Emilia-Romagna accommodation from AU$148

History

Covering 22,446 square kms, Emilia-Romagna is in the valley of Italy’s famous Po River. It’s the home of the world’s oldest university: the University of Bologna, as well as several famous Italian car brands like Ferrari and Lamborghini, and its fertile soils make it a big farming country. Famous folks from this region have included opera writer Giuseppe Verdi, poet Giovanni Pascoli and film director Federico Fellini.

In the second century BC, the Romans took the region from the Etruscans, building market towns that still remain today. The name Emilia-Romagna comes from a road connecting Rome to Northern Italy.

Things to see and do

You don’t have to go to Middle Earth to see the Two Towers – it’s also the name of a landmark in Bologna, the capital of the region. Set among Medieval buildings, these two massive structures stand high and mighty, with Asinelli Tower the world’s tallest leaning tower (higher than Pisa!). While in Bologna, you can come across other historic buildings like the San Petronio Basilica, and visit the History Museum and University of Bologna.

Book a stay in Rimini for 15 kms of sandy beaches right on your doorstep, as well as a nearby city centre with historic ruins and museums. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ferrara is filled with Renaissance buildings, while Ravenna has a stack of churches with painted Byzantine mosaics on their domed ceilings.

Shopping and dining

Emilia-Romagna has a great selection of outdoor flea markets. In Bologna you can find fancy high-end shopping at Galleria Cavour, while Ferrara, Modena and Ravenna all have shopping districts with both big-name brands and boutiques to choose from.

On top of its delicious wine, Emilia-Romagna’s dining scene has great meals in Bologna and beyond. Taste traditional cuisine, homemade-style pastas, seafood platters, prosciutto and Parmigiano cheeses and plenty of other Italian favourites.

Getting here and around

Are you revved up to go? Then book your Emilia-Romagna accommodation and cheap flights to Bologna with us. It’s easy to get around on public transport, but you can also rent a car if you want more freedom while you explore this unforgettable region.