10 reasons to visit Reggio Emilia

Fancy a reason to visit Reggio Emilia?
We’ve got 10 for you!
Useful tips for exploring the city’s key sights, its history, events and local specialities.

1. The City of the Tricolour Flag

Reggio Emilia is home to one of the most cherished symbols of Italian identity: the Tricolore.
It was here, on 7 January 1797, in the historic Sala del Tricolore within the Town Hall, that the green, white and red Italian flag was officially born.
Ever since, the city has been known as the ‘City of the Tricolore’ and invites visitors to discover a place deeply linked to national history.
Every year, on 7 January, the historic centre comes alive with celebrations, events and official ceremonies dedicated to the Tricolour Festival.

The Sala del Tricolore and the Museo del Tricolore, which are free to visit, offer an engaging journey through historical documents, works of art and contemporary installations.

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Sala del Tricolore
Museo del Tricolore

2. The Palazzo dei Musei

The Palazzo dei Musei is one of the iconic landmarks of Reggio Emilia’s cultural scene, where history, art and contemporary creativity come together in a fascinating exhibition itinerary.
Renovated by the architect Italo Rota, the complex houses collections ranging from archaeology to contemporary photography.
Here, the great figures of the region are celebrated, from Marco Emilio Lepido to Ludovico Ariosto, right through to the famous photographs of Luigi Ghirri, which form the heart of the Fotografia Europea collection.
Visitors are also greeted by Joan Fontcuberta’s ‘Curiosa Meravigliosa’, the large peacock composed of over 12,000 photographs on ceramic tiles.

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Palazzo dei Musei
Curiosa Meravigliosa

3. The Basilica of the Blessed Virgin of Ghiara, Reggio Emilia’s Baroque gem

Among the city’s most beloved sites, the Basilica of the Madonna della Ghiara stands out as an extraordinary masterpiece of Emilian Baroque.
Built at the end of the 16th century, the basilica is striking for the richness of its frescoes and works created by the great masters of the 17th century, including Guercino, Ludovico Carracci and Lionello Spada.
The complex also includes the evocative Chiostro Grande and the more intimate Chiostro Piccolo, home to the Museo del Tesoro della Basilica (Basilica’s Treasury Museum).
A place that never fails to amaze with its beauty, spirituality and timeless atmosphere.

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Basilica della Beata Vergine della Ghiara
Museo del Tesoro della Basilica Beata Vergine della Ghiara

4. The Romolo Valli Theatre and the City of Music

In the heart of the city stands the Romolo Valli Municipal Theatre, an elegant 19th-century theatre considered one of the finest in Italy.
Originally built as an opera house, it still hosts a prestigious programme of opera, dance, concerts and drama in a refined horseshoe-shaped auditorium with over a thousand seats.

This is where Luciano Pavarotti made his debut, whilst, not far away, the Teatro Ariosto and the Cavallerizza reflect the city’s theatrical and contemporary spirit.
Reggio Emilia is also home to great Italian artists such as Zucchero, Ligabue, Orietta Berti, Iva Zanicchi and the Nomadi, as well as hosting the spectacular RCF Arena, Europe’s largest open-air concert venue.

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Romolo Valli Municipal Theatre
Ariosto Theatre
Cesare Zavattini Theatre - Teatro della Cavallerizza
Zucchero
Ligabue
Orietta Berti
Iva Zanicchi
I Nomadi

5. The Chiostri di San Pietro

The Chiostri di San Pietro are one of the most fascinating places in Reggio Emilia.
This extraordinary Renaissance complex, attributed to Giulio Romano, has been restored to the city thanks to a major restoration project that has transformed it into a modern cultural centre.

Now, the Chiostri host exhibitions, concerts and events, as well as spaces dedicated to innovation and creativity, making it a perfect symbol of the convergence between history and the present day.

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Chiostri di San Pietro

6. Reggio Emilia contemporary: architecture, photography and creativity

Reggio Emilia is a city with a strong contemporary spirit, where architecture, photography, art and creativity interact in an original and engaging way.
A symbol of this modern identity are the spectacular works of Santiago Calatrava: the famous Calatrava Bridges, with their large white arches, and the futuristic AV Mediopadana High-Speed Rail Station, considered by Domus magazine to be one of the most beautiful stations in the world.

The city is also an international hub for contemporary photography thanks to Fotografia Europea, the festival which, every spring, transforms historic buildings, cloisters and urban spaces into a vast, widespread cultural laboratory.
Reggio Emilia is also home to Luigi Ghirri’s permanent collection at the Palazzo dei Musei and hosts major institutions dedicated to contemporary art such as the Collezione Maramotti, alongside works by international artists such as Sol LeWitt, Robert Morris and Luciano Fabro, displayed throughout the city.

Rounding off this dynamic cultural landscape is the National Choreographic Centre / Aterballetto, a leading Italian institution in contemporary dance, which confirms Reggio Emilia’s status as a city open to innovation, experimentation and the artistic languages of the present.

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Calatrava Bridges
AV Mediopadana High Speed Rail Station
Domus
Fotografia Europea
Collezione Maramotti
Fondazione Nazionale della Danza / Aterballetto

7. The Reggia di Rivalta Gardens

Just a few kilometres from the centre of Reggio Emilia lies the Reggia di Rivalta, one of the most fascinating ‘Delizie Estensi’ of the 18th century.
Inspired by the splendour of Versailles and recently restored thanks to funding from the Ministry of Culture as part of the ‘Ducato Estense’ project, the Reggia now offers an immersive experience combining history, art and nature.

The vast 26-hectare park, due to be fully renovated by 2025, welcomes visitors with historic gardens, spectacular fountains, monumental trees and areas dedicated to relaxation, culture and outdoor activities.
Strolling through the Belvedere, the Fruit Garden and the picturesque green pathways means experiencing a place where Baroque charm meets the contemporary.

The Reggia di Rivalta is also the final stop on the historic ‘Passeggiata Estense’, the route linking the heart of Reggio Emilia to the ancient ducal villas along the Parco del Crostolo.

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Reggia di Rivalta

8. A welcoming, inclusive and child-friendly city

Reggio Emilia is a welcoming and inclusive city, committed to people’s wellbeing and quality of life.
It is the birthplace of the famous Reggio Emilia Approach®, the educational model devised by Loris Malaguzzi and known throughout the world for its innovative vision of childhood.

The Loris Malaguzzi International Centre is now at the heart of this educational experience, whilst festivals, museums and initiatives dedicated to young children make the city an ideal destination for families too.

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Reggio Emilia Approach®
Loris Malaguzzi
Loris Malaguzzi International Centre
Reggionarra
Internazionale Kids

9. Nature, sport and trails

Reggio Emilia is an ideal destination for exploring the local area in the great outdoors.
A city of cycling, it offers over 250 km of cycle paths and greenways, as well as thousands of kilometres of cycle tourism routes that wind through the countryside, villages and unspoilt landscapes.

Historic routes such as the Via Matildica del Volto Santo, the Sentiero dei Ducati and the Sentiero Spallanzani also set off from the city centre, whilst parks and nature reserves offer relaxing experiences surrounded by greenery.

Sport and thrilling experiences round off the visit, from world-class venues such as the Mapei Stadium – Città del Tricolore and the Palabigi to the city’s special connection with Kobe Bryant, who spent several years of his youth in Reggio Emilia.

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Trails and routes between the Plan and the Hills
Via Matildica del Volto Santo
Sentiero dei Ducati
Sentiero Spallanzani

10. Gastronomic and wine specialities

Reggio Emilia also captivates at the table, with an authentic culinary tradition based on genuine flavours and superb local produce.
Hand-rolled pasta takes centre stage in iconic dishes such as cappelletti in broth, tortelli d’erbetta and tortelli di zucca.

Among the most beloved specialities is the Erbazzone Reggiano PGI, prepared with Swiss chard, spinach, lard and Parmigiano Reggiano PDO.

Parmigiano Reggiano itself combines with the exquisite notes of Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Reggio Emilia PDO to create a unique blend of flavours.

Gnocco fritto, cured meats, Lambrusco Reggiano and Spergola dei Colli di Scandiano e Canossa round off a food and wine experience that embodies all the hospitality and conviviality of Emilia.

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Cappelletti De.C.O
Erbazzone Reggiano PGI
Parmigiano Reggiano PDO
Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Reggio Emilia PDO
Lambrusco Reggiano DOC
Spergola

Reggio Emilia is all this and much more... now it’s up to you to discover it!