ITS FOOD & DRINK
Simplicity and flavour. A win-win combination for 'made in Emilia Romagna' cuisine, which can count on star players the calibre of Parmigiano Reggiano and Prosciutto of Parma. A region fit for true gourmets, for whom a combined traditional historical-artistic itinerary and gastronomic tour is recommended, with a series of ad hoc stops. Firstly, Bologna, to nibble at some mortadella (polony sausage), sliced or in small chunks, with tagliatelle con rag and tortellini. The tour can then continue in the direction of Reggio Emilia, home of the typical Erbazzone (a savoury pie with spinach); Piacenza for its tortelloni, and Modena for the zampone (pig's trotter stuffed with salted and flavoured minced meat), balsamic vinegar (obtained from cooked grape must), bomba di riso (with stewed pigeons) and tortelli di zucca [pasta stuffed with squash]. In Parma, a must stop to savour the culatello di Zibello [fine cured pork loin], tortelli con le erbette [with herbs], and naturally, the prosciutto crudo. Next, on to Piacenza, for the pisarei e faso (gnocchi in miniature with beans), and Ferrara with its burricche (yet another special type of filled pasta). The great unifying element of all these foods is the piadina (an exquisite thinly drawn focaccia bread made with water, flour and salt), eaten plain, with sliced meats and cheese, or stuffed. And let's not forget the region's wines: from the Gutturnio, the fruit of the Colli Piacentini, to the Trebbiano, Lambrusco, Barbera, Sauvignon and Sangiovese. Closing off our excursion sweetly, we can't miss out on the panspeziale [spicy sweet bread], amaretti of San Geminiano, torta nera (with chocolate and bitter almonds) and lupini (balls of sweet dough).
ITS SIGHTS
Can you tour Italy, yet remain still in one spot? At Viserba di Rimini, in the heart of the Adriatic Riviera, it is actually possible to 'travel' from one part of the boot to the other in just a few minutes. An Italy in miniature, so to speak, watching over a treasure of 273 scale model reproductions of the principal monuments found across Italy and Europe. From the Arena in Verona to the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, not to mention Saint Paul’s Cathedral in London. Visitors are immersed into another 'dimension' (albeit reduced in size), for the enjoyment of young and old alike, as is also the case at Riminis Delfinario, which, along with its group of likeable dolphins, also hosts a large aquarium featuring fish species of all types. Emilia Romagna offers visitors a series of itineraries that are just about customised to their personal needs. Those seeking the sun and seaside can head straight for the Riviera, for aquatic sports, sunbathing, and dancing well into the night in the discotheques of Rimini, Riccione, Milano marittima and Cesenatico. Automobile aficionados will find their mecca at Maranello (Modena), where they can make a stop at the Ferrari gallery and adjacent automobile museum, whereas nature lovers can discover the beauty of the Apennines on horseback, riding along outfitted horse trails between Parma and Piacenza. Art, religion and history in Bologna are all merged into one at the Basilica di San Petronio, truly one of Italys most fascinating and beautiful churches, boasting an original facade, half of which is covered in marble and the other half left plainly unrefined. To get to the top of the Torre degli Asinelli, on the other hand, visitors must climb all of 498 steps, but the panorama which opens up to them once they get there makes it worth the effort. In Ferrara, one of Italy's greatest art cities, tourists can easily get around by bicycle, then perhaps stop over at the Castello Estense before heading down towards Modena for two very good reasons: its Cathedral and Ghirlandina (bell tower). |
