CITIES OF THE VIA EMILIA
The Taste for Art
History, achitecture, artistic splendour and… lots of curiosities!
Parma
But trust your tourist guide, Parma is much more. Elegant, bright, on a human scale, so fond of brilliant personalities and good life, it was a three centuries capital of a “strategic” duchy (including Piacenza and Guastalla as well) whose most beloved symbol is the “good Duchess” Maria Luigia of Habsburg.
Many world famous products, apart from food, come from here! After all, the city has always been looking to Europe… and beyond. It’s so difficult to find another italian “small capital” hosting so many wonders. What are you waiting for? Let’s go and discover Parma!
Reggio Emilia
The ancient Romans left clear traces in the city and the Palazzo dei Musei (Museums Building) tells you about a surprising past. But the city also has churches housing masterpieces, beautiful theaters, majestic squares and charming spots, original art collections, witnessing a community that despite its strong farming tradition is by no means conservative.
It is the city of Loris Malaguzzi’s pedagogical experience, which radically changed education in pre-schools. I could tell you many other things but … I will when you are here with me, in downtown Reggio Emilia!
Piacenza
Piacenza has the reputation of being the … introverted sister of Parma: the less showy, more sober and substantial “duchy-mate”. But this city is much more.
In the sixteenth century, it was the favorite residence of Duchess Margaret of Habsburg (daughter of Emperor Charles V), who did a lot to enhance it. Useless to say that also in Piacenza you can eat – and drink – with delight. Trust your guide: Piacenza will surprise you!
Modena
Modena is a city of culture and great passions, including one for good food. The name is enough and your mouth is watering at the thought of tasting tortellini, zampone, Lambrusco, PDO (and PGI) Balsamic Vinegar, tigelle and other local delicacies, which await you in the “gourmet corners” of the city. Do you love opera? In Luciano Pavarotti Home Museum you will get moved and excited. Do you have a thing for motors? In Modena and Maranello you will learn everything about Enzo Ferrari and his car factory, but the whole land of Modena and Bologna is the Motor Valley, the headquarters of Maserati, Lamborghini and Ducati as well.
The long presence of the Dukes of Este and the role of capital of their Duchy have enriched Modena with majestic buildings, from the Ducal Palace to the Estensi Galleries. Are you spoiled for choice? Not a problem: together we will plan your ideal tour!
Bologna
It has never been “the” capital (of a state, a duchy or so), but has always played a key role in general, thanks to its geographical position, its civil and religious history, its commitment in politics and culture.
Bologna’s mercantile spirit and culinary tradition made it rich and desirable. And it is precisely for its gastronomy, made unique by the PGI mortadella, the tortellini, the renowned meat sauce “Ragù alla bolognese”, that it is called “The Fat”. The gourmet shops are a masterpiece and at the restaurant one may happen to admire the “sfogline” making fresh pasta.
Why “The Red”? Political reasons? Well… just a bit! But try to climb with me to the top of one of the tallest towers of the city: we will appreciate the warm colors, especially in the shades of red, which have covered the buildings for centuries. At sunset, you can enjoy an unforgettable experience!
It is impossible to describe in a few lines the numberless beautiful things you can see and do in Bologna. Not just Piazza Maggiore, the Two Towers, the Porticoes (just declared UNESCO World Heritage!): you have a whole fabulous city to discover and your tourist guide can’t wait to set your tailor-made itinerary!