Lying on the ancient Via Emilia, some 25km north-west of Modena, Reggio Emilia (officially Reggio nell'Emilia, but more simply just 'Reggio') started life as a staging post on the Roman road. Falling into decline at the end of the Roman Empire it suffered the usual depredations at the hands of Barbarians and Franks, before becoming a comune in the eleventh century. Reggio became a Duchy in 1452 under the rule of the Este family (famously the rulers of Ferrara). It was ruled by Napoleon, became part of Piemonte and finally joined the united Italy in 1860.
Rapid growth in the late 19th century led to the unfortunate removal of the medieval defensive walls (hard to blame them for failing to anticipate how attractive these would have been to tourists a hundred years on). Reggio has a strong socialist tradition that grew up at the close of the 19th century and brought the wrath of Mussolini down upon the town.
Main sights? The two central squares of Piazza Prampolini and Piazza San Prospero, with its Palazzo del Municipio. This central area is attractive, with its cobbled streets closed to traffic; cycling is perfect for exploring the city. There is the Basilica di San Prospero (10th century) and the Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo, dating from 1280 and restored in 1432. From here was proclaimed the tricolour as the new official flag of Italy. The Duomo is a complete mishmash of styles: on its base, dating from the 9th to 12th centuries is a 16th century reconstruction. Galleria Parmeggiani has a good collection of Italian, Flemish and Spanish painting. Important churches include the baroque Basilica della Ghiara; Christ's Oratory; St Augustine; St Peter, by Giulio della Torre; and San Giovannino, with baroque paintings by Lorenzo Franchi, Sisto Badalocchio, Tommaso Sandrini, Tiarini and Paolo Guidotti. Important palazzi include the Palazzo Ducale from the 1700s and the Palazzo Magnani. Also see the neoclassical Teatro Municipale.
To the left you'll find a selection of hotels, to get you in the mood
- see also our full listings of Reggio Emilia hotels.
