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| Culatello di Zibello | Parmigiano |
The wines of Emilia Romagna are also very popular
throughout Italy much like its food. The sparkling red
Lambrusco Salamino di Santa Croce
(DOC) is fruity,
full-bodied and delicious, barley resembling the
inferior mass produced version available in the US.
In contrast is the dry white wine Albana di
Romagna (DOCG),
popular since Roman times. The Trebbiano di
Romagna (DOC) goes
well with seafood dishes of Romagna and is another wine
with an ancient pedigree.
Top
Classical Bologna
Bologna is the capital of this prosperous region of Italy: Emilia Romagna. Not yet contaminated by mass tourism, the city is the ideal choice for cultural interludes as well as leisure activities and relaxation. Bologna has a number of nicknames: la dotta (the learned) for its ancient university, la rossa (the red) for the warm colour of its roofs and houses, and la grassa (the fat) for the wonderful food.
Bologna
- half
day
Piazza Maggiore
This square has been the heart of Bologna for 2500 years. And it really is a heart, because the people of Bologna don't merely go "to town" like other Italians would; they call it "going to the piazza". This airy, open space is lined with the city's most important buildings: the Palazzo d'Accursio, the seat of the city council, Palazzo Re Enzo, Palazzo del Podestà, the majestic Basilica of San Petronio, the elegant Fountain of Neptune, Palazzo dei Notai and the imposing Palazzo de' Banchi.
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Palazzo del Notai and Palazzo Comunale in Piazza Maggiore |
The Comunale - the Madonna with Child in terracotta is the work by Nicolò dell'Orso (1478) |
Palazzo Accursio
Made
up of buildings which cover 300 years of the city's
lively history, from 1200 to 1500, this is the
prestigious seat of the city's governing body and its
majestic halls are decorated with works of enchanting
beauty.
The Palazzo del Podesta'
An
austere 13th century building disguised as an
elegant Renaissance residence, it is decorated with
thousands of stone tiles which tell of its ancient
history.
The Sala Borsa
At the end of the 19th century, after the removal of the Cardinal's private gardens, this area was occupied by the splendid Stock Exchange in Art Nouveau style which we can still admire today. The floor in glass allows visitors to view remains of the great Roman city of Bononia.
Fountain of Neptune
The symbol of 16th century elegance, the clear waters of this fountain were never intended to quench the thirst of the Bolognesi but gushed forth instead in celebration of the power of the Pope.
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Neptune fountain |
Piazza Maggiore |
Palazzo Re Enzo
The
city's sinister medieval prisons. Two 17th-century gallows betray the cruelty of a time
when there was no such thing as a pardon.
Basilica of San Petronio
The building of this majestic Collegiate Church of indescribable charm was begun in 1390. Its uncompleted façade shows the sweetness of the Madonnina by Jacopo della Quercia, while masterpieces of Italian art in paintings, sculptures, and glass from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance may be found inside the basilica itself. There is also a Time Machine, a sundial whose accuracy and charm still amazes people today.
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The
basilica of S. Petronio, devoted to the patron
saint of the city covers the south side of
Piazza Maggiore (in the photo seen from the
Asinelli tower).
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S. Petronio's cathedral |
The Archiginnasio and the Anatomy Theatre
Located
in an elegant 16th century building, the Archiginnasio was built as the first "single" seat of the
University of Bologna, Europe's oldest University. On
the first floor we find the awesome Anatomy Theatre
where corpses were sawn up during medicine and anatomy
lessons.
The medieval market and the loggia dei mercanti
Through
the busy narrow alleyways of the market we reach the
Palazzo which was the seat of the Merchants' Forum. Built in the
14th century, its gothic style still
attracts.
Complex of Santo Stefano
Known as the Holy Jerusalem of Bologna for its symbolic connections with the sites of the Passion of Christ, there is still a Benedictine monastery here today whose origins go back to the dawn of Christianity. There is also a Byzantine church almost 1500 years old, a Romanesque church and an atmospheric crypt as well as two cloisters of matchless beauty. A historic and artistic experience not to be missed.
The two towers
Two, two hundred, the "forest of stone". This is Bologna and her legendary towers. Our itinerary comes to an end at the foot of these symbols of Bologna which have benevolently watched over the city since the Middle Ages.
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| View of the church of S. Bartolomeo between the Garisenda (left) and Asinelli tower (right). The embattled plinth of the Asinelli tower was added in 1488. |
Torre degli Asinelli and Torre Garisenda
The 97 m tall Asinelli tower was erected in 1109-19 by Gherardo Asinelli, a noble Ghibellino. The Garisenda tower is also from the XII century and was built by the noble Ghibellini Filippo and Addo Garisendi. |
For those who have a little more time - full day, the above itinerary could be extended to include:
San Giacomo and the oratory of Santa Cecilia
An old thirteenth-century church midway between the Romanesque and the Gothic and featuring a huge number of works of extraordinary importance. Time has set the little Oratory of Santa Cecilia here, today considered Bologna's "Sistine Chapel" for the beauty of the 15th and 16th century pictorial cycle with which the walls are entirely clad.
San Domenico
1000
extraordinary works are preserved in this church. It
contains one of the most beautiful inlaid wooden choir
stalls in the world while the 13th-century tomb of
the Saint dominates over everything, enriched and
completed in the 1500s by the matchless work of
Michelangelo.
...OR
The Sanctuary of San Luca
According to tradition, the Greek pilgrim Theocles received from the canons of the church of Hagia Sophia in Constantinople an image of the Virgin Mary painted by Luke the Evangelist, and promised to take it to the Mount of the Guard. When he reached Rome, he discovered that the Mount was to be found in Bologna and the canvas was taken there in 1160. As a tribute to the image, a church was built at the top of the hill and the same church has protected the city for a thousand years. With its 666 arches, the portico which leads from the centre of Bologna to the sanctuary is the longest in the world. It makes an enjoyable walk for the more intrepid visitor.
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The Castello Estense, a brick building surrounded by a moat, with four towers, built after 1385 and partly restored in 1554, dominates the centre of Ferrara, built at the time to be a major feat of military engineering. The Este court thrived artists like Piandello, Jacopo Bellini, Mantegna, and the poets Ariosto and Tasso. |
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Castello Estense |
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Indeed, the visitor is brought back to the days of Este magnificence, especially in the rooms of
‘Salone dei Giochi’ (games rooms), decorated by
Filippo with scenes of wrestling and chariot-racing. |
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The statue of the Madonna above the middle of the portal of the duomo |
Palazzo Comunale |
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Opposite the Palazzo Comunale, is the Duomo, a mixture of Romanesque and Gothic styles with a magnificent façade which decoration on its carved central portal (from a XII century by
Wiligelmus), depict the Last Judgement.
Inside, much of the church is magnificently decorated with sparkling chandeliers.
The inside museum has a collection of a set of bas-reliefs illustrating the labours of the
months, manuscripts, two organ shutters decorated by Tura, and a beautiful Madonna by Della Quercia.
Palazzo di Lodovico IL Moro hosts the Archeological museum, with finds from Spina, the Greco-Etruscan seaport and trading colony near Commachio, and a canoe from one of the prehistoric lake villages in the Po Delta.
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The Palazzo dei Diamanti is nowadays used for temporary modern art exhibitions as well as being home to: • Pinacoteca Nazionale • Museo Michelangelo Antonioni • Museo del Risorgimento e della Resistenza.
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Palazzo dei Diamanti |
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Certosa of Ferrara |
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Ferrara hosts also some synagogues and a Jewish
Museum, in the heart of the medieval centre. |
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On a three-hour guided walking tour of Ravenna discover the symbolic world of the Byzantine civilization through the beautiful mosaics of Ravenna. Remarkably well preserved, their sheer opulence overwhelms all who visit them.
Accompanied by a local expert on the mosaics, explore the fantastic world of colored glass tessere, and by the end of the tour you'll be able to decipher the encrypted message of the mystical world that you find represented in churches and mausoleums of the town.
The tours includes a detailed visit to the most significant Early-Christian and Byzantine monuments of Ravenna. We'll visit all the major sites for the famous mosiacs including: the Church of S.Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, the Church of S.Francis with its waterlogged crypt featuring ancient floor mosaics, the Basilica of S.Apollinare Nuovo. |
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the Christ seated in purple with S.Vitale and the bishop Ecclesio. |
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While walking through the quiet and pleasant streets of Ravenna, we'll pause to admire Piazza del Popolo the main square of the city with its 15th century Town Hall, as well as the Tomb of Dante.
Ravenna - full day Enjoy a thorough and detailed exploration of the famous Mosiacs of Ravenna and the Ancient mosaic technique. As well as visiting some of Ravenna's other important tourist attractions. For a complete visit to Ravenna we suggest a tour which will enable you to fully appreciate the splendours of Ravenna's art and history. This tour features all the must-see sights of Ravenna including all the finest examples of Ravenna's renowned Mosiacs. |
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| Piazza del Popolo |
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The visit will include: the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, the Orthodox Baptistery, the Archiepiscopal museum housing the renowned Ivory throne from the 6th century, the Gothic Basilica of S.Apollinare Nuovo, and the two splendid Byzantine churches of St Vitale and St Apollinare in Classe. During our walk in the pedestrian area you'll have a chance to visit a mosaic workshop for a practical demonstration of the ancient mosaic technique. We'll pause to admire the Tomb of Dante Alighieri, Italy's most distinguished poet, as well as visiting a recently unearthed Roman Villa and its incredibly 5th & 6th century floor mosaics that are known as the "The House of the Stone Carpets".
Ravenna: Mosaic Tour Explore the fantastic world of colored glass tessere, and by the end of the day you'll be able to decipher the encrypted message of the mystical world that you find represented in churches and mausoleums of the town. |
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S. Vitale |
Pavement of mosaics |
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Our day in Ravenna includes the visit to all the
major sites of the famous mosaics: San Vitale,
Galla Placidia Mausoleum, San Apollinare Nuovo
and San Apollinare in Classe. In
addition, we'll
visit a recently opened archaeological site
where mosaics from an ancient Roman home have
been recently discovered. |
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Lambrusco wine |
Balsamico vinegar |
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Well known world wide for such icon as Enzo Ferrari and Luciano Pavarotti, and gastronomical products such as tortellini, Lambrusco wine, and balsamic vinegar. Modena has become one of the riches and most advanced city in Europe and is located in the middle of the Po Valley, in one of the most developed areas on the whole continent. |
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Luciano Pavarotti |
CFerrari |
| Some world noted names ... |
Duchy of Modena: |
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| Enzo Ferrari: car maker | Cesare (1598-1628) | Alfonso IV (1658-62) |
| Luciano Pavarotti: opera singer | Alfonso III (1628-44) | Francis II (1662-94) |
| Ciro Menotti: patriot | Francis I (1644-58) | Rinaldo (1694-1737) |
| Alessandro Tassoni: poet, writer | ||
| Ludovico Antonio Muratori: historian | ||
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Modena has a long history, dating back from the time it was inhabited by Celtic people, in the region of Emilia, followed by Roman dominion, then as a commune and as the capital of the possessions of the D'Este family, is rather uneventful, as it can be expected from a town in the planes of northern-central Italy, whose principal activity is farming.
The D'Este family who ruled Modena throughout the 17th century patronized some of the greatest Baroque architects, such as Bartolomeo Avanzini and Francesco Borromini, and they created a Ducal palace of rare splendor. Francis I was an art collector of rare discernment. Its economy, based on weaving and the production of wine suffered after the plague of 1630, and the duchy was of far less political than artistic importance. |
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Cathedral - Romanesque architecture |
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Leone della Porta Regia - |
Comunal Palace characterized by the Watchtower in Piazza Grande |
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At the end of the 10th century, the Cathedral (Duomo di Modena) was built and is situated on the plane between the Secchia and Panaro rivers, 34 metres above sea level.
It is widely regarded as one of the masterpieces of the romanesque architecture and is located in Piazza Grande. This 12th century cathedral is recognised as one of the finest Romanesque cathedrals in Italy, and was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997. Inside the cathedral there is a lovely 13th century rose window, and some other beautiful stained-glass windows, including a depiction of The Last Supper which was completed in the late 15th century. Its belfry, the Ghirlandina, will become Modena's symbol.
There is also an impressive vaulted ceiling. Sitting next to the cathedral is its 88 metre high leaning bell-tower, La Torre Ghirlandia. The tower is half Gothic / half Romanesque, and was build between the 12th to 14th centuries. Adjoining the cathedral is the Museo Lapidario del Duomo, which houses art works originally displayed in the cathedral. Free admission to the cathedral and Museum. There is a small charge to visit La Torre Ghirlandia. |
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Belfry - La Torre della Ghirlandina next to the Cathedral |
Monument of Alessandro Tassoni |
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The monument of Alessandro Tassoni is just along side the cathedral and tower. He wrote in 1622 its heroic/comical poem "La secchia rapita" - The abduction of the pail, the - largely fictionary - story of a war, opposing Modena and Bologna, about the theft (on the part of Modena) of a Bolognese Wooden pail. The wooden pail itself can to this day be seen in the Ghirlandina.
Facing
the Piazza Grande, the Palazzo Comunale, Comunal Palace, was made up in the
17th-18th centuries of the several pre-existing edifices built starting from 1046 as communal offices.
It is currently the Town Hall of Modena. |
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| View of the cathedral and belfry from the townhall | Palazzo Ducale | |
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| Sala del Fuoco - Fire Hall | Painted frieze by Niccolò dell'Abate 1546 |
The Camerino dei Confirmati - "Confirmed's Chamber" - houses one of the symbol of the city, the Secchia Rapita, a bucket kept as a memory of the victorious Battle of Zappolino -1325, against Bologna. This relic inspired the omonymous poem by Alessandro Tassoni. Also a memory of the Middle Ages, are the Preda Ringadora, a rectangular marble stone next to the portico of the palace, used as oratorial platform, and the statue called La Bonissima ("The Very Good"): the latter, portraying a feminine figure, was erected in the square in 1268 and later moved over the portico.
Today, Modena is characterized by a very important concentration of car manufacturers - Ferrari, Maserati, Bugatti, De Tomaso, Lamborghini etc., and ceramic industry (384) as well as world-known products of culinary art and culture.
Modena - Itinerary proposed...
Starts in Piazza Roma, the first central square of artistic importance you come across when arriving in Modena.
Facing the square is the 17th century Ducal Palace, headquarters of the Military Academy. Continue down Via Farini and turn right on Via Emilia which after a few meters opens onto Piazza Mazzini at the bottom of which stands the Synagogue built in the second half of the 19th century.
Continue along Via Emilia and at the height of the Chiesa del Voto, take C.so Duomo to reach Piazza Duomo. Here rises the facade of the cathedral, the Duomo, one of the greatest masterworks of the European Romanesque in both the architectural structure by Lanfranco and the sculptural work by Wiligelmo.
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Chiesa del Voto |
Jewish Synagogue |
Coming out of the cathedral continue along Via Lanfranco where the Duomo Museums are found (Epigraphic and Treasury) and passing the Ghirlandina tower - the bell tower of the Duomo and symbol of the town - you reach the Town Hall, a structure composed of various buildings that sprang up over the centuries starting in the Middle Ages and still today seat of the Municipality. From here you can admire the Piazza Grande, the heart of Modenese life, with its famous "Pietra ringadora", a pink marble block that used to be used to harangue the crowds. The Duomo, the Ghirlandina tower and Piazza Grande have been recognised by Unesco as heritage of mankind.
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Pulpit of the Duomo |
Apse |
Crossing the square go back onto C.so Duomo and once back onto Via Emilia, turn left and continue towards Piazza S.Agonisto where you can visit the church of the same name, in which among the other artistic treasures, the splendid "Mourning the body of Christ" by Begarelli stands out.
Still on the same side where the church rises, is the Palazzone Dei Musei, the seat of many prestigious cultural institutes, such as the Municipal Museums, the Estense Gallery housing one of the most important Italian collections which reflects the interest the Estenses had in painting and sculpture, but also in archaeology and other minor arts, the Estense Epigraphic Museum with many exhibits of high artistic value, the Estense library which preserves precious illuminated codes from the 14th to the 16th century, the Municipal Historical Archives with its eight centuries of documentation on the history of Modena and its territory, the Luigi Poletti Municipal Library of Art specialized in the history of art and architecture.
Colourful houses around the house of Muratori
Returning to Largo Sant'Agostino, take Viale Berengario where on the left the "Foro Boario" can be seen, today seat of the Faculty of Economics and one of the exhibition halls of the Municipality. Carry on to Via del Voltone at the end of which is the Church of Santa Maria Della Pomposa fronting onto the square. Documented as far back as the 12th century, it was built in 1717 at the behest by Ludovic Antonio Muratori, who serveds as priest there until 1733. Inside, are paintings by Bernardino Cevi and Jean Boulanger,17th century; the tomb of Muratori is the work of Milanese artist, Ludovic Pogliaghi (1931).
Once finished visiting the church, then take Via Taglio until reaching L.go San Giorgio where the church of the same name is situated. This brings you back to Piazza Roma where the itinerary ends.
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Church of Santa Maria della Pomposa |
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Nonantola - only 11.07 Km from Modena
The Italian Catholic archdiocese of Modena-Nonantola existed as the diocese of Modena in central Italy from the 3rd century. In 1820 it incorporated the territory of Nonantola Abbey, and took its current name in 1986.
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Founded in the 9th century to shelter the tomb of the hermit Giles, the Benedictine Abbey was to become an important shrine for Christians during the 11th and 12th centuries. The religious wars (1562-1622) dealt the abbey a blow from which it never recovered. In the 17th century the remains of the Romanesque nave were used to build a Church, 1650, in a rather undistinguished late Gothic style.
St. Anselm of Nonantola |
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San Silvestro, Benedictine Abbey - Nonantola |
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Benedictine abbot and duke. He was born in Forum Juhi, modern Friuli, Italy, heir to a local title and brother-in-law of King Aistulf, the Lombard ruler who married Anselm's sister, Gisaltruda. Anselm left his titles and power, and in 750 founded a monastery at Tanano, Italy.
Two years later he built the monastery of Nonantola near Modena, Italy. He then went to Rome where Pope Stephen II invested him with the habit of the Benedictine Order. Anselm founded many charitable institutions; however, he lost his patronage when Aistulf died. Desiderius, the new Lombard ruler, banished Anselm from his kingdom in 756. He went to Monte Cassino for seven years, until Desiderius fell to the armies of Charlemagne. Anselm remained in Nonantola until his death. He is patron of the region.
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| Every century of the second millennium has left a unique and unmistakeable trace on Parma enriching the heart of the city with beautiful monuments. The tourist can thus explore the city’s fascinating history in the space of one day by visiting: Pilotta Palace - Farnese Theatre - Cathedral (Duomo)- Baptistery - Piazza Garibaldi and the historical city centre |
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Cathedral |
Cupola - Correggio |
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Roman Parma The Roman city, which was founded along the Via Emilia during the republican period, offers the visitor interesting though partial remains of an ancient civilisation. Monuments: the Archaeological museum - Piazza Garibaldi - the Diocesan museum - the Roman bridge.
The Medieval CityThe ancient Cathedral Square and the Baptistery designed by Antelami reveal to the visitor an extraordinary “Gospel written in stone” which revives the Medieval sense of religion. Monuments:Cathedral - Baptistery - Bishop’s Palace - Diocesan Museum - Church of the Holy Cross (Chiesa di S. Croce) - the National Gallery The Renaissance in ParmaCorreggio, refined and innovative artist of the XVI century, was commissioned to paint three frescoes in the heart of the city, each one of which reveals his supreme and unequalled creativity and, together with the work of Parmigianino, illustrate the exciting artistic vitality of renaissance Parma. Monuments: Convent of St. Paul (Monastero di S. Paolo) - Monastery of St. John the Evangelist (San Giovanni Evangelista) - Cathedral - Church of Santa Maria of the Steccata - the National Gallery |
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Vecchio ospitale - the old hospital |
Pilotta-scalinata |
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The Ducal CityAn "aristocratic" tour which takes us through three centuries of history, art and masterpieces visiting the residential palaces of the Ducal Farnese and Bourbon families and of the Duchess Maria Luigia so re-living the splendid life of the court and its spectacles.
Monuments: Pilotta Palace - Ducal Palace and Garden - the "Glauco Lombardi" museum - the Palatine Library - Museum of the Chivalric Order of Constantine and St. George (Church of la Steccata).
Parma, City of MusicAs a city of great musical traditions, Parma offers the visitor the chance to follow a fascinating pathway from the baroque to the modern era. Monuments: Farnese Theatre - Opera House (Teatro Regio) - Paganini Concert Hall - 'House of Music' (Casa della Musica) - "Arrigo Boito" Music School (Conservatorium) - birth house of Arturo Toscanini (Casa Natale). |
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Piazza Garibaldi by night |
"Secret" ParmaMonuments: Sacristies
and wooden choir stalls in city churches and monasteries |