Reggio Emilia
a crossroads of history and heritage
The territory
A short distance from Bologna, La Grassa (the Fat), refined Parma and the super-famous Modena, the province of Reggio Emilia is a little-known cultural and gastronomic treasure trove. The Boiardo Castle at Scandiano, Matilda of Canossa’s castle in the hills just south of the city, the high-speed train station Mediopadana, and architect Calatrava’s famous bridges are just a few examples. The excellent products from the land include the famous culatello ham, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, and Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Reggio Emilia PDO.
What to see in Reggio Emilia?
Not-to-be missed in town is the Maramotti Collection with hundreds of artworks dating from 1945 to today, of which over two hundred belong to the permanent exhibition. The venue hosts thematic exhibitions on the ground floor. Another major exhibition and cultural centre is Palazzo Magnani, a visual arts foundation.
North of Reggio Emilia
Take a trip north of the city and discover the great River Po and the gorgeous city of Mantua, a jewel of the Renaissance.
Don’t miss the Ducal Palace and the splendid paintings of Mantegna, and Palazzo Tè, designed by architect Giulio Romano, but also take time out for a boat trip on the lakes bordering the city.
Courtesy Collezione Maramotti, Reggio Emilia
East of Reggio Emilia
To the east of Reggio Emilia – just an hour by car or 25 minutes by high-speed train – lies Bologna, the symbol of Emilia-Romagna and its capital, famous for its beautiful old architecture, museums and excellent restaurants.
Not-to-be missed: the main central square, Piazza Maggiore, the Church of San Francesco, but also the maze of streets making up the old town centre. With its 38 km of porticoed streets, Bologna is also a great place to discover both in the rain and in the hot summer sun.
If cars and engines are your passion, then head for Maranello and the Ferrari Museum, and go to Modena and see the historic Ferrari cars that made the Prancing Horse brand world famous.
Just 40 minutes from Le Dimore, Modena is also home to one of the world’s most celebrated restaurants: chef Massimo Bottura’s Osteria Francescana.
West of Reggio Emilia:
Elegant Parma is a short distance from Reggio Emilia. This beautiful city is a perfect amalgam of a well-preserved Renaissance jewel and a vibrant modern city.
Not-to-be-missed: the Duomo (cathedral) with frescoes by Correggio, the Baptistery by Benedetto Antelami, and the Farnese theatre inside Palazzo della Pilotta. The neighbourhoods around Strada Farini have a host of excellent restaurants, trattorias and cafés in which to enjoy an aperitif or an excellent meal.
South of Reggio Emilia:
South of the city lie the Apennine mountains, a protected national park, the famous Pietra di Bismantova geological formation, and Matilda of Canossa’s Castle. This is where to head if you are a nature lover and history enthusiast. In summer, we advise an excursion to discover the wild orchids that grow in the Campotrera Natural Reserve and a climb up the Pietra di Bismantova. In the winter, you could try a moon-lit walk in the snow with snow shoes.
For history lovers, there are numerous castles and hamlets along the way: Canossa, Torrechiara, Felino and Montechiarugolo.
