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 wonders, cultural delights, and culinary experiences. With its rich heritage and contemporary charm, a 24-hour visit to this city promises a journey through time and taste. Here’s how you can make the most of your day in Reggio Emilia.

Morning: Tracing the Roots of the Italian Tricolor

Start your day at the heart of Italian history in the Sala del Tricolore at the Palazzo Municipale. Reggio Emilia is known as the birthplace of the Italian flag, where on January 7, 1797, the tricolor was adopted as the emblem of the Cispadana Republic. The Sala and the adjacent Museo del Tricolore, which offers free admission, provide a fascinating insight into the history of the Italian flag, intertwining with contemporary art and creativity. This iconic spot sets the stage for understanding Italy’s journey to unity and independence.

Late Morning: Discovering the Palazzo dei Musei

Next, visit the Palazzo dei Musei, a recently renovated space designed by architect Italo Rota. This museum complex takes you on a journey through centuries of local and regional history. From the Roman founder Marco Emilio Lepido to the poet Ludovico Ariosto, and from the Este possessions to the photographic works of Luigi Ghirri, the museum encapsulates the essence of the area’s rich cultural heritage. Don’t miss the impressive “Curiosa Meravigliosa” photomosaic on the facade of Via Secchi, a stunning piece of art made from over 12,000 photographs.

Early Afternoon: The Baroque Wonder of La Ghiara

The Basilica della Ghiara, a marvel of baroque architecture, is your next destination. Built in the late 16th century following a miraculous event, the basilica houses an extraordinary collection of frescoes and altarpieces by prominent 17th-century Emilian artists like Ludovico Carracci and Guercino. The adjacent Chiostro Grande and Chiostro Piccolo add to the grandeur of this religious site, with the latter hosting the Museo del Tesoro della Basilica della Ghiara.

Mid-Afternoon: A Contemporary Art and Photography Tour

Reggio Emilia’s contemporary spirit comes alive in the streets. The city’s thriving modern art scene is evident in its public art installations by renowned artists like Luciano Fabro and Sol Lewitt. The “Fotografia Europea” festival, a major event for contemporary photography, transforms various city locations into vibrant exhibition spaces. A short distance from the city center, the Collezione Maramotti offers an impressive collection of contemporary art, housed in a former Max Mara fashion production facility.

Late Afternoon: Architectural Marvels by Santiago Calatrava

Experience the contemporary architectural genius of Santiago Calatrava. His white arching bridges have become the new city gateways, symbolizing Reggio Emilia’s leap into the 21st century. The nearby Mediopadana High-Speed Train Station, a stunning structure of white steel and glass, is another testament to Calatrava’s architectural prowess and is considered one of the most beautiful train stations in the world.

Evening: A Culinary Experience with Erbazzone

As evening sets in, indulge in Reggio Emilia’s culinary specialty – Erbazzone. This savory pie, made with spinach, chard, ricotta, onions, and Parmigiano Reggiano, is a staple in local cuisine. With variations across the region, each version maintains its uniquely Reggian flavor.

Night: Strolling Through the Historic Piazzas

Conclude your day with a leisurely stroll through the historic piazzas of Reggio Emilia. The city’s urban fabric comes alive in these public spaces. Piazza Prampolini, with the Cattedrale, the Municipio, and the Sala del Tricolore, is a must-visit. Piazza San Prospero, Piazza Martiri del 7 Luglio, and Piazza della Vittoria each tell their own story of the city’s past and present. Piazza Fontanesi, once a bustling marketplace, is now a lively spot filled with cafes and gastronomic shops.

Closing Thoughts: A City of Inclusivity and Creativity

Reggio Emilia is a city that embraces everyone – from families to solo travelers, from history buffs to art enthusiasts. The city is home to the Centro Internazionale Loris Malaguzzi, dedicated to innovative educational approaches, and the Fondazione Nazionale della Danza-Aterballetto, a testament to its commitment to the arts. With its bike-friendly streets and scenic parks, Reggio Emilia is not just a destination but an experience, a place

Is Reggio Emilia Worth Visiting?

Visitors seeking fun and adventure are most welcome at Reggio Emilio.. To fully appreciate its tourist attractions, travelers are asked to stay for some time. The menu and the Italian flag are some of the most fascinating things.

The Food of Reggio Emilia, Taste Parmesan and Cappelletti.

The famous Parmigiano reggiano cheese produced mainly in Parma and also in Reggio Emilia and consumed widely across the country was born here. Get the chance to enjoy a variety of egg plasta such as the popular cappelletti. This type of egg plasta is irresistible and appetizing, and can be consumed with capon broth or cream. It is believed this delicacy appears to be seductive in men, as it is also thought to have a ‘hat’ sort of shape that recalls both the medieval headgear .

Traditional Deli Antica Salumeria Pancaldi.


Antica Salumeria Pancaldi offers you the chance to taste, buy, and eat directly at the deli prosciutto, parmigiano, balsamic vinegar, and more. Your trip to Reggio Emilia is never complete without tasting the variety of delicacies offered here. For instance, get the chance to grab parma hams and an unimaginable variety of salami at lower prices. What is more is that you can buy these special foods as whole, in slices or in pieces, just was you want it. You can also eat them directly at Antica Salumeria as they now offer seated service. Moreover, their shop also gives you the best quality of cheese known as Parmiggiano Reggiano, which is produced directly in Reggio Emilia countryside along with their traditional Aceto Balsamico. You surely cannot afford to miss this taste.

Stay At Hotel posta in Reggio Emilia.

The 4- star hotel located at the heart of Reggio Emilia in a historical building will offer you a relaxing stay. The conducive atmosphere characterized with history, art, tradition and every modern comfort will leave you mesmerized. Spacious and a supervised car park, recharging of electric cars, free bicycle, free wifi, gym, warm 24-hour reception, disabled friendly environment, bar, lift, pets welcome, safe and luggage store are some of the services you will enjoy.
For people who crave for a place where art,history and tradition is celebrated them this is the spot. As if not enough, the ambience and tranquility of this property gives you the perfect and incomparable modern comfort. Additionally, the hotel’s location right in the center of the oldest part of the city is the right position for a tourist to access Reggio Emilia’s most outstanding attractions.

Italian Flag Museum – Museo Del Tricolore.

The Museum is free and located right in the center of the town of Reggio Emilia. Here is a chance to learn about Italian history through its flag.

The national flag is the most popular of Italian symbols. It consists of three vertical brands of equal width of colors green, white and red. On the hoist side is where the green band is located. The national emblem is designed as a white five-pointed star. In the center it has a red border and a cogwheel. On the right of the wheel there is a branch of an oak and branch of olive on the left. What makes the Italian flag stand out from the rest of the flags around the world is its design in general. The three colors in the flag were initially used by the Cisalpine Republic back in the 1797. Red and white colors were originally the colors of Milan, while the green was the uniform color of the Milanese civic guards.

Today, it is believed the green color represents Italy’s land, the white on the other hand represents the snow-topped peaks of the Alps, while the red is the bold color that represents the blood that was shed during the Italian Independence and Unification war. What is more fascinating is that fact that the three colors have a more deeper spiritual meaning: representing three most important virtues in Italy, which are hope, faith and charity.

In summary, do not miss a chance to visit Reggio Emilia for what it has to offer. From the Parmigiano Reggiano cheese to the cappelletti egg plasta, are delicacies you want to taste. In addition, Antica Salumeria Pancadi offers you more irresistible and appetizing foods to make your trip memorable. What is more is the culture and tradition in Italy which is evidenced on its monumental state symbol such as the Italian flag.

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