The off-the-beaten-track region in northern Italy, Emilia-Romagna, is renowned for being rich in history, culture, motor sports and the ultimate foodie destination. Featuring lesser-known destinations – including Parma, Ravenna, Bologna and Rimini – Emilia Romagna offers travellers a rich history, value for money and, more importantly, superb food and wine.
Any visitor wanting a unique Italian getaway in 2023 should look to Emilia-Romagna, it offers a ‘slow travel experience’ and an abundance of incredible landscapes and cultural activities that are ready and waiting to be explored.
Here are 23 reasons to visit Emilia-Romagna in 2023.
1. Stroll around the food capital of the world – Bologna
The historical capital of Bologna is located between the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines and the Po Valley. Also called ‘The Learned’ for its old University, and ‘The Fat’ for its food tradition, Bologna is also a UNESCO creative City of Music and has one of the largest and most well-preserved medieval historical centres, full of restaurants, taverns, theatres and shops. In 2021, Bologna’s famed porticoes were awarded World Heritage Status by UNESCO.
2. Explore Parma – the creative city for gastronomy
Known to be the gastronomic centre of the ‘Italian food valley’, Parma has recently been proclaimed by UNESCO as a Creative city for Gastronomy. Boasting excellent and unique culinary experiences, travellers will be able to indulge in local delicacies such as the infamous Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, and Salami di Felino.
3. Discover the land of speed at the Motor Valley Fest (Modena, 11-14 May 2023)
Since its inaugural edition in 2019, the Motor Valley Fest has become an exceptional open-air event celebrating the automotive industry. The UNESCO city of Modena will be the host of this four-day celebration of motor racing, with shows, exhibitions and activities to take place across the four days designed for all two- and four-wheel enthusiasts. Motor Valley Fest will be followed by the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix (Imola, 19-21 May 2023), held at the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari for its fourth edition.
4. Admire the Klimt’s ‘Portrait of a Lady’ at the Galleria Ricci-Oddi in Piacenza
Discover the odd history of the famous oil on canvas painting by Gustav Klimt, painted between 1916 and 1917. In 1996, X-ray analysis revealed that the portrait was an overpainted version of Klimt’s lost work ‘Portrait of a Young Lady’, which disappeared in 1917. The painting was stolen in February 1997 during the renovation of the building. In December 2019, 23 years after the theft, the missing painting was recovered in a bag from a recess in an exterior wall of the gallery by gardeners clearing away ivy. Since November 2020, the painting has been back on display at the gallery.
5. Pay a visit to Federico Fellini International Museum (Rimini)
Rimini’s Federico Fellini International Museum is the world’s largest museum devoted to the life and work of the Italian film director and screenwriter and his poetic heritage. Visitors can find drawings, costumes, exhibitions, film showings, scenographic elements and multimedia presentations that allow guests to immerse themselves in the world of Fellini, regarded as one of the most influential filmmakers of the 20th century.
6. Hike the footsteps of Italy’s divine poet, Roads of Dante and pilgrim’s path
Launched in 2017, Roads of Dante is a meditative meander in the footsteps of Dante, Italy’s divine poet. The epic 245-mile path (to be enjoyed by bike/on foot/by train) links all the places between the regions of Tuscany and Emilia Romagna that Dante visited during his exile in the early 14th century. It begins at Dante’s tomb in Ravenna and finishes at the Dante’s House Museum in Florence, taking in many of the places that the Poet described in his iconic Divine Comedy.
7. Traditional balsamic vinegar – a spinning of Emilia
Modena is home to one of the world’s most esteemed vinegars – balsamic vinegar AKA ‘aceto balsamico tradizionale di Modena’. Here, visitors have the chance to visit the first ‘theme’ park in Europe dedicated to balsamic vinegar of Modena – ‘Balsamic Village’. Covering 40,000 square metres with 70 hectares of vineyards, cellars, paths and illustrative panels, guests can discover and learn about the traditional production method of Modena’s unique product.
8. Explore the ‘Little Venice’ in Comacchio (Ferrara)
The small village of Comacchio rises in the middle of a lagoon of the same name and was originally built by 13 small islands formed at the mouth of the Po River with the sea. ‘Little Venice’ is today characterised by a historical centre crossed by a dense network of canals – hence the nickname of ‘the floating city’.
9. Experience the Po Delta Park (Ferrara)
Po Delta Park is one of the most beautiful oases in Italy and the second largest wetland in Europe, hosting hundreds of animal and plant species. The vast UNESCO-listed area holds several lagoons, woodlands, and small islands, making it a real paradise for naturalists, biologists, tourists and birdwatchers.
10. Admire the starred sky of Galla Placidia (Ravenna)
Considered as one of the most valuable treasures of the city, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia is one of the oldest buildings in Ravenna and a UNESCO World Heritage monument since 1996. The breath-taking mosaics, described by UNESCO as ‘among the best surviving examples of this form of art in Europe,’ is the starry sky that drapes parts of the ceiling, enhanced by the golden pours through the tiny alabaster windows, creating a magical atmosphere.
11. Get lost at the Labirinto della Masone – Fontanellato (Parma)
The Labirinto della Masone is the largest bamboo labyrinth in the world – made with 200,000 bamboo plants between 30 cm and 15 metres in height. The path through it is over three kilometres in length. Within the connected building, visitors can find an art collection, a restaurant, and two suites to spend the night.
12. Visit Casa Pavarotti (Modena) and quirky Casa di Lucio Dalla (Bologna)
Casa Pavarotti is the place that Italian opera singer, Luciano Pavarotti, called home. He built this house to entertain friends, teach young singers and enjoy family life. Visitors to Casa Pavarotti can discover his private collection of memorabilia, costumes and awards gathered throughout his long and successful career.
Lucio Dalla was a very popular Italian singer and songwriter who spent five decades in the music industry. Despite passing away in 2012, Dalla is still one of Italy’s most famous and beloved musicians. Visitors can now familiarise themselves with the eccentric entertainer by visiting his home-turned-museum in Bologna’s historic city centre.
13. Explore the city of Renaissance, Ferrara
Ferrara, also known as the city of Renaissance, is a remarkable city with unique characteristics – precisely why it obtained UNESCO recognition in 1995. The city, although designed in the Renaissance, has recently gone through profound development of urban planning, making it the perfect combination of historical and modern landscape.
14. The Malatestiana Library and ‘The art of fashion’: a crossover between arts
Entering the Malatestiana Library in Cesena feels like crossing a portal into the past. It is the only library in the world that has remained unchanged in over 600 years. Neither electricity nor candles have ever been used within these walls so as not to affect the microclimate created over the centuries, preventing damaging the fragile illuminated manuscripts. Only small groups are admitted for each visit and only before sunset.
From Cesena’s ancient library to Forlì’s modern exhibition ‘The art of fashion’, will be set up in the San Domenico Museums from 4 March to 2 July 2023. The path, built with hundreds of works, investigates art in its role as a witness to fashion painted, portrayed, sculpted, made by great artists, from the Sun King to Pop Art, from the Ancien Régime to the late twentieth century. Paintings, sculptures and clothes are expected to investigate the link between dress and social role.
15. Discover the world of Parmigiano Reggiano – the king of cheeses
PDO Parmigiano Reggiano is perhaps one of Italy’s most internationally recognised delicacies and is used in a range of traditional dishes such as passatelli or perfect marriage with tagliatelle al ragù. Parmigiano Reggiano has unique, well-recognisable aromas and flavours, which vary according to the maturation time.
16. Indulge in the Wellness Valley
The Wellness Valley is a social innovation model which focuses on people and their health and promotes well-being for everyone at all ages by creating an environment that supports and encourages healthy lifestyle choices. Moreover Emilia Romagna is home to several renowned thermal towns since Roman times. Therapeutic waters are ideal for a relaxing stay focused on wellbeing and slow living, surrounded by the wilderness or regions and National Parks, with outdoor activities including hiking.
17. Try local olive oil from Brisighella (Ravenna)
The hidden medieval village of Brisighella is located between Ravenna and Florence, renowned for its excellent olive oil made with the indigenous Nostrana di Brisighella olive. The olives are hand-picked between November and December and, every year at the end of November, Brisighella’s olive oil is celebrated at the Sagra dell’Ulivo e dell’Olio festival.
18. Tibet House – Votigno di Canossa (Reggio Emilia)
In the sleepy stone village of Votigno di Canossa, 24km southwest of the city of Reggio Emilia, visitors can find Europe’s first (and Italy’s only) Tibetan monastery. Inaugurated by the Dalai Lama in 1990, the complex includes a Tibetan temple, museum and bed and breakfast. It’s a quiet and quirky place for contemplation nestled among the enchanting green hills of Reggio Emilia.
19. Truffle hunting with a four-legged friend (Rimini Sant’Agata Feltria)
A staple in a number of dishes, these underground delicacies are one of the region’s unique ingredients. As part of this unique experience, specially trained dogs will come along with guests and act as sniffer dogs to sniff and dig out the best truffles. Although they are rare to find, hence their market value, they grow close to the surface and their characteristic smell makes them easier to find. A quirky and fun activity to add to your Emilia Romagna trip.
20. Underground Santarcangelo – Santarcangelo di Romagna (Rimini)
The village of Santarcangelo di Romagna, located 10km west of the seaside town of Rimini, is an idyllic medieval town featuring an ancient castle, charming alleyways, triumphant arches and a variety of restaurants. However, lurking below ground, a patchwork of caves, galleries and tunnels dug from the sandstone and clay unravels below, hide secret escape routes, ice boxes, granaries and at least 150 caves.
This mysterious parallel city was used in the Middle Ages, some say to ensure survival during months-long sieges (grain, wine and perishable food storage is abundant in the concealed underground world), though its actual construction date and purpose remains a mystery unsolved.
21. Take a sip of sparkling wine on World Lambrusco Day
World Lambrusco Day falls on June 21 of each year, where wine lovers can enjoy a sip of the iconic sparkling wine. The wine is almost exclusively produced in Italy with over 60 grape varieties of the wine being found across Italy, with those considered the best to be grown in Emilia-Romagna. Sip and discover the different varieties of the wine whilst learning more about its history.
22. Enjoy a refreshing dip and enjoy the beaches of Rimini
Rimini is one of the most famous seaside resorts on the Adriatic Riviera, situated in the southern strip of Emilia-Romagna. Apart from attracting travellers from all over the world for its history and culture, Rimini has some of the most stunning beaches in the region. From family friendly Bagno Egisto 38, to Bagno Libra offering a selection of coffee shops and restaurants, and Bagno 28 Otello, a beach loved by locals – you’ll be able to unwind, relax and enjoy a refreshing swim.
23. Choose between 23 of the world-class golf courses
Emilia-Romagna is not only a serene spot for holidaymakers looking to unwind, but also for avid golfers looking to refine their skills. Offering 23 golf courses, ranging from nine and 18 holes, the northern Italian region is the perfect place for both beginners and professional golfers. From Argenta’s Golf Club picturesque course located just an hour from Bologna to Golf Club Le Fonti situated in Sillaro Valley’s rolling hills, there is something for all levels.
For further information on Emilia-Romagna, visit emiliaromagnaturismo.it/en.
