologna-parma-emilia-romagna-italy\">food in Emilia-Romagna<\/a> is cuisine to contend with when even Italians who <em>aren&#8217;t <\/em>from the region say it&#8217;s Italy&#8217;s best food.<\/p>\n<p>After all, many beloved Italian food products originate from, and are only properly made in, the region: <em>prosciutto di Parma, Parmigiano-Reggiano <\/em>(parmesan) cheese, <a href=\"http:\/\/walksofitaly.com\/blog\/food-and-wine\/balsamic-vinegar-modena-italy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">balsamic vinegar of Modena<\/a>, and <em><a href=\"https:\/\/devourtours.com\/blog\/what-is-mortadella\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">mortadella di Bologna<\/a> &#8211;\u00a0<\/em>changed into &#8220;baloney&#8221; back home &#8211; to name a few. That&#8217;s not to mention other regional specialities, like tortellini and lasagna!<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_13245\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-13245\" class=\"wp-image-13245\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Sam-20170731-ROME-Pasta-Making-Class-0061-BEST-OF-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-13245\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">You&#8217;ll definitely eat well in Emilia-Romagna!<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Fast_cars_Ferrari_Lamborghini_Maserati_and_Ducati\"><\/span>Fast cars: Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati and Ducati<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Are you a sports car-enthusiast? Then get to Emilia-Romagna, fast!\u00a0The small area here known as <a href=\"http:\/\/www.emiliaromagnaturismo.it\/en\/motor-valley\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">&#8220;Motor Valley&#8221;<\/a> is home to some of Italy&#8217;s most famous car makers, including Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, and Ducati.<\/p>\n<p>The founder of Ferrari was born in Modena, so it&#8217;s no surprise that the Ferrari factory, race track, museum and shop all are located in Maranello, just outside the city. The Lamborghini factory is located just 20 miles from Bologna, also very near Modena, and has a Lamborghini museum.\u00a0Maserati, based in Modena since 1940, also has Maserati factory tours and a Maserati museum. Can&#8217;t get enough cars? the Ducati Museum is located in nearby Bologna.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p><strong>Insider tip:<\/strong> You can visit all 4 car-makers on a trip here, here are the useful links for any car fan: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.ferrari.com\/English\/about_ferrari\/Ferrari-Museum\/Pages\/home-museo.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Ferrari factory<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lamborghini.com\/en-en\/museum#val-tab\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Lamborghini museum<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.maserati.com\/global\/en\/brand\/experiences\/maserati-factory-tour\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Maserati factory tours<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ducati.com\/ww\/en\/borgo-panigale-experience\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ducati Museum<\/a>.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<div id=\"attachment_2232\" style=\"width: 1010px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2232\" class=\"wp-image-2232 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/06\/Lamborghini-Gallardo.jpg\" alt=\"Lamborghini's headquarters are near Modena\" width=\"1000\" height=\"665\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/06\/Lamborghini-Gallardo.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/06\/Lamborghini-Gallardo-768x511.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-2232\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Love fast cars? Then don&#8217;t miss the Lamborghini museum and factory in Emilia-Romagna. Photo credit: Shutterstock<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"World_Heritage_Cities_From_Modena_to_Ferrara\"><\/span>World Heritage Cities: From Modena to Ferrara<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>When you picture Italy, do you imagine gorgeous Renaissance domes, winding medieval streets, and graceful palaces? Then you can&#8217;t miss the cities in Emilia-Romagna which is full of beautiful medieval and Renaissance cities and art.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Modena<\/strong> still has many buildings original to the 10th and 11th centuries, including its extraordinary Duomo, and a 17th-century ducal palace and town hall.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Ferrara,<\/strong> an independent and powerful duchy, became one of Italy&#8217;s best-known cities by the 15th century and remains circled today by some of the best-preserved medieval walls in Italy. Both of these <a href=\"https:\/\/emiliaromagnaturismo.it\/en\/art-culture\/unesco\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Emilia-Romagna towns are World Heritage Cities<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Bologna<\/strong> also flourished, politically and artistically, throughout the Renaissance, with the artists of the Bolognese School including such heavy-hitters as Annibale Carracci, Domenichino, and Guercino. The town still has its medieval towers and Renaissance palaces.<\/p>\n<p>And <strong>Parma<\/strong>, with its Romanesque duomo, Gothic churches, and graceful Renaissance palaces and theaters, is worth visiting for more than its famous prosciutto!<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_5296\" style=\"width: 1010px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5296\" class=\"wp-image-5296 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/08\/Italy-Ferrara-St-George-cathedral.jpg\" alt=\"Small town in Italy\" width=\"1000\" height=\"669\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/08\/Italy-Ferrara-St-George-cathedral.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/08\/Italy-Ferrara-St-George-cathedral-768x514.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-5296\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Seeing Ferrara&#8217;s Cathedral of St. George is a must when visiting Emilia-Romagna.<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Natural_Gems_Mountains_beaches_caves_and_springs\"><\/span>Natural Gems: Mountains, beaches, caves and springs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Although the region is famous for its medieval and Renaissance cities, it also has spectacular natural gems.\u00a0Emilia-Romagna extends to the Adriatic sea, meaning gorgeous stretches of beach on the coast. But, geographically, the area couldn&#8217;t be more diverse: there are the Appenine mountain range, marshes, forests, caves, and springs.<\/p>\n<p>And many of those natural areas have been protected; the region has two national parks, 14 regional parks and 11 regional reserves. So if you&#8217;re after hiking, camping, mountain-biking, caving, or any other outdoor activities, Emilia-Romagna is a fantastic place to head.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p><strong>Insider tip:<\/strong> Taking a dip in the area&#8217;s thermal baths is a very popular way to relax, like at Bagno di Romagna or Salsomaggiore.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_region_that_inspired_Verdi_and_Toscanini\"><\/span>The region that inspired Verdi and Toscanini<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Born in 1813 in Roncole di Busseto, Emilia-Romagna, Verdi was one of the greatest Italian composers of all time. One hundred years later, the rising star of Italian opera was Toscanini, and he, too, is a native of Emilia-Romagna, born in Parma.<\/p>\n<p>If you&#8217;re a fan of Verdi\u00b4s soaring music, there are some stops you have to make in Emilia-Romagna. Like at the National Museum of Giuseppe Verdi, located in a graceful 16th-century palazzo in Busseto. Or his childhood home, the mansion where Verdi had his first public performance, or the palazzo he purchased once he&#8217;d become wealthy.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p><strong>Insider tip:<\/strong> Catch a performance at the Verdi Theatre in Bussetto, built in the composer&#8217;s honor.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<div id=\"attachment_2236\" style=\"width: 810px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2236\" class=\"wp-image-2236 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/06\/Busseto-Verdi-theater.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/06\/Busseto-Verdi-theater.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/06\/Busseto-Verdi-theater-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-2236\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Verdi Theater in Busseto, Emilia-Romagna<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_most_important_mosaics_in_Italy\"><\/span>The most important mosaics in Italy<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Many of <a href=\"http:\/\/walksofitaly.com\/blog\/art-culture\/byzantine-mosaic-art-in-ravenna-and-italy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">the most spectacular, and important, mosaics in Italy<\/a> are in one city in Emilia-Romagna: Ravenna. Since Ravenna was (briefly) the capital of the Roman empire after the empire had become Christian, the city&#8217;s churches and mausoleums were decorated with the most opulent mosaics possible. Many are still well-preserved today, and just as spectacular as they were in the 6th and 7th centuries.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_2204\" style=\"width: 1010px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2204\" class=\"wp-image-2204 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/05\/Ravenna-San-Vitale-famous-mosaic-Italy.jpg\" alt=\"Byzantine mosaic at San Vitale\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/05\/Ravenna-San-Vitale-famous-mosaic-Italy.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/05\/Ravenna-San-Vitale-famous-mosaic-Italy-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-2204\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Gorgeous mosaic in San Vitale in Ravenna.<\/p><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs_%E2%80%93_Visiting_Emilia-Romagna\"><\/span>FAQs &#8211; Visiting Emilia-Romagna<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_best_way_to_get_around_Emilia-Romagna\"><\/span>What is the best way to get around Emilia-Romagna?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">The train is an excellent way to travel between the region\u2019s major cities, including Bologna, Modena, Parma, and Ravenna. For smaller towns, castles, food producers, and countryside attractions, renting a car gives you much more flexibility.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_many_days_do_you_need_in_Emilia-Romagna\"><\/span>How many days do you need in Emilia-Romagna?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Allow at least three or four days to experience the highlights, although a week gives you time to explore more of the region at a relaxed pace. Bologna makes a convenient base, with many of the region\u2019s major cities and attractions easily accessible as day trips.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_is_the_best_time_to_visit_Emilia-Romagna\"><\/span>When is the best time to visit Emilia-Romagna?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Spring and fall are particularly pleasant, with comfortable temperatures for sightseeing and exploring the countryside. Summer is ideal for the Adriatic coast but can be hot inland, while winter brings cooler weather but fewer tourists and a chance to enjoy the region\u2019s famous hearty cuisine.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_23421\" style=\"width: 1930px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23421\" class=\"wp-image-23421 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Walks_Florence_Alone-in-Duomo_0071.jpg\" alt=\"A group of tourists enjoys the breathtaking view of Florence\u2019s terracotta rooftops and surrounding hills from the dome\u2019s summit.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Walks_Florence_Alone-in-Duomo_0071.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Walks_Florence_Alone-in-Duomo_0071-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Walks_Florence_Alone-in-Duomo_0071-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-23421\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The breathtaking view of Florence\u2019s terracotta rooftops and surrounding hills from the dome\u2019s summit.<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">If you\u2019re exploring Emilia-Romagna, don\u2019t miss the chance to add Florence to your itinerary. Just 91 km from Bologna, Florence is only 37 minutes away by high-speed train, making it an easy day trip or a natural next stop on your Italian adventure.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Once there, make the most of your time with a guided tour from Walks of Italy. From Michelangelo\u2019s <em>David<\/em> and Brunelleschi\u2019s magnificent Duomo to the masterpieces of the Uffizi, expert local guides bring Florence\u2019s extraordinary Renaissance history to life while pre-reserved access helps you spend less time waiting and more time exploring.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Ready to discover Florence?<\/strong> Explore <a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/florence-tours\/\">Walks of Italy\u2019s Florence tours<\/a> and find the perfect experience for your trip.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Italy\u2019s Emilia-Romagna region has a little bit of everything that makes Italy so irresistible. Beautiful historic cities, world-famous food, spectacular art, and a rich cultural heritage. From the medieval streets of Bologna to the elegant squares of Modena and the extraordinary mosaics of Ravenna, there\u2019s plenty to discover. And then there\u2019s the food. This is [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":2231,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[342,79,103,320],"ppma_author":[155],"class_list":["post-1756","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travel-tips","tag-art-and-culture","tag-castles","tag-emilia-romagna","tag-food-and-drink"],"authors":[{"term_id":155,"user_id":3,"is_guest":0,"slug":"walksofitaly","display_name":"Walks of Italy","avatar_url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/9f4cd4dd0c5ab4b4bae57f3500298e23?s=96&d=mm&r=g","user_url":"http:\/\/walksofitaly.com\/blog","last_name":"of Italy","first_name":"Walks","job_title":"","description":"Walks began life as the passion project of two guys with one simple mission: To share their love for, and knowledge of, the city of Rome. Since then, Walks has grown into a team of over 100 ground staff and at any time up to 600 guides, operating across 13 of the world\u2019s most exciting cities (and counting!)\r\n\r\nToday we provide some of the most exclusive and beautifully designed small group tours in the industry through Italy-based Walks of Italy and around the world at Walks, where we offer special access to some of the world\u2019s most iconic landmarks and attractions as well as unique cultural experiences."}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1756"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1756"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1756\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":26311,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1756\/revisions\/26311"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2231"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1756"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1756"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1756"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ppma_author?post=1756"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}