The history of the Emilia-Romagna regionBefore the arrival of the Romans in the 3rd century BC, numerous peoples lived in the area that is now Emilia-Romagna, such as the Etruscans, the Umbrians and various Celtic tribes. After their expulsion, the Romans founded some cities that still exist today, mainly Rimini, Piacenza, Forlì, Ravenna and Reggio Emilia, and they built the "Via Emilia" to connect Piacenza directly to Rimini for military and economic purposes. In the following centuries, this land became the most populated and economically important of the Empire. Thanks to its strategic position and its contacts with Constantinople, Ravenna became the capital of the Western Roman Empire in 402. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the territory of Emilia fell first into the hands of the Lombards, then of the Franks, while the Byzantines managed to wrest control of Romagna from the barbarians and set up a protectorate with Ravenna as its capital, which they called "Romania". Afterward, the territories were ceded to the Papal States. During the Middle Ages and especially during the Renaissance, both regions were divided into smaller units and important municipalities, duchies and dominions were created. In 1861 the territories of Emilia and Romagna became part of the Kingdom of Italy, but it was not until 1947 that the Emilia-Romagna region was created.Emilia: historical towns and medieval villagesIn Emilia, there are numerous cities of art and medieval villages with a fascinating history. The regional capital of Bologna is famous for the oldest university in the world, founded in 1088, for the fascinating Two Towers and Piazza Maggiore with the Fountain of Neptune, and for the Sanctuary of Madonna di San Luca, which rises on a hill above the city and can be reached from the city center via a colonnade almost 4 km long, is the first. Walking through the stylish old town of Ferrara, you can admire the noble palaces, special buildings (such as the Palazzo dei Diamanti) and the imposing Castello Estense, which testify to the fascinating history of the "city of the Renaissance". A visit to Emilia should include Modena, with its Piazza Grande, a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the 12th-century Cathedral and its very tall bell tower, the Ghirlandina, and Piacenza, famous for its Gothic marble and red brick palace and numerous medieval and Renaissance buildings.nullOn a gastronomic tour of the region, Parma, the cradle of Parmigiano Reggiano and Prosciutto di Parma, cannot be missed. But art and culture lovers will not be disappointed by the city: you can admire the dome of the Duomo frescoed by Correggio, the beautiful baptistery covered in pink marble and the magnificent hall of the Teatro Regio. Not far from the city are numerous picturesque villages with their fascinating castles, including Bardi, Torrechiara, Castell'Arquato, Varsi, Pellegrino Parmense, Compiano and Vigoleno. In the province of Reggio Emilia, where the Italian flag was born, there are some castles of great historical importance. These are the castles of Canossa (now only ruins), Rossena and Bianello, all three located in the lush hills of the Apennines of Reggio Emilia.Romagna: between murals, mosaics and seaside resortsAmong the cities of Romagna is Ravenna, which has a truly incredible artistic heritage. It is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including mausoleums, churches and chapels from the 5th and 6th centuries. But what particularly attracts visitors are the spectacular Byzantine mosaics and the tomb of Dante Alighieri, as well as, of course, museums, theaters and good food. The hinterland of Romagna is full of pretty villages hiding in the hills or plunging into the green Po Valley. Of particular note are beautiful Faenza, famous for its handmade ceramics and majolica, which can be admired at the International Ceramics Museum and purchased in many of the city's stores, and the picturesque medieval village of Brisighella, nestled at the foot of three small hills. Another small jewel of this area is certainly the village of Dozza, a must for lovers of street art: here takes place the Biennale del Muro Dipinto (Biennale of the Painted Wall), where artists from all over the world apply their colorful murals on the facades of houses. Also not to be missed is the village of San Leo, perched on a rocky outcrop that dominates the surrounding valley.Pont de Tibère à RiminiThe Riviera Romagnola, characterized in particular by the towns of Rimini, Riccione, Cervia, Milano Marittima and Cesenatico, has been welcoming Italian and foreign tourists for more than 150 years, attracted by its golden beaches, shallow sea and lively nightlife. But there is also no shortage of historically and culturally significant sites, such as the Cervia salt flats and the numerous examples of Roman architecture and artwork in Rimini.Natural regional park Corno alle ScaleThe area is known for its scenic hiking trails and cycling roads. In the year 2004, the mountain pass was the arrival of the third stage of the Giro d'Italia. Many rock climbers reach this destination due to its inviting rock formations. The natural park is also known as a ski destination, offering outdoor activities at 360° for any kind of athlete and explorer.nullThrough this area pass some of the most beautiful paths in Italy: the Via Degli Dei, which goes from Bologna to Florence and crosses several mountains named after ancient gods and mythological figures (Monte Venere, Monte Adone, etc.. ), the Via Francigena, the Cammino di Sant'Antonio that crosses Ferrara and Bologna, and the Via degli Abati that goes from Pavia to Pontremoli and was used in the past by the monks of Bobbio to reach the city of Rome, are just a few examples. These routes can, of course, be covered on horseback or by bicycle. But there are also many other routes that can be covered on two wheels. Emilia-Romagna is the most bike-friendly region in Italy, with about 1,300 km of bike paths, making it the ideal destination for all bike enthusiasts!nullWater sports enthusiasts will find numerous opportunities to enjoy themselves on the Riviera Romagnola, including swimming, kite surfing, windsurfing and sailing. Experienced divers can explore the wreck of a methane extraction platform, the Piattaforma Paguro, which sank in the 1960s after an accident and is now an artificial reef with unique features, populated by numerous species of aquatic plants and animals. In winter, the snow-covered peaks of the Emilian Apennines offer all kinds of sports such as skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing. There are 16 ski resorts where you can enjoy the snow, including Monte Cimone and Corno alle Scale.Flavours of the landThe region has a heritage rooted in pasta making. The classic lasagne, tortellini, cappelletti, tagliatelle and ravioli are only few of the various kinds you may find in Italian kitchens and taverns. Moreover, thanks to its uniqueness in both quality of the product and production, Emilia Romagna can boast of, cheeses and hams, in particular the worldwide known Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto crudo di Parma and Mortadella. The quality of such products lies in both the rich territory and the traditional experience. Last but not least, enjoy the very appreciated piadina romagnola a must for anyone that has the pleasure of enjoying the street food of the place.
