Reggio Emilia
Capital of its province and birthplace of the Italian tricolour flag, Reggio Emilia stands as a city where history, culture, and innovation converge along the ancient Via Emilia.
At a glance
Reggio Emilia earned the title “Città del Tricolore”—City of the Tricolour—when the Italian flag was first displayed here on 7 January 1797 in the Sala del Tricolore within the city hall, where it remains an enduring symbol of national identity. The banner drew inspiration from the banners of the Cispadana Republic.
History
Founded by the Roman consul Marco Emilio Lepido along the Via Emilia, the strategic road connecting Piacenza to Rimini, Reggio Emilia grew as a vital crossing point in the Roman network. The city’s importance persisted through centuries, culminating in a pivotal role during the Italian resistance in the Second World War. Its inhabitants’ contribution to liberation earned Reggio the gold medal for military valour of the Resistance.
What you see
The eighteenth-century Sala del Tricolore within the municipal building remains the most historically charged space, its walls witness to the flag’s first public moment. Today the hall continues as the meeting place for municipal council sessions, bridging past and governance.
Cultural significance
Reggio Emilia’s influence extends far beyond municipal borders. The city shares with nearby Parma the distinction of being birthplace of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, one of Italy’s most celebrated exports. More recently, the Reggio Emilia Approach—a progressive pedagogical method developed here—has transformed early childhood education globally, making the city’s preschools models of innovation in teaching and learning.
Key facts
- Address: Piazza Prampolini, 1, 42121 Reggio Emilia
- Coordinates: 44.6986444, 10.6308035
- Official website: https://www.comune.re.it/
- Phone: 0522 456111
Practical information
Reggio Emilia’s town centre is compact and walkable. The municipality office can be reached by phone for visitor information and local services.
Getting there
The city lies in the heart of the Po Valley and is well connected by rail and road to major centres throughout northern Italy. Check the official website for current transport options and opening hours.
Sources & resources
Find it on the map
See this place and what’s around it →Historical events at this place (3)
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