Another time the formula 1 has stopped in italy. Now it was imola, in the region emilia-romagna. Actually a home game for the legendary racing team ferrari. But on this track in imola the competition for mercedes makes the constructors title clear. Means the two mercedes drivers have scored so many points over the course of the season that the silver arrows are uncatchable. For the german sebastian vettel the ferrari home race with the 13. place a complete disappointment.
emilia-romagna is home to the luxury car manufacturer ferrari, but it is also the origin of other major brands such as lamborghini, maserati and ducati. The region of emilia-romagna is also called the "land of the engines". But besides the popular car manufacturers, the emilia-romagna region also has many wonderful places to offer, which make them very worth visiting.
Many ferraris in maranello
At the beginning we look at the province of modena. When visiting the province would be the first tip for all motorsport fans. Because the origins of the car manufacturer ferrari are in the city of maranello in the province of modena. It is definitely worth a trip to the small town and visit the museo ferrari. Here are exhibited real classics of ferrari, as well as former formula 1 bolides. The fact that the racing team is firmly anchored in the culture of the town is evident from the fact that the local parish priest rings the church bells every time Ferrari wins a Formula 1 race.
Contrasts in modena
Not far from maranello lies modena, the capital of the province of the same name. This is a town you really should visit if you are in the region. As modena combines modernity with old italian culture. Modena is a university town, which attracts many young people. The university is also a flagship of the city, since it was founded in 1175. Modena is also associated with a good economic infrastructure, as many companies have settled here. Among others also the car manufacturer lamborghini. In addition, a large alternative scene has formed in the city, the center of which is a social center, where a lot of parties are held here.
One notices. Modena is a city of contrasts. A contrast to the modern industry and the young alternative life is the historical center, which is full of ancient architecture and is one of the main reasons to visit Modena. Here the piazza grande should be mentioned above all. In this square you can take a closer look at a UNESCO world heritage site. The cathedral of San Geminiano was declared a cultural heritage site in 1997 and is the pride of this city. But the real landmark of modena is a bell tower. The torre ghirlandina was built in the 14th century. It was completed in the thirteenth century and was built in a combination of Roman and Gothic styles.
There are many other historic buildings in modena, and you can also stroll along an old roman road, via emilia. The construction of the road began in 187 v. Chr. And leads in modena through the historic center and to many great cities in the north of italy.
Strolling through the arcades in bologna
the via emilia also leads to the capital of emilia-romagna, to bologna. Unlike some other cities of the region, bologna is not known for a big car manufacturer, but much more for its history and its food! Bologna has the flattering name of "la grassa", which means "the fat one". The city got its name because of the rich food that comes from Bologna. The most popular are the tortellini, which originated in bologna. It is said that the pasta is based on the navel of the Italian goddess of love, Venus. Another culinary highlight from bologna is the sausage mortadella. So if you visit the city, you know how to fortify yourself in any case.
Bologna has one of the largest and best preserved old towns in Italy and the center of it is piazza maggiore. In this square is the unfinished basilica of san petronio. Unfinished because the construction began at the end of the 14th century. The first tour of the nineteenth century began without the consent of the pope. The pope could not accept this demand for independence and commissioned the construction of the archiginnasio university. Due to a lack of financial resources, the construction of the basilica of san petronio had to be stopped prematurely. Although it is still unfinished, the basilica is the fifth largest church in the world. In the archiginnasio is today the city library.
Not far from the city center is another landmark of the city, the piazza nettuno. A fountain about three and a half meters high, called "the giant" by the locals. An interesting fact is that the trident of the neptune fountain is also the logo of the car brand maserati. And when you are in bologna, it is best to simply dive under the arcades and explore the city this way. The arcades are many small, narrow streets in the old town, most of which are covered. Here is where the great bustle takes place. People meet and talk as they walk by, small street bars and stores are open and you get a very good feel for the character of the city.
Cheese and ham in parma
Since it has been mentioned here several times that the region of emilia-romagna has some culinary treasures to offer, let’s now take a look at a place that crowns it all. And it goes to parma. Connoisseurs among us probably know exactly what the city and province of parma is known for all over the world: parma ham and parmesan cheese! So the best thing is to go to the nearest market in the area and taste the local produce. parma is also the birthplace of the world famous pasta producer barilla.
But apart from all the culinary highlights, parma also has a few other things to offer. If you want to explore parma start from piazza garibaldi. Piazza Garibaldi is the center of the city, where the locals meet at the restaurants, bars and cafes. Then you should visit the baptistery of San Giovanni. The six-story octagon of pink marble looks very impressive and is definitely worth a visit. parma also has a true green lung: the parco cittadella. This is on the one hand a medieval fortress and on the other hand a large park that invites to relax but also to explore and walk.
Adriatic coast in rimini
Next we will go for a swim in rimini. Rimini itself, is probably known by most as a place for a bathing vacation. I have done it myself and it is great because you can see that the city is fully designed for bathing fun on the Adriatic coast. There are many beautiful vacation homes on the beach and along the coastline. But also in the city, for people interested in culture, there are a few museums to visit. in the evening you can also stroll through the beautiful inner stall and enjoy the italian cuisine in one of the restaurants and drink a lambrusco.
ravenna city of culture
You can also use rimini as a starting point for other excursions. For example, the oldest republic in the world, san marino, is only 11 kilometers away from rimini. Or you can go to the more distant ravenna. The cultural city of ravenna is probably not on the radar of most people, but it has 8 UNESCO world heritage sites.
Like for example the san vitale. This church was built in the 6. Built in the thirteenth century, it is considered one of the most important buildings of the roman empire. In addition, the san vitale is emblematic of the name of ravenna "city of mosaics". Also contributing to this reputation is the mausoleum of galla placidia. the mausoleum, like the san vitale, is decorated with many precious mosaics and is also a UNESCO world heritage site. In addition, you can visit 6 other cultural sites and many more churches and museums. So there is something here for everyone interested in art and culture!
The emilia-romagna region is full of life in italy. The region includes culture, beaches, world famous cuisine and is also the center of popular automotive brands. If this is not the optimal offer for the next varied vacation, I don’t know what is. Have you ever visited the region of emilia-romagna?? Let me know in the comments!