Reggio nell'Emilia: Discover Culture, Nature and Regional Cuisine
Accommodation in Reggio nell'Emilia
Culture, History and City Life
Reggio Emilia combines political history, historic sites, museums and theaters with nature and regional cuisine. This makes the destination appealing to a range of interests: the cultural offerings cover topics from the political history of Reggio Emilia to the history of the area, while the Parco del Rodano and the Greenway del Torrente Crostolo provide a focus on the landscape.
At the heart of Reggio Emilia are the Chiostri di San Pietro, a former Benedictine monastery. The complex was built around two cloisters that differ in style and character and tell the story of centuries of art and change. The Museo del Tesoro della Basilica Beata Vergine della Ghiara displays liturgical objects and gifts donated by the faithful out of devotion to the Madonna della Ghiara. At the Palazzo dei Musei, four galleries arranged in a square cover 1,000 square meters and take visitors through the history of the Reggio area: from prehistoric times and the Etruscan presence and Roman conquest to the early Middle Ages. Around 1,000 objects on display are complemented by outstanding pieces from historic collections and loans from various municipal institutions.
The Museo del Tricolore provides a deeper look at this history. Its first floor recounts the political events in Reggio Emilia from 1796 to the beginning of the Restoration. On the ground floor, the museum also includes an area where the Tricolore meets contemporary art and creativity; educational workshops are held there.
Since 2011, the Museo di Storia della Psichiatria has been located in the Lombroso Pavilion of the San Lazzaro complex. Using instruments, stories and memories, it conveys the history of psychiatry. The Teatro Ariosto is located in the center of Reggio Emilia beside the city's historic gardens. It is the city's second theater center and is primarily devoted to spoken-theater performances.
Nature and Outdoor Activities
The Parco del Rodano is characterized by a distinctly wild landscape and high natural value. It also contains several springs, a Site of Community Importance (SCI) and an ecological compensation area (ARE). This combination makes the natural area an integral part of the Reggio Emilia experience.
The Greenway del Torrente Crostolo can be used on foot or by bicycle and is suitable for everyone. It therefore complements museums and historic sites by providing an opportunity to include physical activity in your travel plans.
Regional Cuisine and Local Traditions
In the tradition of Reggio, Tortelli verdi hold a special place on important occasions throughout the year. Together with Tortelli di zucca, Tortelli verdi are served for Christmas Eve dinner and on the Notte di San Giovanni on June 24, two occasions deeply rooted in the area's popular culture.
The Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Reggio Emilia DOP also represents a clearly defined regional production method: it is made exclusively from cooked grape must from grapes grown in the area and is aged for at least twelve years in batteries of small barrels made from different types of wood and decreasing in size.
For further orientation, you can also visit Palazzina.
For the higher-level travel overview: Reggio Emilia.
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