Discover Emilia-Romagna

Emilia-Romagna delights with medieval towns, warm hospitality, and long beaches. From the vibrant student city of Bologna, known for its world-famous cuisine and elegant arcades, to the mosaic-rich city of Ravenna, the region pleases all the senses. Celebrated for its high-quality gastronomic heritage, including Ragù alla Bolognese, Parma ham, balsamic vinegar, and Aperol, Emilia-Romagna embodies the essence of Italian cuisine.

Make sure to check out our sightseeing map!

The map is a true treasure chest – packed with the most stunning highlights as well as hidden gems. As of 2025, we have over 20,000 (!) attractions, with the most important ones featuring detailed, helpful descriptions.

Top Highlights of Emilia-Romagna

Heart of the student city

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Piazza Maggiore Bologna

Bologna

Piazza Maggiore, the heart of Bologna, is an essential stop on any visit. This lively square is surrounded by historic landmarks, including the Palazzo dei Banchi, the Palazzo del Podestà, and the magnificent Basilica of San Petronio. It's a favorite gathering spot for both tourists and students.

The Mosaic Wonders of Ravenna

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Basilica of San Vitale

Ravenna

The Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna is a masterpiece of early Christian architecture, renowned for its magnificent mosaics. This unique building, dating back to the 6th century, blends Western and Eastern architectural styles in a truly exceptional way. Upon entering this octagonal gem, you are immediately struck by the vibrant colors and intricate depictions of biblical scenes.

The Leaning Towers of Bologna

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Two Towers of Bologna

Bologna

Everyone knows the Leaning Tower of Pisa. But have you heard of the Two Towers of Bologna? The Torre degli Asinelli and the Torre Garisenda are iconic landmarks of the city. The Torre degli Asinelli, impressive at 97.2 meters tall, is the tallest medieval leaning tower in the world.

Discover his Naughty Secret

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Fountain of Neptune

Bologna

In the middle of Piazza del Nettuno in Bologna stands the impressive Neptune Fountain from the 16th century, which the locals affectionately call "the Giant." The structure, created by Tommaso Laureti and Giambologna, is topped by a bronze statue of the sea god that is over three meters tall, surrounded by intricate nymphs and water-spouting dolphins on a pedestal made of Veronese marble.

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Imola Circuit

Imola

Stunning starry night sky

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Mausoleum of Galla Placidia

Ravenna

The Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, is a true surprise when entering the unassuming, small building. With its stunning deep blue starry night sky mosaic, the building stands as a testament to artistic brilliance. The empress Galla Placida was responsible for the rich art we can find today in Ravenna.

Foodie Haven

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Quadrilatero market district

Bologna

The Quadrilatero district, conveniently located to the east of Piazza Maggiore, is a grid of compact streets around Via Clavature (Street of Locksmiths). This area is a must-visit for food enthusiasts and architecture buffs alike. Wander through narrow alleyways and tall archways and enjoy the lively atmosphere. This culinary haven is Bologna's oldest market, offering the best in Italian street food, regional wines, and homemade tortellini pasta. There are also a number of indoor markets including the Mercato di Mezzo.

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Modena Cathedral

Modena

The majestic Duomo di Modena is one of the most significant examples of Romanesque architecture in Italy, built between 1099 and 1389 on the remains of two earlier churches from the 5th century. The impressive cathedral, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, captivates with its intricately designed façade featuring the famous Genesis reliefs by the sculptor Wiligelmo.

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Sanctuary Madonna of San Luca

Bologna

The Santuario Madonna di San Luca sits picturesquely atop the Colle della Guardia, offering stunning panoramic views of the city and the surrounding countryside. This Baroque basilica, dating back to the 18th century, is connected to the city by a unique arcade that stretches nearly four km, providing pilgrims with shelter from wind and weather.

Byzantine Art in radiant Mosaics

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Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo

Ravenna

The magnificent 6th-century basilica, just a ten-minute walk from the old town, is one of the area's absolute highlights. Originally built by King Theoderic as an Arian palace chapel, it was later consecrated as a church in 561 under Byzantine rule. The basilica is renowned for its impressive mosaics, with the upper rows vividly depicting 13 scenes from the life of Christ and the Passion. The walls showcase a long procession of saints and martyrs, a true feast for the eyes. These mosaics, blending Arian and Orthodox iconography, create a unique and captivating artistic treasure.

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Our Favourites in Emilia-Romagna

Above you can scroll through the 10 must-see attractions of Emilia-Romagna as well as the 10 best city destinations to visit. (Just switch the tab.) If you are only once in the area, our absolute favourites are:

Ravenna (for fans of architecture & history)
Bologna (for Foodies)
Modena & Parma
Small but Wow: Mausoleum of Galla Placidia

Reiseinformationen

Best Travel Time

Late Spring (April to May)

April and May, along with autumn, are the best times to visit Emilia-Romagna. With temperatures rising gradually to a mild and pleasant 15°C - 20°C, this period is perfect for city tours and outdoor excursions. The landscape blooms, and the cities and towns are less crowded than in summer. It’s an ideal time for outdoor activities and city trips.

Summer (June to August)

Summers in Emilia-Romagna are warm to hot, with average temperatures of 25°C to 35°C. This is the peak tourist season, especially along the Adriatic coast, where numerous beaches and resorts attract visitors. Cities like Bologna and Modena can be quite hot, but the lively atmosphere and numerous festivals make summer an exciting time for a visit.

Autumn (September to October)

Autumn is another excellent travel time, particularly for food enthusiasts. With temperatures dropping to a comfortable 15°C - 22°C, it’s perfect for city trips and hikes. The harvest season also brings wine festivals and culinary events, making it a fantastic time to explore the region's gastronomic delights.

Winter (December to February)

Winter in Emilia-Romagna is mild to cool, with temperatures ranging from 0°C - 10°C. This is the quietest time of the year, offering a peaceful opportunity to explore the sights. Cities like Bologna are known for their festive Christmas atmosphere, and the nearby Apennines provide opportunities for skiing and other winter sports.

Getting There

Bologna, the capital and central transportation hub of the region, is well-connected by air, train, and road.

By Air

The primary airport is Bologna Guglielmo Marconi (BLQ), just 6 km from the city center. For those heading to the coast, the Rimini/Fellini Airport is a popular choice.

By Train

Bologna Centrale is one of Italy's key railway stations, offering numerous connections throughout Europe. High-speed trains, such as Frecciarossa and Italo, provide swift travel to cities like Milan, Rome, and Florence.

By Car

Driving from Central Europe to Emilia-Romagna is straightforward, thanks to well-maintained toll highways. The A1 (Autostrada del Sole) links Bologna with Milan, while the A14 runs from Bologna to the Adriatic coast.

Traveling in Emilia-Romagna

By Car

Driving in Emilia-Romagna is straightforward and convenient. The state road Strade Statali SS9, also known as Via Emilia, is toll-free and serves as a major regional artery. This road stretches from Rimini through Emilia-Romagna to Milan, passing through cities like Cesena, Imola, Bologna, Modena, Reggio Emilia, and Parma.

Be sure to check for ZTL zones and any toll fees.

By Train

Emilia-Romagna boasts a dense rail network, making it easy to plan a vacation by train. There are fast connections between major cities such as Bologna, Parma, Modena, and Rimini. Even smaller cities like Ferrara and Piacenza are well-connected. Tickets can be conveniently purchased online via the Trenitalia and Italo websites.

By Bus

The bus network in Emilia-Romagna is well-organized and complements the rail system. Regional bus companies like TPER and SETA offer routes to smaller towns and villages that are not directly accessible by train. For instance, there are regular bus services from Bologna to Imola.

Tickets can be bought at train stations, in tobacconists, or directly from the bus driver.