Emilia Romagna

Emilia-Romagna is in Northern Italy and evolved from the joining of two historic regions: Emilia and Romagna where the capital is Bologna. it has an area of 22,124 square kilometres and about 4.3 million inhabitants. The region is divided into nine provinces: Bologna, Ferrara, Forli-Cesena, Modena, Parma, Piacenza, Ravenna, Reggio Emilia and Rimini. Emilia-Romagna borders onto: Liguria, Piedmont, Lombardia, Veneto, Le Marche and Tuscany.

Emilia-Romagna is one of the wealthiest regions in Italy and is one of the richest and most developed regions in Europe. This is a food bowl on steroids

Bologna, the region's capital, is reputed to have one of Italy's highest qualities of life, with extremely modern and advanced social services. It is also home to the oldest university in the Western World. The famous Renaissance cities of Modena, Parma and Ferrara also add to the cultural wealth of the region.

Several world-famous supercar manufacturers are based in Emilia-Romagna: Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati as well as famous motorcycle manufacturer, Ducati.

Italians almost universally acknowledge the cuisine of this region to be the best in Italy. Wine varieties include Albana di Romagna, Colli Piacentini Ortrugo, Gutturnio, Lambrusca ( far more subtle than what we get here in Oz) , Pagadebit di Romagna, Pignoletto, Trebbiano and Sangiovese di Romagna.   

The incredible array of Pasta around Emilia Romagnais by far the most diverse in all of Italy. They include local takes on, Tortellini, Tortelli, Tagliatelle, Anolini, Bazott, Cappellacci, Cappelletti,  Garganelli, Gramigna, Lasagne, Maltagliati, Passatelli, Pisarei, Strichetti,   & Strozzapreti.

Cheeses are sublime, and there is even a festival honouring one of the regions cheeses, Formaggio di Fossa. The Sagre , or festival is held every year in mid November. Then there is the Grana Padano, Parmigiano Reggiano, Pecorino de Colli Bolognesi, Provolone Valpadana, Raviggiolo, and my favourite, Squacqurone di Romagna, which I believe originally came from Ravenna. Soft gooey and delicious.

Bologna is the gastronomic heart of Italy, it is the essence of this region, underestimated by most people planning a visit to Italy, and should be included on any foodies must see list.

Emilia-Romagna: The Heart of Northern Italy

Overview

Emilia-Romagna, located in Northern Italy, is the result of the union of two historic regions: Emilia and Romagna. The region’s capital is Bologna. Spanning an area of 22,124 square kilometers and home to approximately 4.3 million inhabitants, Emilia-Romagna is divided into nine provinces: Bologna, Ferrara, Forli-Cesena, Modena, Parma, Piacenza, Ravenna, Reggio Emilia, and Rimini. The region shares borders with Liguria, Piedmont, Lombardia, Veneto, Le Marche, and Tuscany.

Economic and Social Significance

Emilia-Romagna is recognized as one of Italy’s wealthiest regions and stands among the richest and most developed areas in Europe. Its prosperity is reflected in its advanced infrastructure and modern social services, making it a model region for quality of life and development.

Cultural Heritage

Bologna, the regional capital, is renowned for offering one of the highest qualities of life in Italy. The city boasts extremely modern and advanced social services and is home to the oldest university in the Western world. The region’s cultural wealth is further enhanced by its famous Renaissance cities—Modena, Parma, and Ferrara—which contribute significantly to the region’s rich heritage.

Industry and Innovation

Emilia-Romagna is a hub for world-famous automotive and motorcycle manufacturers, including Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Maserati, as well as Ducati. These brands are synonymous with Italian excellence and innovation, further elevating the region’s global standing.

Gastronomy

Widely acknowledged throughout Italy, the cuisine of Emilia-Romagna is considered by many Italians to be the best in the country. The region is a prominent “food bowl,” offering a remarkable variety of local wines such as Albana di Romagna, Colli Piacentini Ortrugo, Gutturnio, Lambrusco, Pagadebit di Romagna, Pignoletto, Trebbiano, and Sangiovese di Romagna.

The diversity of pasta dishes in Emilia-Romagna is unparalleled. Local specialties include Tortellini, Tortelli, Tagliatelle, Anolini, Bazott, Cappellacci, Cappelletti, Garganelli, Gramigna, Lasagne, Maltagliati, Passatelli, Pisarei, Strichetti, and Strozzapreti.

Cheese and Festivals

The region is renowned for its sublime cheeses. Each year in mid-November, Emilia-Romagna hosts the Sagre festival, honoring Formaggio di Fossa. Other notable cheeses from the area include Grana Padano, Parmigiano Reggiano, Pecorino de Colli Bolognesi, Provolone Valpadana, Raviggiolo, and Squacqurone di Romagna—originally from Ravenna and famed for its soft, gooey texture.

Bologna: The Gastronomic Heart of Italy

Bologna embodies the essence of Emilia-Romagna and is often underestimated by travelers. As the gastronomic heart of Italy, Bologna is a must-see destination for food enthusiasts and should be included on any foodie’s itinerary.