You don’t just travel to Italy; you are engulfed by it; these words stuttered out of my mouth as I tried to explain why it is one of my favorite countries and at that particular moment expressed my admiration for all the incredible sights of Emilia Romagna.
The people, the warmth, the food (oh my, the food), the panoramic views, the tranquility; the lifestyle of this northern Italian region will grab you by the heartstrings and captivate you. Emilia Romagna offers the perfect blend of gastronomy, architectural wonders and artistic attractions, all included in an incredible day trip from the regional capital, Bologna.
After many trips – there is so much to see in Emilia Romagna that one visit is not enough – from exploring the seaside towns to the olive tree lined hills, I still know there are more hidden gems of Italy waiting to be discovered here.
You don’t just travel to Italy; you get swallowed up by it; the words stuttered out of my mouth as I tried to explain why it is one of my favorite countries in that particular moment of admiration for all the incredible sights of Emilia Romagna.
The people, the warmth, the food (oh my food), the panoramic views, the tranquility; the way of life in this northern Italian region will grab you by the heartstrings and keep you hooked. Emilia Romagna offers the perfect blend of gastronomy, architectural wonders and artistic attractions, all included in an incredible day trip from the regional capital, Bologna.
After many trips – there is so much to see in Emilia Romagna that one visit is not enough – from exploring the seaside towns to the olive tree lined hills, I still know there are more hidden Italian gems waiting to be discovered.
Some of the best places to visit in Emilia Romagna you can enjoy on a relatively quick and easy day trip from Bologna. Of course, they’re all equally worth a longer visit, so if you have the time, try combining these places as an extended road – or bus and rail – trip around the Emilia Romagna region.
Brisighella
When you think of Italy from the movies – and you know one of them: hair flying in open cars, verdant vine hills, castles towering over ochre-roofed towns – you basically think of Brisighella. This medieval town is one of the best hidden gems in Europe.
Brisighella was my first day of travel in Emilia Romagna and it set the bar high. The picturesque streets are nestled with small cafes and ice cream parlors, nestled under the town’s three hills, each with something else; a bell tower, a castle and a church. You can wander between all three at your leisure, visit them and then indulge in all the ice cream below. We saw a small tour group there, but other than that, there were no tourists there on a sunny June day.
Popular things to do in risighella, Emilia Romagna
Visit the bell tower at the top of the hill for a magnificent view
Climb the Torre Manfrediana (access with a guide)
Get lost in the old town and don’t miss the old wooden-beamed portico Via degli Asini
Visit the underground quarries or enjoy a seasonal concert
Head to the nearby hills for rustic cuisine and trails
Ravenna
If you’re heading to Ravenna as a day trip from Bologna, be sure to give yourself plenty of time, as I wish I could have explored the vast amount of UNESCO World Heritage protected artwork in more depth. Fortunately, I’ve been able to spend a weekend in Ravenna, and if we’re being honest, it takes at least two days to start doing urban justice. However, for a fast-paced itinerary, it can essentially be “done” as a day trip, although you may want to take a group tour of the UNESCO Mosaic to best manage your time.
This is one of my favorite places to visit and is undoubtedly the best place to visit in the Emilia Romagna region besides Bologna. Known for its historic and mesmerizing colored mosaics that can be found on walls, inside churches and hidden in alleys, it’s an intricate treat.
With an abundance of religious buildings – and UNESCO-listed monuments – you’ll be busy. The outstanding Mausoleum di Teodorico, a 6th-century tomb of a king, is one of the standouts. Don’t miss the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare near the train station, which is easy to miss if you head straight for the city center.
