Reggio Emilia: Museums, Trails and Regional Cuisine

Reggio Emilia combines a rich cultural heritage with paths through green spaces and regionally influenced cuisine. In the historic centre, the “Di piazza in piazza” tour leads through churches, museums and other attractions. This makes it possible to explore the city through different themes: history and architecture are just as central as photography, contemporary art and culinary traditions.

Green spaces and trails around Reggio Emilia

The section of Parco del Crostolo located south of Reggio covers 5.7 million square metres. The Passeggiata Estense provides a direct thematic link between the city and the landscape: it connects Reggio Emilia city centre with Parco del Crostolo and continues through green spaces to Reggia di Rivalta and Villa d’Este.

The Passeggiata del Crostolo covers approximately 16 kilometres of a combined cycle and pedestrian path that can be used by bicycle or on foot. For hiking enthusiasts, there is also CAI trail 646V. This hiking connection links Parco del Crostolo with the Rosta Nuova/Pappagnocca district and Parco delle Acque Chiare.

From the city centre, access to the Via Matildica del Volto Santo is via Ponte di San Pellegrino, reached through Porta Castello and Viale Umberto I.

Museums, history and architecture

The Palazzo dei Musei presents the history of the Reggio area from prehistoric times through the Etruscan presence and Roman conquest to the early Middle Ages. Its collections include art, archaeology and natural sciences. The Palazzo also contains a permanent area with temporary exhibitions dedicated to the work of Luigi Ghirri.

The Teatro Municipale Romolo Valli has a neoclassical façade with a Doric portico of twelve columns. The Galleria Parmeggiani is housed in a building constructed between 1925 and 1928, based on a design by engineer Ascanio Ferrari in the Gothic-Renaissance style. The gallery was formed in 1925 from three 19th-century collections, including paintings, furniture, textiles, weapons, jewellery and other paintings.

On the ground floor, the Museo del Tricolore combines the Italian tricolour with contemporary art, creativity and educational workshops. The first floor recounts the political events in Reggio Emilia from 1796 to the beginning of the Restoration. The Museo del Tricolore recounts that, on 7 January 1797, delegates from Reggio, Bologna, Modena and Ferrara proclaimed the creation of the Cispadane Republic and the green, white and red flag.

Churches and special visits

The Basilica della Beata Vergine della Ghiara is considered a masterpiece of Counter-Reformation art. Admission is free. A free app and QR codes on the interior pillars make it possible to explore historical information and artistic details, as well as view the paintings under special lighting.

The Chiostri di San Pietro also offer a distinctive sightseeing experience. Guided visits last approximately 45 minutes and include the outdoor garden, historic rooms, the monumental Chiostro Grande, the Sette Sale and the immersive virtual reality experience “È pericoloso non sporgersi”.

Regional cuisine and photography

Erbazzone Reggiano is a savoury pie and a symbol of Reggio’s culinary tradition. In the Reggio area, visitors can tour traditional balsamic vinegar cellars. In the province of Reggio Emilia, guided visits to cheese dairies offer the opportunity to learn at close range how Parmigiano Reggiano is made.

Another cultural focus is photography: Fotografia Europea is a photography event in Reggio Emilia held in May. Together with the Luigi Ghirri area in the Palazzo dei Musei, it broadens the view of Reggio Emilia with a contemporary artistic perspective.

Orientation for planning your trip

For travel connections, Stazione AV Mediopadana is a prominent regional landmark. It is the only high-speed railway station between Milan and Bologna and was designed by Santiago Calatrava.

Other places in the surrounding area:Cervarezza, Casina, Ramiseto, Cecciola, Collagna, Castellarano, San Donnino Di Liguria, Cadelbosco Di Sopra, Praticello, Salvaterra, Gaida, Baiso, Villarotta, Fabbrico, Campagnola Emilia, Cavriago, Scandiano, Bagnolo In Piano, Vezzano Sul Crostolo, Rolo, Cerreto Laghi, Castelnovo Ne' Monti, Bagno, Vecchia, Barco, Albinea, Cerredolo, Succiso Nuovo, Borzano, Fogliano, Il Cantone di Pieve Modolena, Ligonchio, La Collina, San Giovanni, Gattatico, Villa Minozzo, Bibbiano, Sant'ilario D'enza, Casalgrande, Bosco, Monteduro, San Martino In Rio, Lignano, San Bartolomeo, Viano, San Polo D'enza, Canossa, Massenzatico, Carpineti, Gualtieri, Toano, Quattro Castella, Cerreto Alpi, Luzzara, Correggio, Castelnovo Di Sotto, Campegine, Casale, Montecatini, Tabiano, Rubiera, Regnano, Reggio Nell'emilia, Reggiolo, Montecchio Emilia, La Villa, Poviglio, Novellara, Castellazzo, Brescello, Febbio

To the overarching travel overview: Emilia-Romagna.