Reggio Emilia, Italy
Region: Emilia-Romagna
Geographic Coordinates: 44.700000, 10.633300
Temperature Range: -10.0°C to 35.0°C (14°F to 95°F)
Climate: Weather patterns in Reggio Emilia, Italy vary throughout the year with hot summers and cold winters. The city experiences moderate rainfall throughout the year.
Population: 171944
Language: Italian
Reggio Emilia is a charming city located in the northern region of Italy, Specifically in the province of Emilia Romagna. It’s situated between two major Italian cities, Milan and Bologna, And has a population of over 170, 000 people. The city has a rich history dating back to the Roman era and is known for its beautiful architecture, Cultural heritage, And gastronomy. One of the most notable features of Reggio Emilia is its stunning Piazza del Duomo. The square is surrounded by historic buildings such as Palazzo del Comune (the town hall) and Cathedral di San Prospero.
Additionally, It houses Fontana dei Due Leoni (Fountain of Two Lions), Which was built in 1481. This beautiful square serves as an ideal place for visitors to relax while enjoying scenic views. The city’s cultural legacy can be traced back to its famous educational philosophy known as Reggio Emilia Approach. This innovative approach emphasizes child-centered learning where children are encouraged to learn through play-based activities promoting creativity and critical thinking skills. Visitors can experience this approach firsthand by visiting one of many preschools or kindergartens within the city.
Another notable feature of Reggio Emilia is its culinary scene which offers some fantastic traditional dishes such as tortelli di zucca (pumpkin ravioli), Erbazzone (spinach pie), Cotechino con lenticchie (sausage with lentils) among others. Visitors can indulge themselves in these dishes at one of many local restaurants or trattorias scattered around the city.
Reggio Emilia also hosts several annual events that attract visitors from all over Italy and beyond such as Festa del Tricolore which celebrates Italy’s national flag every year on January 7th; Maggio Reggiano which takes place throughout May with various events including concerts, Food festivals, Exhibitions; Reggio Film Festival held in November showcasing international films. visitors to Reggio Emilia can explore the city’s surrounding countryside dotted with vineyards, Castles, And picturesque villages. The city is also located near the Apennine Mountains providing opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and skiing.
Reggio Emilia is a beautiful city offering a unique blend of history, Culture, Gastronomy, And natural beauty. Its rich heritage makes it an ideal destination for those interested in exploring Italian culture while its innovative educational approach makes it an excellent place for families with young children.
Important Landmarks
- Piazza Prampolini is a beautiful square located in the heart of Reggio Emilia, surrounded by historic buildings such as the Palazzo del Comune.
- The Cathedral of Reggio Emilia is an impressive Romanesque-style cathedral that dates back to the 12th century.
- Teatro Municipale Valli is a grand theater that hosts various performances throughout the year.
- Museo Civico houses an extensive collection of art and artifacts from the region’s history, making it a must-visit for history buffs.
- Basilica della Ghiara is a stunning Baroque church with intricate frescoes and sculptures that are sure to leave you mesmerized.
- Parco del Popolo is a vast park located in the town center, offering plenty of green space for relaxation or sports activities.
- Palazzo Magnani is an elegant Renaissance palace that now serves as a cultural center with rotating exhibitions and events worth exploring.
- Casa Corbelli Museum showcases local folk traditions including traditional costumes, crafts, and musical instruments; perfect for anyone interested in learning about Italian culture!
- Oratorio di San Filippo Neri is a charming church with ornate decorations and peaceful atmosphere ideal for quiet contemplation or prayer time.
- Mercato Coperto di Reggio Emilia offers visitors an indoor market where they can find fresh produce, meat, cheese, and other local specialties to sample or take home as souvenirs – definitely worth checking out!
Primary Industries
- Reggio Emilia is a city located in northern Italy, renowned for its thriving manufacturing industry.
- The city boasts several prominent industries and businesses that contribute significantly to its economic growth.
- One of the primary industries in Reggio Emilia is automotive manufacturing, with notable manufacturers such as Ferrari, Maserati, and Lamborghini having their bases there.
- Additionally, the city has a robust food processing sector with companies like Parmalat and Barilla having their headquarters there.
- Mechanical engineering is another significant industry in Reggio Emilia with companies like Bonfiglioli Riduttori and Marposs operating within it.
- The city also has a rich history of textile production with Max Mara and Malagrida Srl producing high-quality fabrics.
- Reggio Emilia produces construction materials such as ceramic tiles (Ceramica del Conca), concrete (Buzzi Unicem), and marble (Ferrari Marmi) for export markets.
- The pharmaceutical industry also has a presence in the city with Chiesi Farmaceutici having its headquarters there.
- Lastly, Reggio Emilia is home to several information technology firms such as Elettronica Santerno SpA and System Italia Srl.
- Overall, the economy of Reggio Emilia remains diverse but largely focused on manufacturing industries that produce high-quality goods for both domestic consumption and export markets.
Noteable History
- The city of Reggio Emilia was founded in 183 BC by Roman consul Gaius Atilius Regulus.
- During the War of the Polish Succession, French and Spanish forces defeated Austrian troops at the Battle of Guastalla in 1734.
- Italian composer Antonio Salieri was born in Reggio Emilia in 1750.
- Citizens established a democratic government during Italy’s Risorgimento (unification) movement in 1848.
- Nobel Prize-winning physicist Enrico Fermi was born in Reggio Emilia in 1901.
- Benito Mussolini and his mistress Clara Petacci were captured and executed by Italian partisans on April 28, 1945, marking the end of World War II in Italy.
- The Reggio Emilia approach is a renowned educational philosophy that emphasizes child-centered learning and collaboration between teachers, parents, and students.
- Notable figures from Reggio Emilia include poet Ludovico Ariosto, painter Antonio Ligabue, philosopher Giovanni Pico della Mirandola, writer Italo Calvino, and soccer player Gianluigi Buffon.
Museums and Things To See
- Maramotti Collection: A contemporary art museum featuring works by international artists.
- Guastalla Palace: A historic palace located in the heart of Reggio Emilia, now serving as a museum and cultural center.
- San Prospero Cathedral: A beautiful cathedral with stunning architecture and religious artwork.
- Teatro Municipale Valli: An elegant theater that hosts a variety of performances, from opera to ballet to drama.
- Palazzo Magnani Foundation: An art center showcasing temporary exhibitions of modern and contemporary art.
- Basilica della Ghiara: A baroque-style church with ornate decorations and frescoes.
- Museo del Tricolore: A museum dedicated to the history of the Italian flag and its significance in Italian culture and politics.
- Museo Casa Enzo Ferrari: A museum celebrating the life and work of legendary car designer Enzo Ferrari, located just outside Reggio Emilia in Modena.
- Piazza Prampolini (Piazza Grande): The main square in Reggio Emilia, surrounded by historic buildings such as Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo and Palazzo Comunale (Town Hall).
- Rocca dei Boiardo Castle: An impressive medieval castle located just outside Reggio Emilia in Scandiano, once home to the Boiardo family who were patrons of Renaissance literature and art.
Sports Teams
- Pallacanestro Reggiana is a professional basketball team located in Reggio Emilia. The team was established in 1974 and has won numerous national and international titles, including the FIBA Europe Cup.
- AC Reggiana is a professional football club based in Reggio Emilia. The team was founded in 1919 and has played for many years in the Italian Serie A and Serie B leagues.
- Rugby Reggio is a rugby union club situated in Reggio Emilia, established back in 1970. The team has participated at different levels of Italian rugby, including the National Championship of Excellence.
- Pallavolo Reggio Emilia is a volleyball club based out of Reggio Emilia that was founded back in 1984. The team has competed at various levels of Italian volleyball, including the Serie A1 league.
- HC Correggio is an ice hockey club located near to Reggio Emilia with strong ties to the city itself as well as other nearby towns such as Carpi and Modena. The team plays its home games at Palaghiaccio di Corregio arena and competes at various levels of Italian ice hockey leagues such as Serie C or Promozione Lombarda depending on their performance each season.
Cultural Events
- Festivals of San Prospero: This is a religious festival that takes place in Reggio Emilia every year on June 18th. The festival includes a procession through the streets, music, and fireworks.
- Festa del Crostolo: This food festival is held in September and celebrates the local dish of crostolo – a type of fried bread made with flour and water.
- Reggio Film Festival: This international film festival takes place every year in July featuring screenings of independent films from around the world.
- Reggio Emilia Modena Jazz Festival: Held annually in November, this jazz festival features performances by local and international jazz musicians.
- Mercato Europeo Antiquariato di Reggio Emilia: This antique market takes place twice a year (in April and October) attracting vendors from all over Italy selling vintage furniture, art, jewelry, and more.
- Palio di San Giovanni Battista: Celebrating the victory of the people of Reggio Emilia against their enemies in 1251 AD through historical reenactment including parades, flag-throwing demonstrations, horse races, among others.
- Fiera di Sant’Apollonia: Held annually on August 5th-6th to celebrate Saint Apollonia with food stalls serving traditional dishes like tortellini pasta along with games for children to play as well as cultural events showcasing local artisans work such as pottery or wood carving.
Cuisine
- Erbazzone – a savory pie made with spinach and cheese
- Tortelli alla erbetta – pasta filled with ricotta cheese and herbs
- Cotechino con lenticchie – a traditional dish of pork sausage served with lentils
- Gnocco fritto – fried dough typically served as an appetizer or snack
- Lambrusco wine – a sparkling red wine produced in the region
Some recommended restaurants to try these dishes include:
- Trattoria del Tribunale
- Osteria dell’Acquacheta
- Trattoria La Buca
- Al Vedel
- Osteria del Ghiotto
Parks and Recreation
- Parco del Crostolo: Located in the heart of Reggio Emilia, this park provides a serene green space for walking, jogging, cycling, and picnicking.
- Parco della Vittoria: Situated on the outskirts of Reggio Emilia, this park boasts a large lake where visitors can rent paddle boats or take a leisurely stroll along the water’s edge.
- Pista Ciclabile: A bike path that meanders through the city and links numerous parks and recreational areas.
- Giardino Botanico di Reggio Emilia: The botanical garden in Reggio Emilia is home to an extensive collection of plant species from around the globe, providing visitors with an opportunity to explore nature’s beauty.
- Centro Sportivo Comunale: This sports center caters to various activities such as soccer, basketball, tennis, volleyball, swimming and more.
- Museo del Tricolore: The Tricolore Museum commemorates Italy’s national flag creation in 1797 by showcasing historical artifacts related to this significant moment in Italian history.
- Teatro Municipale Valli: Throughout the year, cultural events such as concerts, plays and dance performances are held at Municipal Theater Valli.
- Palabigi Arena: This indoor sports arena hosts basketball games alongside other events like concerts or exhibitions throughout the year.