Italian & Overseas Property Specialists

Bologna

Bologna is rated as being the having one the highest standards of living in the whole of Italy not least of all for its long standing culinary prowess, home to many of the Italy's most famous dishes. It has a prestigious university founded in 1088 with over 100,000 students studying over 250 different subjects. Bologna La Rossa (the red city) as it is known not just for its striking red buildings but also for its left wing political leanings. As with many of Italy's historical centers Bologna does not allow general traffic between 7.00am and 8.00pm which means that exploring the any number of the Bolognas architectural and cultural gems is a simple affair. Leaving Collegio di Spagna a beautiful 14th century Spanish college, take a walk down Via Saragozza until the gate that encloses it in the walls its long red arcades form one of the most spectacular sights of the city.

Ferrara

Ferrara is often overlooked but is a fine example of a Northern Italian city, the locals predominately use bicycles giving it a much smaller feel. It has a fairy tale castle, a lovely Cathedral and is lucky enough to be just a short drive away from the stunning Po Delta a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bird and wildlife lovers from all over flock to stay near and visit this bio-diverse paradise.

Modena

The tradition of producing Balsamic Vinegar stretches back as far as Roman times and nowhere is it more synonymous than Modena, the best varieties not reaching market until they are between 15-25 years old. Birthplace of Pavarotti and of some of the worlds most iconic 'supercars' Maserati, Lamborghini and Ferrari.

Parma

Parma is an elegant and interesting city but is mainly visited for it's Parmigiano Reggiano, the real thing when it comes to Parmesan cheese and for Proscuittio De Parma. Battistero in the centre of town is a fascinating octagonal building with a beautiful pink marble facade which holds many beautiful frescoes. The town holds a 'Carnival' each year in February to celebrate local hero Guiseppe Verdi. Naturally eating out in Parma is something of a treat whether you choose the Michelin starred Parizzi or any one of the Trattatorias.

Piacenza

Piacenza is a sweet, friendly little town an hour from Milan. Festivals are common place during the summer months, held in the central Piazza, hundreds of people flock to eat some of Italy's finest food and dance the night away. The nearby Trebbia River, carves its way through the Piacenza hills where you can walk, cycle, swim or site see the areas many exquisite villages and castles. The Perino falls are a particularly beautiful place to visit in the area and reaching them will take you on a stunning journey through the areas countryside.

Ravenna

Ravenna is a much overlooked area of Emilia- Romagna, even though it boasts no fewer than eight buildings listed on the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Situated just inland and connected to the sea by the canal Ravenna is home to the stunning Mosaic Basilica. The surrounding landscape around Ravenna and its Pine Forest is incredibly flat making the area perfect for exploring by bicycle. During the sumer months Ravenna holds a festival celebrating art, drama and music and there is street theatre almost every night.

Reggio Emilia

Reggio Emilia whilst not on the traditional tourist route is a pleasant place to stop off on your holidays. This affluent town which is most famed for being the first place the 'Tricolour' flag was stitched and they proudly display the flag in all of the towns streets outside the many up market boutiques. In Emilia Romagna they have discovered an unusual way to deal with ice cream dripping, they serve the local Gelato in a sweet bread roll! The town has a lively buzz about it and is lovely in the spring when the flowers are out and the trees are in bloom.

Rimini

Rimini on the Adriatic Riviera is widely regarded as Italy's favourite beach destination. With over 15km of beautiful sandy beach, lined with cafes, bars, restaurants and Lidos it is a hive of activity in the summer months. Home to some of Italy's best nightlife there are a range of large and late night clubs siutated in the hills above the beachfront offering free shuttle buses. In addition to all this excitement, Rimini has a large historic centre and a thermal spa on the seafront, set in park grounds, with trails, beach and a playground.

Bologna is the capital of Emilia Romagna and once known as the Etruscan city of Felsina. Bologna has weathered both feast and famine for centuries with a style and grace that other great cities envy.

A surprising number of artists were born in Reggio Emilia, located between Modena and Parma. The list of the town's distinguished citizens includes the artist Correggio (1489 - 1534) and the poet and dramatist, Ludovico Ariosto (1474-1533). Today Reggio nell'Emilia is a significant cultural center, home to the Romolo Valli theatre, one of the largest playhouses in Italy where Luciano Pavarotti made his debut performance.

• Visit the Ducatti Museum in Bologna.
• A guided tour of Mussolini architecture.
• Visit vibrant Bologna and her ancient University.
• Take a boat tour on the Po Delta and discover the vibrant wildlife
• Soak up the sun in the Adriatic Riviera town of Rimini
• Perino falls in Piacenza
• Tackle the technical but elegant Golf courses in the region.
• Ski in the regions famous Appenine Mountains

By Plane

The regions has four airports which offer both international and domestic flights; Gugliemimo Marconi in Bologna, Guiseppe Verdi in Parma, Rimini-Miramare and Flori-Ridolfi.
London Heathrow to Milan Linate with Alitalia (0870 544 8259; www.alitalia.com). Alternatively you can fly to Bologna or Verona, both served by British Airways (0870 850 9850; www.ba.com) from Gatwick; or Brescia on Ryanair (0871 246 0000; www.ryanair.com) from Stansted.

By Train

The region is served by 1415km of Railway lines. The main lines are Milano-Bologna-Firenze and Milano-Bologna-Rimini-Ancona.

By Car

Emilia Romagna has a network of 5 motorways. A1; Roma-Bologna-Milano, A14; Bologna-Taranto, A22; Modena-Bennera, A13; Bologna-Padova, A15; Parma-La Spezia

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