Plan a trip to Emilia Romagna And San Marino

Emilia Romagna - two names for one region in Italy. According to historical record, this region had been divided into two regions: Emilia in the west and Romagna in the east. To this day, the inhabitants of each area feel pride in their heritage as being superior to that of the other!

The Emilia Romagna region boasts rich and fertile soil. The Po River, which flows across its northern area, creates a lush and prosperous valley with abundant water and thriving agriculture. The Apennine Mountains cut across the Italian boot like a spine, forming a border with Tuscany in the southern part of the region. As the Emilia Romagna region is considered to be the most prosperous in Italy and one of the most affluent in Europe, its residents enjoy a very high standard of living.

Here are a few fun facts about Bologna, the capital of the region:

• Bologna is renowned for its cuisine and competes for the title "Culinary Capital of Italy.” On a visit to the city, you’ll enjoy its wide array of restaurants and markets.
• It is the seventh largest city in Italy with approximately 400,000 inhabitants.
• The first university in the western world was established in Bologna in 1088, and the city is still characterized as a “university town.”
• Bologna has nearly 24 miles of covered streets with arched arcades, making it more pleasant to get around the city on rainy as well as hot, sunny days.
• Bologna is also called the “Red City” because its houses are built of reddish local stone. A tour of the city will reveal the city’s rich history through its monuments, architecture, and the churches which house historic masterpieces of art.

Modena is another large city in the province, and the Duomo di Modena, its impressive cathedral in the center of the old quarter, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Although Emilia Romana is not among the most visited in Italy, its highlights, attractions, and activities will delight every type of tourist. Visit the luxury car factories located around Modena in the area known as, "Motor Valley.” The Ferrari car factory is located near the town of Maranello, and the Ferrari Museum is a popular attraction. If you’ve always wanted to go for a spin in a Ferrari but just haven’t had the opportunity, go for one of the “driving tours” that you’ll find outside the museum. The Lamborghini and Maserati factories are a short drive away, as well, and have tours available.

If you’re a music lover, this area is for you! Enjoy a visit to the home of the renowned opera singer, Pavarotti, which is located in the Modena area and became a museum after his death. Verdi, one of the greatest opera composers of all times, was born and lived in this region, and the Villa Verdi, where he wrote his compositions, is located in Sant’ Agata. Last but not least, the home of the famous musician, Lucio Dalla, composer of "Caruso,” is located in the center of Bologna, and it became a museum documenting his life and works after his death. The façade of the building is painted with a silhouette of Dalla playing the sax.

The city of Ravenna, located on the northeastern side of the cable, attracts art lovers with its spectacular mosaics, some of the most beautiful in the world, which date back to the Roman Empire and the beginning of Christianity.

Rimini, the ultimate resort town, is also on the eastern side of the Adriatic coast and is the birthplace of the famous film director, Federico Fellini.
The tiny republic of San Marino is located near Rimini. Perched at an altitude of 2155 feet above the sea level, San Marino is a country within a country, though it doesn’t require a visa. 

And now, about Emilia Romagna’s outstanding cuisine… The basis for some of the most important ingredients in Italian cuisine - and throughout the world – come from this region. The Barilla pasta factory was established in the city of Parma, and the company’s headquarters, labs, and pasta archives are still located there and offer tours. Parmigiano Reggiano cheese originates in the countryside between the city of Parma and the city of Reggio Emilia, and you can visit one of the dairies, learn about the production processes, and, of course, sample the cheeses. The cheese is aged for a minimum of 12 months, and the taste of the cheese varies based on its age.

The prosciutto di Parma, an aged pork thigh, comes from the city of Parma, and Modena is famous for its balsamic vinegar, aged and stored in barrels. Lasagna and the mortadella sausage originated in Bologna, as did Bolognese ragout, which is served locally on pappardelle pasta and not on spaghetti...

And the wines? Outstanding! The best in the region are the Terrabiano Scassino Sangiovese and the bubbly, sweet Lambrusco, which is produced from grapes of this name which are grown in the region.

As an important gastronomic center, Emilio Romagna is known for its rich food markets and many food festivals. One of the most interesting festivals takes place in the medieval seaside village of Forlimpopoli. The food festival takes place annually in June and, for several days, the pastoral village turns into a market that displays and sells all the products that represent each and every region. A stage is set up in the center of the village, and there are shows throughout the festival. It is a true feast for the palate and soul!

Pellegrino Artusi, a local businessman and writer, lived in the center of Forlimpopoli, and, in the course of his travels, he collected recipes from housewives all over Italy. He published the collection of recipes, and these cookbooks have become the bible of Italian home cooking. His home is now a cooking school and a fascinating culinary library.

Emilia Romagna...an outstanding experience for all the senses!