Emilia-Romagna

Information and Tourism

Life is good in Emilia-Romagna. For a start, it is classed as one of the richest regions in Europe. A whole host of luxury car makers are based here, including such automotive legends as Maserati, Lamborghini and Ferrari. Emilia-Romagna is also home to a vast array of cultural and historic attractions, thanks to the rich Roman and Renaissance heritage of many of its towns and cities.

The regional capital, Bologna, has one of the most impressive portfolios of medieval buildings in Italy, with palaces jostling ancient towers and porticoes. It doesn't take visitors to Bologna very long to work out that the city is also the culinary centre of Italy. Menus bristle with regional specialities that are now eaten the world over, such as 'tortellini' and 'tagliatelle'. Balsamic vinegar can only be made in the region's cities of Modena and Reggio Emilia. Likewise, a select number of cities in Emilia-Romagna produce that cheesy delicacy, Parmigiano Reggiano.

Other major cities in the region include Modena, situated north of Bologna. With its medieval centre, splendid palaces and Romanesque cathedral, it stands out from the crowd. That said, the cities of Parma and Ferrara aren't short of picturesque piazzas and Renaissance architecture either.

Take a break from all that history and culture by heading to Emilia-Romagna's Adriatic Coast, where resorts include Italy's best-loved seaside town of Rimini. It is also known as the home of Federico Fellini, that much-admired and multi-Oscar-winning Italian film director.

Alternatively, travel south to the scenic hillsides of the Apennines to find out why Emilia-Romagna has earned itself the accolade of the greenest region in Italy. As well as being dotted with castles, this area includes the National Park of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines. Among its ancient beech trees is Italy's largest adventure park.

Emilia-Romagna Information and Fast Facts

• Country: Italy
• Main administrative centre: Bologna
• Biggest city: Bologna
• Population: approximately 4.5 million
• Language: Italian
• Area: 8,670 square miles / 22,455 square kilometres
• Height of highest point (Monte Cimone): 2,165 metres / 7,103 feet

	WORLD GUIDES TO EMILIA-ROMAGNA
	World Guide to Bologna, Italy Bologna is one of the most attractive cities in Italy and is full of character. The beautiful city centre in Bologna well preserved and maintained and is a credit to the city's policy of preservation.
	World Guide to Parma, Italy Home to an interesting mixture of both historic architecture and verdant countryside, Parma is one of the most attractive of Italy's Emilian cities. Parma has a rich Roman heritage and is famed for its Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.
	World Guide to Rimini, Italy Although the sandy shoreline of Rimini has long been a major tourist draw card, this Emilian city also features plenty of Italian character. With sun, sea, beaches and clubs, many visitors consider this to be the perfect place to holiday.

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