Emilia Romagna is Italy's gastronomic heartland, stretching from the Apennine Mountains to the Adriatic Sea. Known as the 'Food Valley' for producing Parmigiano-Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, and balsamic vinegar, the region also boasts medieval cities, Ferrari's birthplace, and vibrant beach resorts.
Top attractions
The most popular and significant attractions in Emilia Romagna.
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1
Piazza Maggiore & Neptune Fountain
Bologna's magnificent main square, the heart of the city since medieval times. Dominated by the unfinished Gothic Basilica di San Petronio and the Palazzo d'Accursio, the piazza features Giambologna's famous bronze Neptune Fountain (1565).
Tip: Visit at 7 AM for empty piazza shots · Check the sundial on the basilica floor · The 5th chapel in San Petronio has a controversial fresco
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2
Due Torri (Two Towers)
Bologna's iconic medieval leaning towers—Asinelli (97m, built 1109-1119) and the shorter Garisenda (48m)—are the city's most recognizable symbol. Climbing the 498 steps of Asinelli offers panoramic views over Bologna's famous red rooftops.
Tip: Book tickets online to avoid queues · The climb is steep—not recommended for claustrophobes · Garisenda cannot be climbed; admire from below
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3
Basilica di San Vitale
One of the world's greatest examples of early Christian Byzantine art and architecture, built 526-547 AD. The octagonal church features breathtaking gold mosaic panels depicting Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora in full imperial splendor.
Tip: Buy the combined ticket for all 5 Ravenna monuments · Photography allowed without flash · Come early as the small space gets crowded
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4
Mausoleo di Galla Placidia
The oldest intact mosaic monument in Ravenna (430 AD), this small but extraordinarily beautiful cruciform mausoleum contains the world's oldest surviving intact mosaics. The deep blue ceiling with stars and the lunette mosaics create an otherworldly atmosphere.
Tip: Timed entry slots required in spring—book online · Allow eyes to adjust to the dark interior · The starry blue dome is one of art history's greatest treasures
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5
Ferrari Museum (Museo Ferrari), Maranello
The official Ferrari museum in Maranello, Ferrari's home town, showcases the brand's complete history from the first 125 S to the latest hypercars. Includes Formula 1 championship cars, engines, trophies, and the story of Enzo Ferrari's legacy.
Tip: Book online to skip queues · Combine with Enzo Ferrari Museum in Modena (35km) · The Ferrari Store next door has official merchandise
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6
Enzo Ferrari Museum, Modena
Striking modern museum designed by Jan Kaplický in Modena's city center, built over Enzo Ferrari's birthplace. The yellow aluminum wave-roof structure houses rotating exhibitions of Ferrari and Italian automotive design history.
Tip: Combined ticket with Maranello Ferrari Museum available · The building exterior is architectural art · Walk to Modena Cathedral afterward (10 min)
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7
Castello Estense (Este Castle), Ferrara
Magnificent 14th-century moated fortress dominating Ferrara's city center, built in 1385 by Niccolò II d'Este. The four-towered castle with a working drawbridge houses frescoed ducal apartments, secret gardens, and atmospheric dungeons where members of the Este family were imprisoned.
Tip: Climb the towers for city views · The dungeons are fascinating—look for the Este prisoners' stories · Evening visits available in summer
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8
Parma Cathedral (Duomo di Parma)
Magnificent Romanesque cathedral (1059-1106) with the adjacent pink-marble Baptistery by Benedetto Antelami. The cathedral interior is crowned by Correggio's breathtaking fresco 'Assumption of the Virgin' (1526-1530) painted on the dome—a revolutionary work of illusionistic art.
Tip: Look up at Correggio's dome fresco with a mirror or lie on your back · The Baptistery's carved reliefs are exceptional Romanesque sculpture · Arrive early as cathedral crowds build by 11 AM
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9
Portico di San Luca
The world's longest portico (UNESCO World Heritage since 2021), stretching 3.8km up the Via Saragozza hillside to the Santuario della Madonna di San Luca. The extraordinary covered walkway comprises 666 arches and provides shelter for pilgrims and walkers year-round.
Tip: The Meloncello arch halfway up is the iconic photography spot · Take the hill bus down if legs are tired · Best at dusk when arches are illuminated
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10
Basilica di Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, Ravenna
Sixth-century basilica built by Theodoric the Great featuring the most extensive surviving early Christian mosaic cycle, with 26-metre nave walls covered in processions of saints, martyrs, and the life of Christ. The golden background creates a timeless, ethereal effect.
Tip: Part of the Ravenna combined ticket · Look for the city of Classe depicted in the mosaics · The harbor city mosaic is among the oldest cityscape images in art
Attractions by category
Explore by your interests.
Landmarks
Piazza Maggiore & Neptune Fountain
Bologna's magnificent medieval main square
Due Torri
Bologna's iconic 12th-century leaning towers
Portico di San Luca
World's longest portico, 666 arches to hilltop sanctuary
Castello Estense
14th-century moated fortress in Ferrara's center
Arco di Augusto, Rimini
Italy's oldest Roman triumphal arch (27 BC)
Modena Cathedral & Ghirlandina Tower
UNESCO Romanesque masterpiece
Museums
Ferrari Museum, Maranello
Official Ferrari museum with historic race cars
Enzo Ferrari Museum, Modena
Striking modern museum over Enzo Ferrari's birthplace
Lamborghini Museum
Supercar collection at the Sant'Agata factory
Ducati Museum
Italian motorcycle legend's official museum in Bologna
Pinacoteca Nazionale, Bologna
Raphael, Giotto, and Emilian masters in a monastery
Palazzo della Pilotta, Parma
Farnese palace with National Gallery and Teatro Farnese
Nature
Po Delta Regional Park
UNESCO wetland with flamingos and 300+ bird species
Comacchio Canals
Picturesque canal town in the Po Delta
Ferrara City Walls
9km Renaissance walls for cycling and walking
Parco dei Gessi Bolognesi
Unique gypsum karst landscape in the Bologna hills
Apennine Mountain Parks
Hiking and nature reserves above the Po Valley
Cultural
Basilica di San Vitale, Ravenna
World's finest Byzantine mosaics (526 AD)
Mausoleo di Galla Placidia
Oldest intact mosaic monument in Ravenna (430 AD)
Parma Cathedral
Romanesque cathedral with Correggio's dome fresco
Archiginnasio & Anatomical Theatre
Original University of Bologna building with extraordinary 17th-century theater
Dante's Tomb
Ravenna monument where Italy's greatest poet died
Mercato di Mezzo
Bologna's historic food market in medieval streets
Practical information
What you need to know before you go.
- Hours
- Most attractions open 9AM-6PM; many museums closed Mondays; churches usually open 8AM-12PM and 3PM-6PM
- Fees
- Museum entry typically €5-17; Ravenna combined mosaic ticket €11.50 for 5 sites; Ferrari Museum €17
- Best Times
- Early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds; spring and autumn for best weather
- Booking
- Book Ravenna Galla Placidia timed entry (March-mid June), Ferrari Museum, and Lamborghini online in advance
Tips for visiting attractions
Make the most of your sightseeing time.
Buy the Ravenna combined mosaic ticket online—it covers 5 monuments and saves time and money
Bologna's Due Torri requires advance online booking in summer—do not just show up
Motor Valley (Ferrari, Lamborghini, Ducati) can be covered in two days using Bologna as base
Ferrara is extremely bicycle-friendly—rent a bike at the station to see the walls and city
Most Emilia Romagna churches are free but require modest dress (cover shoulders and knees)
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season to visit attractions in Emilia Romagna?
Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) for sightseeing; summer for beaches
Are guided tours available for Emilia Romagna's attractions?
Available at major sites; typically €15-30 per person; free tip-based tours in Bologna at 10:30 AM from Piazza Maggiore
Can I take photos at attractions in Emilia Romagna?
Allowed in most locations; no flash in churches and mosaic basilicas; check signs at each site
How much time do I need for Emilia Romagna's main attractions?
Plan at least 4-5 days to see the major highlights; 7+ days for a comprehensive visit