Reggio Emilia

In Reggio Emilia, history walks hand in hand with the present.
It was here that the first Italian tricolour was created in 1797, a symbol of an identity deeply rooted in this down-to-earth and generous land.

HAlong the Via Emilia, amongst sun-drenched squares and arcades bustling with voices and encounters, the city invites you to explore it at your own pace.
Past and present coexist naturally, and it is impossible to lose sight of the city: the sails of the AV Mediopadana High-Speed Railway Station and the bridges designed by architect Santiago Calatrava are unmistakable landmarks.

Its strategic location makes it an ideal starting point for exploring the region, from the hills to the cities of art.
Elegant and lively, it is renowned for its quality of life and significant cultural heritage.

Internationally recognised for its innovative educational model that brings Reggio Emilia’s nursery schools to life every day – the ‘Reggio Emilia Approach©’ – ‘Reggio gentile’, a nickname already in use during the Grand Tour era, still retains today the rare ability to be remembered not for what it flaunts, but for an atmosphere that is both proud and simple, which accompanies those who live there.

Here, too, the local cuisine reflects the region: authentic flavours, the changing seasons reflected in the dishes of the many eateries that bring the city to life, and a way of doing things that invites you to slow down and savour the pleasure of conviviality.

What to see

Wandering amongst the arcades and squares, visitors will discover:

the Sala del Tricolore and its museum, home to Napoleonic and Risorgimento artefacts;
Piazza Prampolini (Piazza Grande) with the Cathedral, the Baptistery and the Town Hall;
Piazza San Prospero and its traditional market, the beating heart of the city;
Piazza Fontanesi, an elegant open-air ‘salon’ surrounded by centuries-old trees;
the Beata Vergine della Ghiara Basilica, a jewel of Emilian Baroque architecture housing extraordinary works, including Guercino’s ‘Crucifixion’ and a cycle of frescoes depicting female figures from the Old Testament;
the recently renovated Palazzo dei Musei, which houses collections of art, archaeology and natural sciences;
the Parmeggiani Gallery, a must-see for enthusiasts of 19th-century collecting;
the Storia della Psichiatria Museum, a journey through instruments, graffiti and memories of Italian psychiatry from the 19th century to the present day;
the Synagogue;
the Romolo Valli Municipal Theatre, a neoclassical gem that hosts international performances and competitions.

Contemporary art lovers will find unique inspiration:

at Spazio Gerra;
in the installations by artists such as Fabro, Morris, Sol LeWitt and Mattiacci, right through to the Collezione Maramotti, a collection of priceless works;
Palazzo Magnani hosts exhibitions of photography and modern art throughout the year.a

Il Centro Internazionale Loris Malaguzzi International Centre è una tappa fondamentale per scoprire il Reggio Emilia Approach®, il sistema educativo famoso in tutto il mondo.

Nearby

Just a few kilometres from the city, the first hills of Reggio Emilia invite you to discover the Matildic castles of Canossa, Rossena and Bianello, which bear witness to centuries of history and legends. For those who love the Apennines, Carpineti Castle, 44 km away, is an excellent destination for excursions combining nature and historic architecture.

Fans of recent history can visit the Casa Cervi Museum in Gattatico, just 25 km away, which tells the story of the Resistance and rural life in the area.

The River Po, about 30 km away, offers a unique atmosphere: in Boretto, Guastalla and Brescello, you can enjoy river-based activities, such as taking a boat trip, or visit the famous Peppone e Don Camillo Museum.

Not far away, to the north, the town of Correggio (18 km) retains the charm of a small Renaissance court, whilst to the south, Scandiano (15 km) surprises visitors with the Rocca dei Boiardo, whose towers and walls tell the story of centuries of history.

Main events

The city pulsates with art, theatre, music and dance all year round.
Among the most important events are:

Fotografia Europea – May
An unmissable event for photography enthusiasts, transforming Reggio Emilia into an international showcase of images and creativity.
Reggionarra – mid-May
A festival of fairy tales and animated stories, entirely dedicated to children.
Internazionale Kids – September
Aperto Festival – late September–November
A festival dedicated to dance and contemporary art, bringing theatres and cultural venues to life with innovative and evocative performances.

The city’s theatres offer activities and performances to suit all tastes, with a rich and varied programme.
Every three years, the Romolo Valli Municipal Theatre hosts one of the most prestigious events on the international music scene: the Premio Paolo Borciani, a competition for string quartets that attracts talent from all over the world.

Sport and outdoor activities

Local history

As you stroll through its streets, you can still sense the echoes of those momentous events: it was here, in 1797, that the Tricolour Flag – Italy’s future national flag – was first created.

But the history of Reggio Emilia begins much earlier. Founded by the Romans at the start of the 2nd century BC as Regium Lepidi, Reggio Emilia was established along the strategic Via Emilia, the heart of trade and transport routes.
The surrounding plain was reclaimed and colonised, giving rise to a fertile and vibrant region, as evidenced by numerous archaeological finds that bear witness to a thriving economy throughout the imperial period.

With the collapse of the Empire and the barbarian invasions, the city managed to survive thanks to the role of the Bishop, who ensured political and social stability.

In the 11th century, the area became the heart of Matilda of Canossa’s county, dotted with imposing castles: in 1077, within the walls of Canossa, Emperor Henry IV bowed before Pope Gregory VII, an episode that came to symbolise the Investiture Controversy.

In the early 15th century, it came under the rule of the House of Este, who had a profound influence on the local Renaissance.
The city became the birthplace of great minds such as Matteo Maria Boiardo, governor and poet of L’Orlando Innamorato, and Ludovico Ariosto, born in Reggio Emilia in 1474, author of L’Orlando Furioso.

The 17th and 18th centuries brought with them wars, plagues and pillaging, but during periods of peace the city gave free rein to its creativity through sumptuous palaces, religious buildings and the prestigious development of the art of silk-making.

Among the most extraordinary buildings, the Beata Vergine della Ghiara Basilica stands out; it was built in the first half of the 17th century with the collaboration of exceptional artists such as Guercino.

Curiosities

Identity and traditions