Emilia-Romagna

Emilia-Romagna is a region in the north of the country, stretching from the Adriatic coast to the ridges of the Apennines and encompassing nine provinces with Bologna as its capital. The eastern plain consists of farmland and rivers, while the western part rises into forested hills and valleys that lead toward Tuscany and Liguria.

A Roman road built around 187 BC from Piacenza to Rimini gave this territory its name and remained the main axis for trade and movement for centuries. During the Middle Ages, independent city-states developed along this route, many of which remained under shifting rule until the 19th century.

When you walk through markets, you will see people buying fresh Parmesan, aged ham, and bottled vinegar at stalls, with exchanges between sellers and customers that often feel ceremonial. In taverns, locals gather for dinner, ordering pasta with ragù and sharing meals with family or neighbors at long tables.

High-speed trains link Bologna, Parma, and Modena, with travel between most major cities taking less than an hour. Smaller towns can be reached by regional trains or buses that often run into the inland hills and valleys.

Several automotive manufacturers, including Ferrari and Lamborghini, assemble their vehicles in factories along the plain between Modena and Bologna, with some sites offering visitor centers or museums with display halls. On some days you can spot test cars on side roads, often driven by engineers or test pilots, conducting trial runs.