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.

Top 10 Highlights of Emilia-Romagna

Heart of the student city

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Piazza Maggiore Bologna

Bologna, Emilia-Romagna

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, Emilia-Romagna

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.

Discover the World of Ferrari in Maranello

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Ferrari Museum

Maranello, Emilia-Romagna

The Ferrari Museum, just 20 km from Modena, is one of the absolute highlights for Ferrari enthusiasts. It offers a beautifully curated and interactive journey through the illustrious history of Ferrari. Visitors can admire rare and iconic Ferrari models, technical drawings, and historical documents. The collection of Formula 1 cars is a major attraction, featuring legendary vehicles such as the 500 F2 from 1952 and Michael Schumacher's F2004.

Byzantine Art in radiant Mosaics

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Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo

Ravenna, Emilia-Romagna

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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Rocchetta Mattei

Ponte, Emilia-Romagna

Rocchetta Mattei stands as one of the most curious castles to explore in Emilia-Romagna. Perched atop a hill, this castle, once owned by the eccentric founder of electrohomeopathy Count Cesare Mattei, offers a unique blend of Gothic and Moorish architecture. Climb up winding staircases, admire striking courtyards and visit the distinctive black-and-white-striped chapel.

Discover his Naughty Secret

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Fountain of Neptune

Bologna, Emilia-Romagna

The Fountain of Neptune is a monumental civic fountain located in the eponymous square, Piazza del Nettuno, next to Piazza Maggiore, in Bologna, Italy The fountain is a model example of Mannerist taste of the Italian courtly elite in the mid-sixteenth century.

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Basilica Santo Stefano

Bologna, Emilia-Romagna

Basilica Santo Stefano, hailed as one of Bologna's most beautiful, is a complex of 7 churches spanning various historical periods. Referred to as Seven Churches (Sette Chiese) or Holy Jerusalem, this minor basilica on Piazza Santo Stefano boasts a labyrinth of interlocking structures, incorporating Romanesque, Lombard, and ancient Roman elements.

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Via degli Asini

Brisighella, Emilia-Romagna

The Leaning Towers of Bologna

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Two Towers of Bologna

Bologna, Emilia-Romagna

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.

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Mirabilandia

Mirabilandia is a 210-acre theme park, located in Savio, Italy, a frazione of Ravenna, which is located in Emilia-Romagna. With a total area of 850,000 square metres, it is the biggest park in Italy. It has an area of 55 hectares, with an additional waterpark area of 12 hectares, called Mirabeach. The most notable attractions are the Katun inverted roller coaster and the iSpeed launched coaster. It has the world's tallest watercoaster, the Divertical with a height of 60 m. It also has the only spike dueling coaster in the world: Desmo Race.

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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.