The Emilia Romagna region in northern Italy is a perennial favorite of travelers interested in history, art, and architecture.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of UNESCO, a United Nations agency dedicated to preserving the world’s cultural and natural heritage. An essential part of the agency’s mission is to promote sustainable tourism.
The Emilia Romagna region has 14 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in total, among Italy’s 60 inscribed properties. The sites in the cities of Bologna, Ferrara, Modena and Ravenna are probably best known.
But other UNESCO-recognized treasures of Emilia Romagna showcase the region's contributions to music, gastronomy, philosophy, literature, natural heritage and more.
Follow The Old Roman Road
A road trip on the Via Emilia is a great way to visit many of these sites.
The 168-mile route itself is a historical marvel of engineering. First built by the Romans in 187 B.C., it is now a modern highway (SS9) running from Piacenza to Rimini. The roads leading off the Via Emilia allow visitors to see the small towns that dot the region.
Here are some of the not-to-be-missed stops on an Emilia Romagna road trip:
Emilia Romagna’s World Heritage Sites
Ferrara and The Po Delta (1 hour, 6 min off SS9 via E45 and A13)
This Renaissance city with an intact Medieval center was inscribed in 1995 for its innovative urban planning designed by the ruling Estes family. The oversized red brick Castello Estense, now a state-owned museum, dominates the modern city. Known as the City of Bicycles, Ferrara is easy to explore by bicycle or foot.
Also not to be missed is The Jewish Museum of Ferrara (Museo Nazionale Dell’Ebraismo Italiano e della Shoah [MEIS]), a national museum that tells the 2000-year history of Jews in Italy.
The Po Delta represents Italy's largest wetland, a favorite among wildlife enthusiasts. The Delta is also known for its IGP rice production. Carnaroli and Arborio are among the varieties grown here.
Modena (10 minutes off SS9 via SS724)
Modena was inscribed for its striking Middle Age architecture, including the Romanesque Cathedral, Torre Civica (the Cathedral’s Bell Tower that serves as a city symbol) and Piazza Grande (the virtual heart of the town).
Motor enthusiasts make pilgrimages to the Ferrari Museum in Modena, located in the house where Enzo Ferrari was born, to see Formula 1 race cars up close and learn about the company’s history.
Modena is also world-famous for its high-quality balsamic vinegar and for the destination restaurant, Francescana, helmed by Chef Massimo Bottura.
Ravenna (1 hour, 21 minutes off SS9 via E45)
The city is renowned for its well-preserved Byzantine mosaics in the Basilicas and Baptisteries of Ravenna. Eight monuments comprise the UNESCO site.
History and literature buffs will also want to visit Dante Alighieri’s tomb. The writer, poet and philosopher spent the last five years of his life in Ravenna in exile. British Romantic poet Lord Byron also spent many years in Ravenna.
The Porticoes of Bologna (53 minutes from SS9 via E45)
More than 38.5 miles of picturesque porticoes showcase the city’s commitment to preservation.
Other Cultural and Natural UNESCO Sites in Emilia Romagna
The Malatestiana Library in Cesena
This public library in Cesena, a treasure trove for scholars, is recognized as a UNESCO Memory of the World. Its holdings include legal, medical, scientific, literary, theological, and philosophical works as well as 14 Greek codices and seven Hebrew ones.
Evaporitic Karst and Caves of Northern Apennines
Comprised of a landscape of over 900 caves, hikers often explore this natural site. Created by thousands of years of water erosion, it is one of the best-preserved evaporitic karsts in the world.
UNESCO Creative Cities: Bologna, Parma and Modena
Bologna, part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, has a rich musical heritage and vibrant contemporary musical scene. The city is home to the International Museum and Library of Music of Bologna.
Parma is recognized as a City of Gastronomy, nestled in the heart of Emilia Romagna’s food valley. It is known worldwide for its culinary namesakes: Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and Proscuitto di Parma cured ham.
Modena is designated a City of Media Arts for its prominence in cultural and media services industries.
Natural Attractions
Nature and wildlife lovers will appreciate two other UNESCO-recognized attractions, the Parchi Geologici dell’ Emilia-Romagna and the Appennino Tosco-Emiliano Biosphere Reserve.
Emilia Romagna: Towards Sustainable Tourism
The Emilia-Romagna region plays a pivotal role in the UNESCO mission. It serves as a living testament to how the harmonious integration of heritage, nature, and creativity can pave the way for a brighter, more sustainable future.
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