Region Map With Cities and Towns

The Emilia-Romagna region is situated between the Po River, the Adriatic Sea, and the Appennino mountain chain, forming a backbone of Italy. This area features a string of major cities following a northwest to southeast trend, interconnected by the A1 Autostrada and a railway line originating in Milan and extending to the coastline. Major airports can be found in Bologna (Aeroporto G. Marconi), Rimini (Federico Fellini International Airport), and Parma, connecting to various Italian cities and other European destinations.

Emilia-Romagna is bordered by the Veneto and Lombardy regions to the north, Piedmont and Liguria to the west, Tuscany to the south, and the Marche region and independent state of San Marino to the southeast.

Cuisine

Emilia-Romagna’s regional cuisine is renowned even among Italians, often considered the finest in Italy. This region is famous for its exceptional ingredients such as Prosciutto di Parma, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, and Balsamic Vinegar of Modena. Visitors can explore some production centers near Parma and Modena.

The Castles of Parma and Piacenza

South of Parma and Piacenza, nestled between the Po River and the Appennino mountain range, lies a collection of beautifully preserved castles. For travelers with a vehicle, visiting these castles offers a delightful day trip, showcasing the stunning countryside.

Favorite Small Towns

The interior of the region is sprinkled with charming small towns. San Leo and Castell’Arquato are picturesque hill towns featuring castles. Santarcangelo boasts larger hilltop scenery, interesting museums, and a castle. Brisighella, a thermal spa, offers a delightful medieval village with a unique clock tower and fortress high on the cliffs, while nearby Dozza is celebrated for its colorful murals and art.

Bobbio, located in the Trebbia River Valley, presents beautiful landscapes and is known for its ancient Devil’s Bridge and annual snail festival. Meanwhile, Busseto is a tranquil town dedicated to the legacy of opera composer Giuseppe Verdi, who once resided there.

Eastern Emilia-Romagna also has several historic sites, castles, beautiful beaches, and locations known for exquisite ceramics and mosaics. This region provides an enriched travel experience filled with diverse activities and cultural experiences.

Top Cities to Visit

• Bologna is the largest city in Emilia-Romagna, known as the “red city” due to its distinctive red brick architecture and rich political history. It is one of Italy’s oldest and wealthiest cities, boasting one of the oldest universities. The lively atmosphere is infused with attractions, from striking medieval towers to bustling marketplaces and the central square, Piazza Maggiore.
• Parma is a culinary haven featuring a charming historic center with a captivating 12th-century Baptistry, a Romanesque Cathedral adorned with frescoes, and an eye-catching bell tower on the Governor’s Palace. The city hosts a Verdi Festival in the fall and the neoclassical Regio di Parma theater showcases opera and special performances.
• Modena is lesser-known but offers a wonderful medieval center surrounding its impressive 12th-century Duomo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known as the birthplace of Luciano Pavarotti and Enzo Ferrari, Modena also produces Balsamic Vinegar, with the Enzo Ferrari House Museum located nearby.
• Ferrara is a walled Renaissance city featuring a castle, a stunning 12th-century cathedral, and examples of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Ferrara flourished as an intellectual and artistic center during the Renaissance, built on the principles of the “ideal city,” and is a part of the UNESCO Quadrilateral of historic towns.
• Ravenna is celebrated for its striking mosaics, recognized as the western capital of the Roman Empire, housing stunning Byzantine-style mosaics from the 5th and 6th centuries in its ancient churches and monuments.
• Faenza ranks among Italy’s leading ceramic producers, featuring an impressive ceramics museum. The city itself is lovely to explore, boasting a grand central square with porticoes, and like many cities in Emilia-Romagna, it is characterized by bicycles.

Towns to Visit on the Adriatic Coast

Rimini, located on the Adriatic Coast, is one of Italy’s premier beach resorts, renowned for its vibrant nightlife, beautiful beaches, and as the birthplace of director Federico Fellini. Additionally, Rimini offers an intriguing historic center along with Roman ruins.

Stretching on both sides of Rimini, other seaside resort towns such as Riccione and Bellaria-Igea Marina present excellent beaches and a more laid-back vibe compared to Rimini, making them family-friendly destinations. These towns offer seaside promenade hotels and small center areas with shops, bars, harbors, and parks. Convenient bus and train services run along the coastal route, connecting them to Rimini.

• In Bellaria Igea Marina, consider the family-owned Hotel Eliseo, which provides a warm and inviting atmosphere. Guests can unwind at the private beach or participate in cooking classes. Delicious meals are included in the stay, and weekly events feature live music and traditional cuisine.
• In Riccione, explore Hotel Corallo, a comfortable four-star establishment featuring a spa, swimming pool, and beach access.
• Cesenatico is charmingly built on a canal reaching the sea, known for its excellent nautical museum and a scenic promenade filled with shops, bars, and restaurants.
• Cervia boasts 10 kilometers of sandy beaches and is a significant sea salt production center, complete with a sea salt museum.
• Comacchio is situated in a lagoon and consists of connected islets. Guided boat rides are available in this protected area, offering hiking and biking opportunities. The region is famous for eel fishing and has a small museum dedicated to the fisheries.