Tucked between Italy’s most celebrated cities—Milan, Venice, Florence, and Rome—lies a region that embodies the very soul of Italian culture: Emilia-Romagna. Revered for its unparalleled gastronomy, rich history, luxury automobiles, iconic cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano, bold sparkling wines like Lambrusco, and vibrant artistic heritage, Emilia-Romagna is where Italy’s heart beats the loudest. From the hometowns of legends like Luciano Pavarotti, Giuseppe Verdi, and Giorgio Armani to the cobbled streets of Modena and the glittering mosaics of Ravenna, every inch of Emilia-Romagna tells a story worth savoring.
Exploring the Charms of Modena
Begin your exploration in Modena, a refined city that perfectly blends ancient beauty with contemporary spirit. Just 30 minutes from Bologna and under two hours from Milan or Florence, Modena is the ideal launchpad for your Emilia-Romagna journey. The historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features the Duomo di Modena, the Ghirlandina Tower, and Piazza Grande—each a Romanesque masterpiece.
It’s also the birthplace of the iconic tenor Luciano Pavarotti and home to the Teatro Comunale Pavarotti-Freni, a 19th-century opera house that hosts international performances.
A Culinary Capital
No visit is complete without tasting tortellini, one of the region’s most iconic dishes. At Tortellante, guests can experience this tradition firsthand through a dining experience or hands-on workshops led by Modenese grandmothers, preserving heritage while empowering youth with autism.
The region’s love for excellence extends to its iconic ingredients, inviting visitors to discover Modena’s gastronomic soul at the source. Start with a visit to Caseificio 4 Madonne, one of the area’s most renowned Parmigiano Reggiano dairies. Here, you can witness the meticulous process of cheese-making, from the early morning milk collection to the formation, salting, and aging of each wheel. Visitors can tour the aging rooms stacked high with golden wheels of Parmigiano Reggiano, and conclude with a guided tasting that showcases the cheese’s evolving flavors across different aging stages—from 12 months to 36 months or more.
Three-Michelin-star Chef Massimo Bottura’s culinary empire defines Modena’s high-end hospitality. For an unforgettable culinary experience, reserve a table at Osteria Francescana, often hailed as the best restaurant in the world. Chef Massimo Bottura reimagines Italian classics with avant-garde flair. Or dine at Franceschetta58, where tradition meets creativity in a more casual yet equally inspired setting.
If you’re looking for an exclusive tasting experience, make a reservation at Francescana at Maria Luigia, a multisensory journey through Bottura’s most iconic creations.
Discovering Lambrusco in Sorbara
Tucked in the heart of Emilia-Romagna’s fertile plains, the village of Sorbara is a hidden gem for wine lovers seeking to explore one of Italy’s most unique and expressive varietals: Lambrusco. At Cantina Paltrinieri, visitors are treated to an intimate and educational journey into the world of Lambrusco di Sorbara—an elegant, floral, and effervescent sparkling red wine that expresses the unique terroir of the region.
Lambrusco di Sorbara is known for its delicate color, refreshing acidity, and flavor notes of violet and red berries. At Cantina Paltrinieri, guests can enjoy guided tastings and cellar tours that offer insights into traditional and modern winemaking techniques.
Welcome to Motor Valley
For car enthusiasts, Modena is the crown jewel of Italy’s Motor Valley—a high-octane paradise where engineering, innovation, and passion collide. Begin your journey at the Enzo Ferrari Museum, located in the very workshop where Enzo Ferrari was born. Here, state-of-the-art exhibits and legendary cars trace the evolution of the prancing horse brand, celebrating its unmatched legacy in speed and design.
Just a short drive away, the Ferrari Museum in Maranello provides a deeper dive into the brand’s modern-day triumphs and racing heritage, offering immersive displays, Formula 1 simulators, and guided factory tours for the ultimate Ferrari experience. Adrenaline seekers can head to the Autodromo di Modena for a thrilling test ride with a professional driver on the same tracks used for real-time testing and events.
Italian Leather Craftsmanship
Visitors looking to connect with Modena’s artisanal legacy can participate in creative workshops like the leather Tortellino keychain class at La Vacchetta Grassa. In this hands-on experience, guests use traditional techniques to craft a tortellini-shaped keepsake—a whimsical homage to Modena’s culinary symbol.
The boutique also offers a curated collection of handmade Italian leather goods, from wallets and handbags to accessories and journals. Each piece is crafted with the same care and attention to detail that defines the region’s artisanal spirit, making it an ideal stop for travelers seeking timeless souvenirs rooted in craftsmanship.
Ravenna: A Mosaic of History
From Modena, head east to Ravenna—a city glowing with ancient grandeur. With eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Ravenna dazzles with its 5th and 6th-century Byzantine mosaics. The Basilica di San Vitale offers vivid depictions of Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora. Nearby, the Mausoleo di Galla Placidia stuns with starry ceiling mosaics, while other must-see sites include the Battistero Neoniano, Basilica di Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, and the Mausoleo di Teodorico.
Cultural Legacy and Artistic Flair
Cultural life in Ravenna extends beyond its mosaics. The Byron Museum celebrates Lord Byron’s legacy in Italy, and near the Basilica di San Francesco is the resting place of Dante Alighieri. Ravenna continues to evolve with contemporary interpretations of its heritage, including fashion events like Cristina Rocca’s Spring/Summer 2025 show, inspired by mosaic colors seen at MAR – Ravenna City Art Museum.
Where to Stay in Emilia-Romagna
Whether you’re looking for luxury in the city or a quiet countryside escape, Emilia-Romagna delivers. In Modena, the Best Western Milano Palace Hotel offers elegant accommodations close to the city’s historic heart. For a more immersive experience, Casa Maria Luigia, curated by Massimo Bottura and Lara Gilmore, provides refined comfort surrounded by art, gardens, and culinary excellence.
In Ravenna, Gironda is a stylish boutique stay near the city’s famed mosaics, offering charm, design, and easy access to cultural landmarks. Whether you prefer historic elegance or countryside tranquility, Emilia-Romagna’s accommodations offer something special for every traveler.
A Region That Leaves a Mark
Emilia-Romagna doesn’t just invite exploration—it rewards it. This is a place where every town hums with authenticity, every flavor tells a story, and every experience leaves you with more than memories—it leaves you changed. Whether you’re behind the wheel of a Ferrari in Modena, clinking glasses of Lambrusco in Sorbara, or gazing at centuries-old mosaics in Ravenna, you’re engaging with a region that lives and breathes la dolce vita.
To craft your own journey through this unforgettable corner of Italy, visit the official websites of Emilia Romagna Tourism, Visit Modena and Visit Ravenna. From custom itineraries to insider tips, everything you need to begin your Emilia-Romagna adventure is just a click away.
By Kinya Claiborne, STYLE & SOCIETY
Photo Credit, Courtesy of Emilia Romagna Region Tourist Board
