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Reggio Emilia

Reggio Emilia
Kgbo, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Located in the heart of the Emilia-Romagna region, Reggio Emilia is a city that beautifully blends art, history, and gastronomic excellence. Known as the birthplace of the Italian tricolor flag, Reggio Emilia offers visitors a chance to explore its rich heritage, vibrant cultural scene, and delectable local cuisine. Despite its many attractions, the city retains a tranquil charm, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking an authentic Italian experience.

Map of Reggio Emilia

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A Historical and Patriotic Legacy

Reggio Emilia’s history dates back to the Roman era when it was founded as Regium Lepidi in 175 BCE. Over the centuries, the city grew into a vibrant hub of commerce, politics, and culture.

The city holds a special place in Italian history as the birthplace of the Italian tricolor flag. On January 7, 1797, the green, white, and red flag was first adopted as the symbol of the Cispadane Republic during a meeting at the Sala del Tricolore, located in the Palazzo del Comune. Today, this historical room is a museum dedicated to the flag’s legacy and is a must-visit for history enthusiasts.

Architectural and Artistic Treasures

Reggio Emilia boasts a wealth of architectural and artistic landmarks that reflect its storied past.

Piazza Prampolini

The heart of the city, this bustling square is surrounded by historic buildings, including the Cathedral of Reggio Emilia with its blend of Romanesque and Baroque styles, and the Baptistery, which dates back to the 12th century.

Basilica della Ghiara

A stunning example of Baroque architecture, this basilica is renowned for its lavish interior and the miraculous fresco of the Madonna della Ghiara.

Teatro Municipale Valli

This 19th-century neoclassical theater is a cultural hub in Reggio Emilia, hosting operas, ballets, and concerts. The theater’s grand interior is as captivating as the performances it hosts.

Palazzo Magnani

A center for contemporary art and photography exhibitions, this elegant palazzo offers a dynamic cultural experience for visitors.

The Reggio Emilia Approach

Reggio Emilia is internationally recognized for its innovative approach to early childhood education. Developed after World War II, the Reggio Emilia Approach emphasizes creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. Educators and parents from around the world visit the city to learn about this revolutionary philosophy.

A Culinary Paradise

Emilia-Romagna is known as the gastronomic heart of Italy, and Reggio Emilia stands out for its exceptional contributions to Italian cuisine.

Parmigiano Reggiano

Known as the "King of Cheeses," Parmigiano Reggiano has its origins in this region. Visitors can tour local dairies to see the traditional production process and sample this world-famous cheese.

Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Reggio Emilia

Unlike regular balsamic vinegar, the traditional version is aged for at least 12 years in wooden barrels, resulting in a rich and complex flavor. Guided tastings are available at local producers.

Erbazzone

A savory pie made with spinach, Swiss chard, and Parmesan cheese, encased in a flaky crust, Erbazzone is a must-try dish for food lovers.

Pair these delights with local wines like Lambrusco, a sparkling red wine that perfectly complements the region’s rich flavors.

Exploring Beyond the City

Reggio Emilia’s central location makes it an ideal base for exploring the surrounding region.

Canossa Castle:

Located just a short drive away, this medieval fortress is where Matilda of Tuscany once ruled, playing a key role in European politics during the Middle Ages.

Pietra di Bismantova:

A striking sandstone plateau, perfect for hiking and rock climbing, with breathtaking views of the Apennine Mountains.

Annual Events and Festivals

Reggio Emilia comes alive throughout the year with festivals and events that celebrate its culture and traditions:

Fotografia Europea Festival:

A renowned photography festival that attracts artists and enthusiasts from around the world.

Festa del Tricolore:

Held every January 7, this celebration commemorates the birth of the Italian flag with parades, concerts, and cultural events.

Matilde Festival:

Dedicated to Matilda of Tuscany, this event showcases medieval history with reenactments, music, and markets.

Why Visit Reggio Emilia?

Reggio Emilia offers a unique blend of history, culture, and gastronomy that few Italian cities can rival. From its pivotal role in Italian unification to its artistic and culinary achievements, the city invites travelers to experience a rich tapestry of heritage and innovation.

Whether you’re marveling at the Basilica della Ghiara, savoring Parmigiano Reggiano, or exploring the roots of the Italian flag, Reggio Emilia promises an unforgettable journey.

Getting There

Reggio Emilia is easily accessible via the high-speed train network, with connections to Milan, Bologna, and Florence. The Reggio Emilia AV Mediopadana Station, designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, is itself a modern architectural marvel. The nearest airports are in Bologna and Parma, both less than an hour’s drive away. Plan your visit to Reggio Emilia and uncover the treasures of this enchanting city in the heart of Italy!

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More Details

Flag of Emilia-Romagna
Flag of Emilia-Romagna
  • Regional Information

    • Area: 22,124 km²
      Population: 4.2m
      Density: 189/km²
      Capital: Bologna

      National Parks:
      Appennino Tosco-Emiliano
      Foreste Casentinesi, Monte Falterona, Campigna
Location of Emilia-Romagna
Location of Emilia-Romagna
Provinces of Emilia-Romagna
Provinces of Emilia-Romagna
  • Comunes of Emilia-Romagna
    • Bologna

      • Anzola dell’Emilia
        Argelato
        Baricella
        Bazzano
        Bentivoglio
        Bologna
        Borgo Tossignano
        Budrio
        Calderara di Reno
        Camugnano
        Casalecchio di Reno
        Casalfiumanese
        Castel d’Aiano
        Castel del Rio
        Castel di Casio
        Castel Guelfo di Bologna
        Castel Maggiore
        Castel San Pietro Terme
        Castello d’Argile
        Castello di Serravalle
        Castenaso
        Castiglione dei Pepoli
        Crespellano
        Crevalcore
        Dozza
        Fontanelice
        Gaggio Montano
        Galliera
        Granaglione
        Granarolo dell’Emilia
        Grizzana Morandi
        Imola
        Lizzano in Belvedere
        Loiano
        Malalbergo
        Marzabotto
        Medicina
        Minerbio
        Molinella
        Monghidoro
        Monte San Pietro
        Monterenzio
        Monteveglio
        Monzuno
        Mordano
        Ozzano dell’Emilia
        Pianoro
        Pieve di Cento
        Porretta Terme
        Sala Bolognese
        San Benedetto Val di Sambro
        San Giorgio di Piano
        San Giovanni in Persiceto
        San Lazzaro di Savena
        San Pietro in Casale
        Sant’Agata Bolognese
        Sasso Marconi
        Savigno
        Vergato
        Zola Predosa

    • Ferrara
      • Argenta
        Berra
        Bondeno
        Cento
        Codigoro
        Comacchio
        Copparo
        Ferrara
        Formignana
        Goro
        Jolanda di Savoia
        Lagosanto
        Masi Torello
        Massa Fiscaglia
        Mesola
        Migliarino
        Migliaro
        Mirabello
        Ostellato
        Poggio Renatico
        Portomaggiore
        Ro
        Sant’Agostino
        Tresigallo
        Vigarano Mainarda
        Voghiera

    • Forlì-Cesena
      • Bagno di Romagna
        Bertinoro
        Borghi
        Castrocaro Terme e Terra del Sole
        Cesena
        Cesenatico
        Civitella di Romagna
        Dovadola
        Forlì
        Forlimpopoli
        Galeata
        Gambettola
        Gatteo
        Longiano
        Meldola
        Mercato Saraceno
        Modigliana
        Montiano
        Portico e San Benedetto
        Predappio
        Premilcuore
        Rocca San Casciano
        Roncofreddo
        San Mauro Pascoli
        Santa Sofia
        Sarsina
        Savignano sul Rubicone
        Sogliano al Rubicone
        Tredozio
        Verghereto

    • Modena
      • Bastiglia
        Bomporto
        Campogalliano
        Camposanto
        Carpi
        Castelfranco Emilia
        Castelnuovo Rangone
        Castelvetro di Modena
        Cavezzo
        Concordia sulla Secchia
        Fanano
        Finale Emilia
        Fiorano Modenese
        Fiumalbo
        Formigine
        Frassinoro
        Guiglia
        Lama Mocogno
        Maranello
        Marano sul Panaro
        Medolla
        Mirandola
        Modena
        Montecreto
        Montefiorino
        Montese
        Nonantola
        Novi di Modena
        Palagano
        Pavullo nel Frignano
        Pievepelago
        Polinago
        Prignano sulla Secchia
        Ravarino
        Riolunato
        San Cesario sul Panaro
        San Felice sul Panaro
        San Possidonio
        San Prospero
        Sassuolo
        Savignano sul Panaro
        Serramazzoni
        Sestola
        Soliera
        Spilamberto
        Vignola
        Zocca

    • Parma
      • Albareto
        Bardi
        Bedonia
        Berceto
        Bore
        Borgo Val di Taro
        Busseto
        Calestano
        Collecchio
        Colorno
        Compiano
        Corniglio
        Felino
        Fidenza
        Fontanellato
        Fontevivo
        Fornovo di Taro
        Langhirano
        Lesignano de’ Bagni
        Medesano
        Mezzani
        Monchio delle Corti
        Montechiarugolo
        Neviano degli Arduini
        Noceto
        Palanzano
        Parma
        Pellegrino Parmense
        Polesine Parmense
        Roccabianca
        Sala Baganza
        Salsomaggiore Terme
        San Secondo Parmense
        Sissa
        Solignano
        Soragna
        Sorbolo
        Terenzo
        Tizzano Val Parma
        Tornolo
        Torrile
        Traversetolo
        Trecasali
        Valmozzola
        Varano de’ Melegari
        Varsi
        Zibello

    • Piacenza
      • Agazzano
        Alseno
        Besenzone
        Bettola
        Bobbio
        Borgonovo Val Tidone
        Cadeo
        Calendasco
        Caminata
        Caorso
        Carpaneto Piacentino
        Castel San Giovanni
        Castell’Arquato
        Castelvetro Piacentino
        Cerignale
        Coli
        Corte Brugnatella
        Cortemaggiore
        Farini
        Ferriere
        Fiorenzuola d’Arda
        Gazzola
        Gossolengo
        Gragnano Trebbiense
        Gropparello
        Lugagnano Val D’Arda
        Monticelli d’Ongina
        Morfasso
        Nibbiano
        Ottone
        Pecorara
        Piacenza
        Pianello Val Tidone
        Piozzano
        Podenzano
        Ponte dell’Olio
        Pontenure
        Rivergaro
        Rottofreno
        San Giorgio Piacentino
        San Pietro in Cerro
        Sarmato
        Travo
        Vernasca
        Vigolzone
        Villanova sull’Arda
        Zerba
        Ziano Piacentino

    • Ravenna
      • Alfonsine
        Bagnacavallo
        Bagnara di Romagna
        Brisighella
        Casola Valsenio
        Castel Bolognese
        Cervia
        Conselice
        Cotignola
        Faenza
        Fusignano
        Lugo
        Massa Lombarda
        Ravenna
        Riolo Terme
        Russi
        Sant’Agata sul Santerno
        Solarolo

    • Reggio Emilia
      • Albinea
        Bagnolo in Piano
        Baiso
        Bibbiano
        Boretto
        Brescello
        Busana
        Cadelbosco di Sopra
        Campagnola Emilia
        Campegine
        Canossa
        Carpineti
        Casalgrande
        Casina
        Castellarano
        Castelnovo di Sotto
        Castelnovo ne’ Monti
        Cavriago
        Collagna
        Correggio
        Fabbrico
        Gattatico
        Gualtieri
        Guastalla
        Ligonchio
        Luzzara
        Montecchio Emilia
        Novellara
        Poviglio
        Quattro Castella
        Ramiseto
        Reggio Emilia
        Reggiolo
        Rio Saliceto
        Rolo
        Rubiera
        San Martino in Rio
        San Polo d’Enza
        Sant’Ilario d’Enza
        Scandiano
        Toano
        Vetto
        Vezzano sul Crostolo
        Viano
        Villa Minozzo

    • Rimini
      • Bellaria-Igea Marina
        Casteldelci
        Cattolica
        Coriano
        Gemmano
        Maiolo
        Misano Adriatico
        Mondaino
        Monte Colombo
        Montefiore Conca
        Montegridolfo
        Montescudo
        Morciano di Romagna
        Novafeltria
        Pennabilli
        Poggio Berni
        Riccione
        Rimini
        Saludecio
        San Clemente
        San Giovanni in Marignano
        San Leo
        Sant’Agata Feltria
        Santarcangelo di Romagna
        Talamello
        Torriana
        Verucchio
Hotels in Emilia-Romagna
Emilia-Romagna Hotels
Emilia-RomagnaWEATHER
Emilia-Romagna Climate (Bologna)
  High Low Sun Rain
Jan 5 -2 3 43
Feb 8 1 3 45
Mar 13 4 5 60
Apr 18 8 6 67
May 23 12 7 65
Jun 27 16 9 53
Jul 30 18 9 43
Aug 29 18 8 58
Sep 25 15 7 61
Oct 19 10 5 72
Nov 11 4 3 81
Dec 6 0 2 61
Table Key:
High - Average monthly high temperatures
Low - Average monthly low temperatures
Sun - Average hours of sunshine per day
Rain - Average monthly rainfall in mm
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