After the holiday stay on the Tuscan coast in August, we made a two-day stop in the region of Emilia Romagna, right before heading northwest to Como through Mulhouse and then back to Belgium. It was two calm days full of nice impressions from four other places in Italy visited for the first time, and definitely, a region where you eat well.
Modena
First day after the night arrival from Seravezza and visiting Barga, we slowly got up, made tea and got breakfast from a local bakery, and went to Modena. The town is known primarily thanks to its famous balsamico vinegar or sports cars such as Ferrari or Lamborghini. The city center was very peaceful that day but we did not mind, we were even searching for calm places after our day trip to Cinque Terre for the rest of our stay in Italy. We visited the Duomo which was marvelous from both inside and outside. We strolled in the local streets playing all pastel colors.
On our way from Modena to Reggio Emilia, we passed around the factory of Ferrari in Maranello, and later that day we ate in the local restaurant La Gazzella with a big garden, great service, and tasty food. We highly recommend!
Reggio Emilia
Apart from the big towns, we also were looking to see some smaller and less known places, and so when we saw Reggio Emilia on the map and in Google Images, our decision was made. Similar to Modena, there was also quiet and ever calmer – there were only a few locals in the streets, mainly from an older generation, sitting in a few coffee places or restaurants that were opened that day. The town looked very charming with many hidden cosy corners. Adeline enjoyed the fountain where she played with the water and refreshed from the heat shortly after midday.
Reggio Emilia is known in the world most for its gastronomy, and art, but also some of the best kindergartens in the world.
Bologna
The capital of Emilia Romagna is normally also one of the most crowded cities in Italy. It is home to approximately 150 nationalities, probably thanks to the University of Bologna which is the oldest university in the world. As one would think, it is therefore full of young people and it was alive here even during the August holidays. Despite being bombarded during WWII, its historical center is still well-preserved and picturesque. In my mind, I still have the desaturated blood-red color that decorates many facades there and somehow gives the city a specific taste. Do not miss the Neptun fountain, Piazza Maggiore, and the basilic San Pietronio, Santa Stefano, and two towers (Due Torri) which are the symbol of the city.
Parma
As one colleague told me, in Parma there is not much to see, we didn’t have any expectations but I wanted to check it out myself. The town is home to another old university, so there must be something interesting I thought. We had only half of the day but we could visit the cathedral which I do recommend if you pass by, and also go see the Baptisterium. I don’t eat parma ham but Steven had at least a salad with it, I went for the caprese option. And they had nice ice cream next to the Bialetti store.
Have you visited Emilia Romagna? Which (other) places did you enjoy? Let me know in the below comments!