Emilia-Romagna spans across a large area of Northern Italy and although the two regions of Emilia and Romagna are joined administratively, they both have their own distinct history, character and appeal. Emilia villa holidays offer guests a wealth of diverse experiences, with the region’s separate provinces of Bologna, Modena, Parma, Reggio Emilia and Piacenza all being fascinating places to visit in their own right. The landscape is a picturesque blend of the green plains surrounding the River Po and the mountainous slopes of the Apennines, laced with striking castles and ancient ruins, Renaissance masterpieces and inviting towns and villages. A stay in an Emilia villa is the perfect opportunity to discover the visual, historic and cultural attributes that make this region such a fascinating location to visit.
The region’s capital is the city of Bologna, a destination which is home to many remarkable attractions such as Europe’s oldest university founded in 1088. Other worthwhile sights include the Basilica San Petronio, the Montagnola Gardens and the city’s two iconic towers, Tower degli Asinelli and Tower Garisenda. In addition to the historic value of Bologna, those staying in an Emilia villa nearby can also enjoy its vast array of entertainment. Partly due to the number of students that reside there, the area is awash with bars, clubs and trendy cafés which create a vibrant nightlife and social scene. Those on an Emilia villa holiday in search of culture and fine dining may wish to stop at one of the city’s many excellent restaurants and see a symphony or ballet at the Teatro Comunale.
Romanesque churches, Etruscan artefacts, fortified towns and beautifully cultivated gardens are just some of the highlights that are to be found in Emilia. Guests frequenting Villas in Emilia can marvel at a variety of sights, from the designated UNESCO World Heritage Site of Modena’s 12th century Romanesque cathedral to the ancient fortified town of Rivalta Trebbia just south of Piacenza. In addition, the region also has its fair share of beautiful natural sights and a variety of plants and wildlife to spot. Inquisitive travellers who rent a villa in Emilia may wish to explore some of these sights on foot or bicycle, sampling the joys of the fresh country air, beautiful scenery and enjoyable climate.
There are many intriguing museums, galleries and theatres across the region that are within a reasonable distance of an Emilia villa. The capital of Bologna is a specific place of interest and venues include the Archaeological museum which holds one of Italy’s best Egyptian collections and a selection of small University museums, which range in topics from astronomy to the military. Art is abundant throughout Italy and the National Gallery in Parma is one of the best places to see a variety of artwork, including pieces by the great Leonardo Da Vinci and several other prolific artists. Opera fans staying in an Emilia villa, especially those of the Modena born Luciano Pavarotti, can enjoy the sights and perhaps even a show at the main theatre in Reggio Emilia where Pavarotti made his debut in the opera La Bohème.
Car enthusiasts staying in an Emilia villa will also find the region particularly appealing, as the super car models of Lamborghini and Ferrari were both created here, as was the Ducati motorcycle. Many museums dedicated to automobiles, such as the Lamborghini museum in Modena and the Ferrari Gallery in Maranello can be found dotted across the region. Depending on the month of your stay, visitors that rent a villa in Emilia may wish to attend the annual Motor Show. Held in a convention centre in Bologna, the Motor Show is one of Europe’s greatest automobile shows and features a wide variety of exhibits.
The region of Emilia is especially well-known for its local cuisine and produce, with some of Italy’s most famous exports originating from its provinces. Cured meats including Bologna, Modena and Parma hams, Parmesan cheese, and balsamic vinegar from Modena are just some of the area’s culinary delights for those in an Emilia villa to enjoy. Visitors may also wish to try regional dishes like Modena’s Zampone, a pig’s trotter stuffed with meat, or the Torta Barozzi, a rich chocolate cake which originated in a small pastry shop in Vignola and has a copyright protected recipe. To accompany the cuisine, guests on Emilia villa holidays can try a selection of provincial wines made from the Lambrusco grape. Known for its ease on the palate, Lambrusco wine has low alcohol content and features a light fizz or sparkle.
