Art, architecture and aperitivo: celebrating Emilia Romagna’s smaller cities
The Emilia Romagna region of Italy might not be as famous as Tuscany or Veneto, but the vast area in the centre-north of the country offers countless rewards for those who venture here. While the culinary magic of Emilia Romagna is celebrated the world over, here I want to turn the celebration on its smaller cities.
Bologna, the capital city of the region is somewhere you could happily spend days exploring, but the second, third and even sixth cities of Emilia Romagna are all worth your attention too. Some are perfect as day trips, others might need a little more of your time, but here I’ll try to give you a quick introduction to the handful of cities I’ve managed to visit thus far.
If you are looking for information on how to spend your time in the capital, then my long weekend in Bologna guide would be more suited, while those who want to disappear to countryside villages of clock towers and vineyards would be best suited reading my travel guide to Brisighella. For those wanting to plan some city side trips in the Emilia Romagna region though, read on.
My recommendations on what to visit: 1. The 13th-century Malatestiano Temple 2. Long stretches of golden beach sands 3. Italia in Miniatura, a mini land of many Italian attractions 4. Ponte di Tiberio is one of the most iconic bridges in the country 5. A seaside amusement park, Fiabilandia, makes this an excellent destination for the kids 6. The imposing city entrance, the Arch of Augustus, is a historical slice of Roman architecture The Ponte di Tiberio Day trip from Bologna or worth a longer visit? Rimini could be a day trip from Bologna, or a trip in its own right, especially if you are flying in here, or using it as a base to also visit San Marino. If you want a beach vacation in Emilia Romagna, this is also a great base. From Bologna, the drive will take you around 90 minutes, while a fast train journey is about one hour. Find more information: On the Rimini Tourism Board website.
My recommendations on what to visit:
1. Take a tour to a Parmigiano Reggiano factory to see this famous cheese being produced
2. Visit the unique Baptistery of Parma, with its marble exterior
3. Tour the Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Steccata, full of incredible frescos
4. See the Governor’s Palace illuminated at night
5. Head inside the Cattedrale di Parma, one of the most impressive in the region
6. Sample Proscuitto de Parma at its source

A Prosciutto di Parma shop in Parma City
Day trip from Bologna or worth a longer visit?
Parma might be a destination you head to for the food, but there is plenty more to discover so plan to spend at least a day, if not two, soaking up the peaceful atmosphere of Parma and enjoying the culinary delights. If you make a day trip, by train or driving the journey will take around one hour.
Find more information: The Parma tourism board website.
My recommendations on what to visit:
1. The Duomo di Modena, with the bell tower, should be your first line of call
2. Learn about the history and methods of Moden Balsamic Vinegar with a visit to one of the old production houses
3. The Galleria Estense offers a vast array of paintings dating from the 14th century
4. Tour the Mercato Albinelli to see some of the best regional produce and daily life
5. Hit up one of the fast car museums, such as the Ferrari museum just outside the city

Modena is much more than its Balsamic
Day trip from Bologna or worth a longer visit?
You could go to Modena as a day trip from Bologna, with the drive being two-hours return trip and the fastest train taking just over twenty minutes. That said, Modena is a city that would undoubtedly require an overnight stay if you intend to not only see the old centre but also visit some of the outlying attractions like the car museums or balsamic vinegar production areas.
Find more information: On the Visit Modena website.
My recommendations on what to visit:
With eight UNESCO listed attractions, there is plenty more to see here than my recommended highlights.
1. The mosaics in Basilica di San Vitale are a must visit, but sadly were closed when I headed to Ravenna
2. Commachio is a little drive from Ravenna, but this town with lots of canals is a detour worth taking
3. Be sure to head inside Basilica di Sant’Apollinare in Classe; the grand architecture is home to Byzantine art
4. Katun is a large theme park just outside the city, a fun way to entertain kids who may need a break from the architecture overload
5. The 6th-century Basilica di Sant’Apollinare Nuovo is a real sight to behold
6. Another UNESCO listed site, the 5th-century Battistero degli Ariani is dazzling

The main square of Ravenna
Day trip from Bologna or worth a longer visit?
If you visit Ravenna as a day trip from Bologna, be sure to give yourself enough time here as I wish I had been able to explore the plethora of UNESCO protected artwork more in-depth. I personally think one day wouldn’t be enough and suggest spending a night here, so you don’t have to rush all the attractions.
If you do take a day trip from Bologna, plan to leave early as even though driving or train will just take an hour, I highly recommend you visit the nearby town of Commachio with its canals, billed as a mini Venice.
Find more information: Ravenna Commune tourism board.
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