Exploring Reggio Emilia in 24 Hours: A Journey Through History, Culture, and Culinary Delights

Reggio Emilia, a vibrant city in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, is a treasure trove of historical landmarks, cultural innovation, and deeply rooted culinary traditions. With its rich heritage and contemporary spirit, even a 24-hour visit offers a rewarding journey through history, art, and food.

If you are planning a short stop, this itinerary builds on what we explore in more depth in our guides to exploring Reggio Emilia in 24 hours and the city’s rich culinary traditions.

Morning: tracing the roots of the Italian Tricolour

Begin your day in the heart of Italian history at the Sala del Tricolore inside the Palazzo Municipale. Reggio Emilia is the birthplace of the Italian flag: on January 7, 1797, the green, white, and red tricolour was adopted as the emblem of the Cispadane Republic.

The adjacent Museo del Tricolore (free to visit) provides an engaging overview of the flag’s historical and symbolic evolution, linking Italy’s path to unity with art, politics, and civic identity.

Late morning: Palazzo dei Musei

Continue to the Palazzo dei Musei, a recently renovated cultural complex redesigned by architect Italo Rota. The museum leads visitors through layers of local and regional history, from the Roman founder Marco Emilio Lepido to Ludovico Ariosto, the Este court, and the photographic legacy of Luigi Ghirri.

Do not miss the monumental Curiosa Meravigliosa photomosaic on Via Secchi, composed of over 12,000 images and serving as a visual manifesto of Reggio Emilia’s cultural depth.

Early afternoon: the Baroque splendour of La Ghiara

The Basilica della Ghiara is one of the city’s artistic highlights. Built at the end of the 16th century following a miraculous event, it houses extraordinary frescoes and altarpieces by leading Emilian painters such as Ludovico Carracci and Guercino.

The adjoining Chiostro Grande and Chiostro Piccolo further enrich the visit, with the latter hosting the Museo del Tesoro della Basilica della Ghiara.

Mid-afternoon: contemporary art and photography

Reggio Emilia’s modern identity emerges through its public art and photography culture. Works by artists such as Luciano Fabro and Sol LeWitt punctuate the cityscape, while the annual Fotografia Europea festival transforms palaces and streets into exhibition venues.

Just outside the historic centre, the Collezione Maramotti—housed in a former Max Mara industrial building—offers one of the region’s most compelling collections of contemporary art.

Late afternoon: Calatrava’s modern landmarks

A short journey brings you to the architectural works of Santiago Calatrava. His white steel bridges mark Reggio Emilia’s modern gateways, while the Mediopadana High-Speed Train Station stands as one of Italy’s most striking contemporary transport hubs.

Evening: tasting Erbazzone and local flavours

As evening approaches, focus on Reggio Emilia’s culinary identity. A must-try dish is erbazzone, a savoury pie filled with chard or spinach, Parmigiano Reggiano, and aromatic herbs. Simple and rustic, it perfectly reflects the region’s cuisine.

While Reggio Emilia itself is ideal for independent food exploration, travellers interested in visiting dairies and cured-meat producers can easily join our nearby Parma food tour, which offers direct access to the heart of Parmigiano Reggiano and Prosciutto di Parma production.

Night: historic piazzas and city life

End your day with a relaxed walk through Reggio Emilia’s piazzas. Piazza Prampolini, home to the Cathedral, the Municipio, and the Sala del Tricolore, anchors the historic centre. Nearby Piazza San Prospero, Piazza Martiri del 7 Luglio, and Piazza della Vittoria reveal different layers of the city’s past.

Piazza Fontanesi, once a bustling market square, is now one of the liveliest evening spots, filled with cafés, wine bars, and food shops.

Closing thoughts: a city of creativity and inclusion

Reggio Emilia is a city that balances tradition with innovation. From the Centro Internazionale Loris Malaguzzi—dedicated to pioneering educational models—to the Fondazione Nazionale della Danza Aterballetto, the city consistently invests in culture, creativity, and quality of life.

Compact, bike-friendly, and rich in identity, Reggio Emilia rewards visitors who take the time to explore it thoughtfully—even if only for a single day.