The Emilia Romagna region located in northern Italy is geographically blessed with the Apennine Mountains stretching from the north to the south-east, and the Adriatic Sea to the east coast. This contrast between the rugged Apennine Mountains, the gastronomic centres of Bologna, Parma and Modena, and long sandy beaches of the east, ensure Emilia Romagna has something for everyone. The city of Parma, famous for its Prosciutto di Parma or parma ham, the seaside resort of Rimini with one of the longest beaches in Europe and Faenza which is synonymous with its ceramics are only a fraction of what this culturally rich region has to offer.
Our treasure trove is Modena: take a look at Italian Special Occasion’s highlights
According to some, the Romanesque architecture of Modena became a model for the European Romanesque movement. The Duomo di Modena with its famous bell tower has been named a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the façade alone is a must-see for visitors to Modena.
Modena has a rich gastronomic heritage, with the famous balsamic vinegar originating from the city. Tortellini pasta also has it’s origins in the city, and whether it’s a market tour, cooking class or trip to one of the many superb restaurants, the food of Modena will always be an attraction.
Modena is also known for its automotive industry with the Maserati and Ferrari sports cars being created in the city. The Ferrari was founded and manufactured by Modenese businessman Enzo Ferrari. The Ferrari museum in Maranello is another must-see for car enthusiasts.
Modena’s most famous son is the tenor Luciano Pavarotti, who was born and brought up on the outskirts of the city.
The cuisine of Emilia Romagna draws inspiration from ancient culture, traditions and values
Various Italian regions are known for their local cheeses and Emilia Romagna is no different. Parmigiano Reggiano accompanies almost every meal in the Emilia Romagna region and is often served as both a starter and dessert. Dating back to the fourteenth century Parmigiano Reggiano is a hard parmesan cheese made with skimmed cow’s milk. One example of the high regard in which this cheese is held is that in the past some banks used the cheese as a guarantee when loaning money to cheese producers.
Lambrusco is one of the most famous wines of the region with different varieties being sold across Italy and throughout the world. It is thought Lambrusco wine produced from the grape of the same name, dates back to Etruscan times. The Trebbiano di Romagna is another notable wine of the region and is produced in the eastern part of Emilia Romagna.
The street foods of this region are often bread based such as the popular piadina which is a flatbread. The bread can be eaten plain, stuffed with vegetables, cheeses or cold cuts of meat. Another speciality from the region is Erbazzone, a type of quiche stuffed with spinach leaves cooked with onions and of course the local Parmigiano Reggiano cheese- delizioso!
Are you planning a trip to Emilia Romagna? At Italian Special Occasions DMC we can share the many cultural and gastronomic delights the region has to offer. Whether it’s a gathering for your friends or a family reunion to Italy, Emilia Romagna could be the setting for a unique and authentic Italian experience. The Capodanno del Vino or grape harvest festival of San Giovanni in Marignano south of Rimini takes place in September and includes wine tasting, folk dances and music, as well as local historic tours.
At Italian Special Occasions DMC we love a market tour, and we suggest a trip to the Mercato della Terra in Bologna, a food market organised by the Slow Food organisation. Foodie fans will know Italy is the country in which the slow food movement was born!
If you’re planning an incentive or corporate trip to Emilia Romagna perhaps a group cooking class in one of the famous culinary schools of Bologna is on the cards. Imagine yourself and your colleagues learning how to cook an authentic Risotto Parmigiano guided by an expert chef. Perhaps a gala dinner in one of the incredible settings in Modena or a wine tasting in the Piacenza Hills will reward and galvanize your colleagues!
For that unique and authentic experience in Emilia Romagna contact Italian Special Occasions DMC!
Photo credits:
Cifo Buscemi (Own work)
By Giopie (Own work)
By personnel
