Extending from the Adriatic Sea to the Apennine Mountains, the Emilia-Romagna region has a diverse environment of plains, mountains, lagoons and thermal springs. Named for a popular Roman passage from Rome to Italy, via Emilia, and a form of Romania, Romagna, Emilia-Romagna originally was a small collection of cities that now contains nine provinces and whose capital, Bologna, is one of the most prominent cities in Italy. Once part of the Papal States, Emilia-Romagna grew into a prosperous farming region but has retained much of its ancient charm and integrity. Under the radar of the tourist industry, many of the ancient towns and villages have kept their original character; significant pieces of Roman art as well as monuments and architecture celebrating the Byzantine and Romanesque periods can be found throughout the region.
While other regions may argue the point, many cite Emilia-Romagna as home to Italy’s best cuisine. Several food and wine tours are available to help the gastronomically inclined traveler discover the finest local offerings. For a taste of regional wines, September’s Fiera Del Sangiovese festival celebrates the end of harvest season and is a wonderful way to get to know the wineries and their varietals. Farmers markets are open year-round throughout the region as well and offer the local yield of seasonal vegetables and fruits. There are many beautiful hikes and walks, such as the lovely hillside walks in Brisighella, to help work off the prosciutto and tortellini. From the beaches of Rimini to the medieval hilltop villages of San Leo and Dozza, Emilia-Romagna is an expansive and fascinating region well worth exploring.