Things to do & places to visit in Emilia-Romagna, Italy

Nearly crossing northern Italy from the Adriatic Sea westward, Emilia-Romagna gets its name from Via Emilia, the Rimini-to-Piacenza ancient Roman road it straddles. With a rich mix of age-old agriculture and modern industry, the region is home to many historic and cultural gems, both in its larger towns like Bologna, Modena and Ravenna, as well as in its many small hilltop villages. Of course, the region’s best offerings also include native culinary wonders like parmigiano cheese and tortellini.

Emilia-Romagna #7 destination in Italy 2023. The average rating score is 4.38 based on 228.9k traveler reviews, of 278 attractions. Timezone: Europe/Rome, current date and time: Monday, May 06, 2024, 15:30.

Emilia-Romagna Weather Statistics view more »

Top things to do (30)

• Theaters
• Zoos
• Speciality Museums
• Castles
• Scenic Drives
• Art Galleries
• Neighborhoods
• Auto Racing Tracks
• Observation Decks & Towers
• Bridges
• Religious Sites
• Amusement & Theme Parks
• Historic Walking Areas
• Historic Sites
• Parks
• Beaches
• Architectural Buildings
• Art Museums
• Shopping Malls
• Off-Road & ATV Trails
• Libraries
• Water Parks
• Aquariums
• Ancient Ruins
• Piers & Boardwalks
• Monuments & Statues
• Fountains
• Churches & Cathedrals
• Points of Interest & Landmarks
• Beach & Pool Clubs

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

1. 5.0 Basilica - Santuario di Santo Stefano (5.216 reviews)
   - Incredible architectural complex
   Churches & Cathedrals
   
   
   If you appreciate history and architecture, you cannot miss this fantastic complex which dates back to the third century. It's free to visit, and you will find lots of amazing spots in it, you should certainly devote some time to discovering it. Plus, the square in front of the churches is the perfect place for a coffee and to relax a bit in the city centre. See more..
   
2. 5.0 Basilica di San Vitale (4.724 reviews)
   - Gorgeous mosaics
   Monday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Religious Sites
   
   
   History As a symbol of the Archiepiscopal Chancellery of Ravenna, San Vitale is one of the greatest works of late Roman art. Famous for its mosaics commissioned by Archbishop Maximian (546/556 AD), the basilica is a place of contemplation. While the body descends its steps the spirit rises to the Truth. A masterpiece to be admired for its evident beauty and its hidden, precise, evocative theological argument. See more..
   
3. 5.0 Mausoleo di Galla Placidia (3.558 reviews)
   - Perhaps the most spectacular mosaics in Ravenna
   Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks
   
   
   It is one of the visits that one should not miss in Ravenna It is advisable to go outside the tourist seasons and holidays, since on those dates it is crowded with tourists and it is difficult to get tickets The building is small and seen from the outside one cannot imagine the wealth of mosaics that it treasures. The mausoleum is small, so the number of visitors is restricted, and only when there are few people can one enjoy the richness of its mosaics. In principle, the time that one can spend admiring the mausoleum is not restricted, however it is advisable to have a guided tour that explains all the details of the mausoleum so that the visit is really worth it. See more..
   
4. 5.0 Teatro Farnese (2.330 reviews)
   - unbelievable
   Architectural Buildings • Theaters
   
   
   Splendida ricostruzione di teatro farnesiano nel palazzo della pilotta See more..
   
5. 4.5 Piazza Maggiore (9.954 reviews)
   - Climb up San Pietro Dome steps worth a visit.
   Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
   
   
   We enjoyed wandering around this square and it's worth noting that Bus number 20 stops here if you visit the Basilica San Luca. The good news is there are splendid views which can be seen for €5 pp climbing up the mere 266 steps behind St Peters ( San Pietro) cathedral. You have to walk behind and outside to the right towards dome where there is an external staircase and Staff on attendance. We didn't go up the towers because Getting up the two towers at weekends was difficult it was very busy. Buying tickets are impossible from any retailers and have to be bought using the almost impossible app to download (rubbish) and we also found the staff there unhelpful. See more..
   
6. 4.5 Le Due Torri Torre degli Asinell (8.974 reviews)
   - Not for the less mobile but worth it.
   Monday: 9:30 AM - 5:45 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks • Observation Decks & Towers
   
   
   The colossal towers were built by Bologna's important families in the 12th century. See more..
   
7. 4.5 Castello Estense (4.943 reviews)
   - One of the best castles that can and should be visited in Italy
   Monday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Castles
   
   
   Ticket office closes 45 minutes before. See more..
   
8. 4.5 Basilica di San Petronio (4.245 reviews)
   - Absolutely stunning
   Monday: 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM - 5:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Churches & Cathedrals
   
   
   Free to enter, this is the main church of Bologna. It is a stunning site to see on the inside, so much beautiful art/sculpture, amazing stained glass. The meridian line made from brass in the floor is so very cool. See more..
   
9. 4.5 Santuario di Madonna di San Luca (3.901 reviews)
   - Lovely building that can be seen from Bologna Free to Enter
   Churches & Cathedrals
   
   
   We got a cab there which was €24 but the bus back was a cheap option at €1.50. The climb is steep so we chose a taxi from our hotel and we walked down the portico door San Luca to get the bus back. The cathedral has a stunning altar which can be almost gothic in nature with its black and gold facade. It's free to enter and photographs are allowed we left a donation. The walk down was relatively cool as the arches and thick walls keep the heat off it was a sweLtering 80deg the day we went. Thoroughly worth the visit and be aware of your fitness level to climb 660 arches and steps and come down again. There was a mini train that went up and down but we did not see it. Once you arrive back into the small town there isn't much to see so we got the Bus 20 back to Bologna and got off at the Piazza Maggoire. Bus tickets can be purchased at any newsagent and a very economical Fay of getting around Italian cities. See more..
   
10. 4.5 Porto Canale di Cesenatico (3.534 reviews)
    - A nice walk along the channel
    Spent < 1 hour Piers & Boardwalks
    
    
    We recommend to park (free) at the parcheggio Piazzale della Rocca, walk along one side of the channel until you reach the little 1Euro-ferry, cross the channel with the ferry and walk back on the other side. Plenty of nice sights and restaurants of all categories along the way. Very enjoyable especially outside the peak season. See more..
    
11. 4.5 The Tiberius Bridge (3.050 reviews)
    - Amazing roman bridge
    Bridges
    
    
    The Tiberius Bridge also known as Ponte d'Augusto e Tiberio is located on one of the ends of the city’s main street, Via Corso d’Augusto. See more..
    
12. 4.5 Museo Casa Enzo Ferrari (2.889 reviews) from $26.57
    - A wonderful museum - reason for visiting Modena
    Monday: 9:30 AM - 7:00 PM Speciality Museums
    
    
    Museo Casa Ezno Ferrari (Enzo Ferrari's Birthplace Museum) includes the restored house where he was born and a new futuristic automotive design gallery with a yellow cover, designed by the architect Jan Kaplický. It is located in Modena; the Birthplace hosts a permanent exhibition on the life of Ferrari's founder Enzo, while the gallery houses temporary exhibitions of vintage cars. The Museum opened 10th March 2012. See more..
    
13. 4.5 Duomo di Modena (2.842 reviews)
    - You should not miss a guided tour of this fantastic cathedral
    Monday: 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM, 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Religious Sites
    
    
    To visit Modena we contacted a local guide from the city and the meeting point was the small square in front of the Duomo entrance. As we arrived before the indicated time, we made a visit first on our own since the entrance to the Duomo is free, and then when we repeated it with the guide we realized that we had missed a lot of details, so I recommend you to do the visit with a local guide The façade has remarkable reliefs that include portraits of prophets and patriarchs, and many of the Biblical stories, which together form a masterpiece of Romanesque sculpture. The guide told us how the creation of Adam and Eve, original sin and the story of Noah are represented. The cathedral is located on the place where the sepulcher of San Geminiano, the patron saint of Modena, was located. Previously, from the fifth century, two churches had been built on the same site, but both had been destroyed. The remains of the Saint are still on display in the crypt of the cathedral. See more..
    
14. 4.5 Fontana del Nettuno (2.667 reviews)
    - The masculine landmark of Bologna
    Architectural Buildings • Fountains
    
    
    This striking fountain can be found from Piazza del Nettuno next to Piazza Maggiore. The fountain was completed in 1566. Under Neptune, four cherubs are holding dolphins which allegorically represent the four major rivers from the then-known corners of the world: the Ganges, the Nile, the Amazon River, and the Danube. Under cherubs, four lactating Nereids are holding their breasts, from which jets of water emerge. You cannot say having visited Bologna if you have not seen this fountain. See more..
    
15. 4.5 Cattedrale di Parma (2.623 reviews)
    - Beautiful Duomo. Worth a visit.
    Religious Sites
    
    
    This is a beautiful church in Parma. It feels very relaxed and elegant and the paintings all around the walls and ceilings are magnificent and pastel. Put a coin in the little box to turn on the illumination in the dome area. See more..
    
16. 4.5 Centro Storico Ferrara (2.209 reviews)
    - stunning renaissance architecture and lots of life
    Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas
    
    
    We loved hanging out around the old centre of Ferrara. We were lucky enough to see a full religious procession following singing outside the cathedral. the streets had lots of buskers and it was so enjoyable to sit at a pavement cafe, drinking coffee, and taking it all in. if you enjoy photography you must visit - there are stunning images everywhere you look, and the castle is very close by, with its full moat and history See more..
    
17. 4.5 Basilica di Sant'Apollinare Nuovo (2.084 reviews)
    - Arrive early to avoid the queues
    Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites
    
    
    Another of the 8 UNESCO listed buildings in Ravenna with its later added bell tower.The breath taking mosaics ar3 most probably unparalleled anywhere in world , perhaps outside Istanbul ( when it was historically Constantinople) Like most of the UNESCO listed buildings the time allowed to actually be in the building is limited and you are ushered out when your allotted time is up. Advance Booking is ESSENTIAL It is a “ must see place” when in Ravenna See more..
    
18. 4.5 Arco d'Augusto (2.060 reviews)
    - Impressive Roman Arch
    Ancient Ruins
    
    
    Beautiful Arch of Augustus ( Arco d'Augusto ), together with the Tiberius Bridge, is one of the oldest Roman symbols of Rimini, as well as a fundamental reference point for the whole city. The monument is in fact located in the historic center, at the end of the Corso d'Augusto, which crosses the entire center until it reaches the Tiberius bridge. It has four shields or round portraits from Roman times, in which the four deities are depicted: Jupiter, recognizable by the lightning symbol; Apollo, depicted with zither and crow; Neptune, recognizable by the trident and the dolphin, and finally the Goddess of Rome, represented with the sword and the weapon trophy. A wonderful example of Roman history that we can enjoy. See more..
    
19. 4.5 Archiginnasio di Bologna (2.001 reviews)
    - Don’t miss to visit
    Monday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Libraries
    
    
    Archiginnasio is a hidden gem to visit in Bologna. It’s located near to piazza di Maggiore, approximately ten minutes walking distance. You can visit teatro anatomico and biblioteca comunale with just €6.00. It’s amazing how well maintain is a university who founded back 500 years ago. I strongly recommend a visit. See more..
    
20. 4.5 Battistero di Parma (1.944 reviews)
    - SIMPLY DIVINE ;-)
    Monday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Religious Sites
    
    
    This octagonal baptistry in pale pink marble, is well worth the detour and the price ( ticket is to be purchased at the Diocesan museum right across the plaza). Built during the transition from Romanesque to early Gothic architecture, its interior includes 4 tiers of open loggias with architraved portals covered with frescoes.depicting biblical scenes. The somptuous cupola, umbrella like, is divided into 6 concentric horizontal bands: the 1st one is about Abraham; the 2nd one about John the Baptist; the 3rd one depicts Christ with the Virgin and prophets; the 4th and 5th ones, I forgot about... My favorite portal is that of the Redeemer flanked by two jambs showing the works of mercy and the 6 ages of man. But what I liked most were the reliefs depicting the months of the year and their zodiac signs ! See more..
    
21. 4.5 Palazzo dei Diamanti (1.815 reviews)
    - National collection of religious art
    Spent 1-2 hours Art Galleries • Architectural Buildings
    
    
    The Palazzo dei Diamanti is a venue belonging to the city of Ferrara where exhibitions of international importance are held, thereby contributing to the city’s reputation as a centre of art and culture. These exhibitions are organized jointly by Fondazione Ferrara Arte, Gallerie d'Arte Moderna e Contemporanea di Ferrara and the Settore Attivita Culturali of the Comune di Ferrara. See more..
    
22. 4.5 Pushstart (1.636 reviews)
    - Incredible!
    Monday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Scenic Drives • Off-Road & ATV Trails • Auto Racing Tracks
    
    
    Test Drive Ferrari and Lamborghini, drive these supercars on public roads or race tracks. rent car and driving courses See more..
    
23. 4.5 Forte di San Leo (1.589 reviews)
    - You want a castle?
    Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Castles
    
    
    The guide book promised one of the best castles. The guide book did not disappoint. Perched dramatically on a cliff face for more than half its outside, this edifice stands out from afar. The old town, though nice, is not as good as others in the area but the castle is all you'll be noticing. Inside (it costs) is a worthy museum. Rather than having a surfeit of anything, it has a bit of everything, including a most poignant reminder of a great thinker of the 16th century who died after several years in the prison here; a victim of the Inquisition. Flowers on the now disused bed are a powerful reminder of foul deeds done in the name of religion in the past. See more..
    
24. 4.5 Battistero Neoniano (Battistero degli Ortodossi) (1.485 reviews)
    - Fascinating place
    Monday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Religious Sites
    
    
    The most ancient of Ravenna monuments, at least with regard to when building began, it dates to the end of the 4th or the beginning of the 5th century. See more..
    
25. 4.5 Teatro Anatomico (1.434 reviews)
    - Great detail and wonderful views of what looks like an infinite library. Anatomical figures sculptures great
    Architectural Buildings • Theaters
    
    
    Situated not far from the Piazza Maggiore, the sculptures of the anatomical figures were fascinating, although I believe the Teatro itself is a reconstruction as it suffered bomb damage. There is also a library, which although you can't go into it, the view of it makes it seem almost infinite. Worth the entry money! See more..
    
26. 4.5 Castello di Torrechiara (1.402 reviews)
    - very interesting
    Castles
    
    
    very impressive, in a good condition, very interesting painted walls and ceilings, beautiful panorama, cheap, quiet See more..
    
27. 4.5 Basilica Di Sant'Apollinare In Classe (1.397 reviews)
    - Off-the-beaten track UNESCO site
    Monday: 1:30 PM - 7:30 PM Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals
    
    
    Although challenging to visit (it is essentially in the suburbs), its marvelous mosaics are worth the effort. As the buses don't accept cash, we bought Zone 1 tickets (one for each direction) at the Tourist Information Center. (Another option: a contactless credit card to purchase on the bus itself -- chip only cards will not work.) From our lodging in city center, we took the #6 bus. Normally, we would have asked the driver for help with our stop, but COVID protocols (yellow tape blocking approach) prevented that. There were no route/stop indicators on the bus either. Instead, we depended on seeing it from the windows and pressing "stop" when we got close. The bus dropped us on a side street. To return, we asked at the gift shop. After several present discussed it, they sent us to a stop on the main road (a Ravenna sign verified that it would take us in the right direction). To exit close to home, my friend tracked our progress on her phone. See more..
    
28. 4.5 Chiesa di Santa Maria della Vita (1.351 reviews)
    - Barocco church
    Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals
    
    
    I could see a church dome from Piazza Maggiore so I decided to walk there just to see what it was and I am glad that I did that because inside the un assuming facade there is a wonderful example of Barocco! Finally a church, for me, finally balanced and the little inside is a gem of discovery. As usual in Bologna you do not get the biggest artists of the Renaissance (as in Rome or Florence or Venice) but the paintings are very pleasant as well the carvings and the statues…very nice indeed!!! See more..
    
29. 4.5 Altamarea Beach Village (1.321 reviews)
    - Beach
    Monday: 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM Beaches • Beach & Pool Clubs
    
    
    Altamarea Beach Village Cattolica is an exclusive tourist village on the Romagnola Riviera coast situated in the splendid surroundings of Cattolica. It has the best hotels, some situated on the beachfront, along with guesthouses and a most beautiful beach packed with exclusive services, lots of amusing activities and special areas to relax, together with swimming pools and many other facilities. The beach village Cattolica with the best entertainment on the beach. Water-gym, aerobics, group dancing, sports competitions, mini-club, junior-club, games and workshops and evening parties will amuse the many youngsters on holiday as well as the mothers and fathers, but above all, the children at Altamarea At the Altamarea Beach Village you will never be bored! here are always lots of new and entertaining things to do every day, presented by a group of imaginative, friendly, sports loving qualified entertainers who will enliven the days and evenings on the beach for you and your children! A substantial well organised entertainment programme covering all the times of the day and evening, this is the flower in the buttonhole of Altamarea See more..
    
30. 4.5 Castello di Rivalta (1.313 reviews)
    - Fantastic castle in the middle of nowhere - great restaurant
    Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Castles
    
    
    The castle and the medieval village belong to the Zanardy Landi family, a branch of the Landi familily that owns the castle since the 13 th century.The castle is open for guided tours (you can visit the honour room , dining room, copper kitchen , wine cellar, prisons, bedrooms,tower realized by Pietro Antonio Solari, the same architect of the Kremlin of Moscow ), while the guest quarters are used for banquets, events, symposiums, conventions and marriages, (with possible use of the 14th century San Martino church). See more..