About
Emilia-Romagna is a region in northern Italy, and it is best known for its food. The cuisine here draws on some of the country's most celebrated products, among them Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, prosciutto di Parma and balsamic vinegar. For many visitors, a trip to the region is as much about the table as about the sights.
Bologna, the regional capital, is the natural starting point. Its historic centre is compact and easy to explore on foot, and it is a city that rewards slow wandering, with its arcaded streets and its long tradition of eating well. Bologna also works well as a base for day trips into the wider region.
What a visit offers
- Food and producers: Visits to cheese dairies, cured-meat makers and vinegar producers are a direct way to understand the region's specialities.
- Regional cooking: Restaurants and trattorias across the region serve local dishes built around these ingredients.
- Towns and countryside: Beyond the capital, the region's towns and rural landscapes offer a quieter pace.
Planning your trip
Emilia-Romagna suits travellers who enjoy eating, learning about local produce and moving at an unhurried pace. Because the region is spread across towns and countryside, it helps to plan which places you want to reach, and to check opening times and transport in advance, as these vary by location and season.
