B
Basilica della Beata Vergine della Ghiara
Reggio's most important church was built in 1596 to honour the miracle of a deaf and blind boy named Marchino who regained his voice and hearing after…
Getty Images/LOOK
Reggio Emilia
The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office advises against all but essential travel to Reggio Emilia due to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Often written off as an emergency pit stop on the Via Emilia, Reggio Emilia states its case as the birthplace of the Italian flag – the famous red, white and green tricolour – and a convenient base for sorties south into the region's best natural attraction, the Parco Nazionale dell'Appennino Tosco-Emiliano. Those savvy enough to get out of their train, car or bus will find a cyclist-friendly city with attractive squares, grand public buildings and a leafy park.
Known also as Reggio nell'Emilia, the town started life in the 2nd century BC as a Roman colony along the Via Emilia. Much of Reggio was built by the Este family during the 400 years it controlled the town, beginning in 1406.
Explore Reggio Emilia
- BBasilica della Beata Vergine della Ghiara
Reggio's most important church was built in 1596 to honour the miracle of a deaf and blind boy named Marchino who regained his voice and hearing after…
- GGalleria Parmeggiani
The town's main art gallery holds some worthwhile Italian, Flemish and Spanish paintings, as well as a heterogeneous collection of costumes, arms,…
- MMuseo del Tricolore
Just off main square, this small museum is a memorial to Reggio's proud role as birthplace of the Italian tricolour flag. At a meeting in the multi-tiered…
- PPalazzo dei Musei
Formerly known as Palazzo San Francesco, the flagship of Reggio's five Musei Civici (Civic Museums) houses thematic collections of Roman archaeological…
- DDuomo
Reggio's 13th-century cathedral was first built in Romanesque style but was given a comprehensive makeover 300 years later. Nowadays, virtually all that…
Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Reggio Emilia.
See
Basilica della Beata Vergine della Ghiara
Reggio's most important church was built in 1596 to honour the miracle of a deaf and blind boy named Marchino who regained his voice and hearing after…
See
Galleria Parmeggiani
The town's main art gallery holds some worthwhile Italian, Flemish and Spanish paintings, as well as a heterogeneous collection of costumes, arms,…
See
Museo del Tricolore
Just off main square, this small museum is a memorial to Reggio's proud role as birthplace of the Italian tricolour flag. At a meeting in the multi-tiered…
See
Palazzo dei Musei
Formerly known as Palazzo San Francesco, the flagship of Reggio's five Musei Civici (Civic Museums) houses thematic collections of Roman archaeological…
See
Duomo
Reggio's 13th-century cathedral was first built in Romanesque style but was given a comprehensive makeover 300 years later. Nowadays, virtually all that…
Guidebooks
Learn more about Reggio Emilia
Uncover the heart of travel and be inspired to see new sights with one of Lonely Planet’s in-depth, award-winning guidebooks.