A region in north-eastern Italy celebrated for medieval towns, Byzantine mosaics, world-class gastronomy and Adriatic beaches.
At a glance
Emilia-Romagna, officially established on 7 June 1970, comprises two distinct historical and geographical zones: Emilia to the west and Romagna to the east. The region stretches from the Apennine foothills to the Adriatic Sea, bordered by Lombardy, Veneto, Piedmont, Liguria, Tuscany, Marche and San Marino. Bologna, its capital and heart, anchors the region’s cultural and administrative identity.
History
The region was prefigured in 1948 but formally constituted as an administrative entity in 1970. Its name reflects the union of two historical territories: Emilia, encompassing the provinces of Piacenza, Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena, Ferrara and most of Bologna; and Romagna, which includes Forlì-Cesena, Ravenna and Rimini. This merger bridged two distinct cultural and economic zones.
What you see
Bologna displays characteristic medieval arcaded streets and squares, with the city’s 11th-century university representing centuries of intellectual tradition. Ravenna, positioned on the Adriatic coast, showcases brightly coloured Byzantine mosaics. Medieval fortified towns punctuate the landscape, while seaside resorts line the eastern coast, offering both cultural depth and leisure facilities.
Cultural significance
The region stands as a cornerstone of Italian culinary heritage, renowned internationally for its production of Parmesan cheese, balsamic vinegar, prosciutto and fresh egg pasta. Its medieval centres preserve centuries of architectural and artistic achievement. Bologna’s ancient university remains one of Europe’s oldest educational institutions, reinforcing the region’s role in intellectual history.
Key facts
- Official name: Emilia-Romagna Region
- Capital: Bologna (1,005,831 inhabitants)
- Established: 7 June 1970
- Provinces: 9 (Bologna, Ferrara, Forlì-Cesena, Modena, Parma, Piacenza, Ravenna, Reggio Emilia, Rimini)
- Total municipalities: 337
- Address: Viale Aldo Moro, 52 – 40127 Bologna
- Coordinates: 44.4940829, 11.3421875
- Phone: 051 5271
- Website: https://www.regione.emilia-romagna.it/
Practical information
The regional government office is located in Bologna. For specific visitor information about towns and attractions within Emilia-Romagna, contact the regional administration via their official website or phone line.
Getting there
Bologna, the regional capital, is served by Marconi International Airport and major rail connections. From there, you can access other centres by train or car: Ravenna lies 70 kilometres north-east; Parma, 97 kilometres west; Modena, 40 kilometres south-west.
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