Via Roma, 42121 Reggio Emilia RE (September 2020)

Reggio Emilia

Reggio Emilia, a vibrant and historically rich city in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy, is known for its cultural heritage, innovative educational philosophy, and culinary traditions. Situated between the bustling cities of Parma and Modena, Reggio Emilia offers a harmonious blend of history, modernity, and community spirit. Despite being relatively small compared to some of Italy’s larger cities, it has made a global impact, particularly in the realm of early childhood education, thanks to the world-renowned Reggio Emilia Approach. Founded by the Romans in the 2nd century BC, Reggio Emilia has a long and eventful history. Its strategic location on the Via Emilia, a major Roman road, helped establish the city as an important commercial and military hub in the ancient world. Over the centuries, Reggio Emilia has played a key role in regional politics and trade, serving as a centre of learning and cultural exchange during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The city is known for its connection to Tricolore (Museum of the Italian Flag) is a testament to its historical significance. One of Reggio Emilia’s most important contributions to the world, however, is its revolutionary approach to early childhood education. Developed after World War II by educator Loris Malaguzzi and the local community, the Reggio Emilia Approach emphasizes the importance of nurturing children’s creativity, curiosity, and collaboration through experiential learning. This philosophy views children as active participants in their education, capable of expressing themselves through “a hundred languages,” which include drawing, painting, movement, and play. Schools inspired by this method have spread worldwide, making Reggio Emilia synonymous with progressive and child-cantered education.

Architecturally, Reggio Emilia reflects its layered history with a mix of medieval, Renaissance, and modern structures. The city’s historic centre is characterized by charming piazzas, narrow streets, and well-preserved buildings, many of which house boutiques, cafés, and restaurants. The Piazza Prampolini, known as the heart of the city, is home to the impressive Reggio Emilia Cathedral and the Palazzo del Comune, offering visitors a glimpse of the city’s artistic and cultural heritage. Nearby, the Basilica della Ghiara, a Baroque masterpiece, stands as one of the city’s most important religious sites. Reggio Emilia is also known for its culinary excellence, with a deep-rooted tradition of producing some of Italy’s finest food products. Located in the heart of the fertile Po Valley, the city is surrounded by rich agricultural land that produces high-quality ingredients central to Italian cuisine. The region is famous for its production of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, often referred to as the “king of cheeses.” Additionally, the nearby city of Modena is home to the production of traditional balsamic vinegar, a staple in local dishes. Reggio Emilia’s markets, restaurants, and trattorias offer an array of delicious foods, from handmade pasta like tortelli to cured meats like prosciutto. Culturally, the city is a hub for arts and performances. The Teatro Municipale Valli, a grand neoclassical opera house, hosts operas, concerts, and ballet performances, contributing to Reggio Emilia’s reputation as a city of culture. Festivals celebrating music, theatre, and film, along with local traditions like food fairs, create a lively atmosphere throughout the year, making the city a focal point for both residents and visitors. Reggio Emilia is a city that beautifully intertwines its historical roots with a modern, progressive outlook. Known globally for its educational philosophy, it also offers a rich array of cultural, architectural, and culinary experiences, making it a destination that appeals to both the curious traveller and the history enthusiast.

Worth a Visit

Photo Gallery of Walk 1 – Via Emilia San Pietro to Piazza di S. Prospero
Approximately 1.76 km – 1.09 miles

The walk starts in Via Emilia San Pietro – Basilica di San Pietro, Via Emilia San Pietro – Via Campo Samarotto – Viale Monte S. Michele – Via Dante Alighieri – Via Roma – Parrocchia di San Giacomo, Via Roma – Via Roma – Piazza “Del Popol Giost” – Via Roma – Porta Santa Croce, Via Roma – Via Roma – Via Emilia San Pietro – Via Mario Calderini – Via Emilia San Pietro – Piazza di S. Prospero – Basilica of San Prospero, Piazza di S. Prospero – Piazza di S. Prospero

Photo Gallery of Walk 2 – Piazza Camillo Prampolini to Via Emilia Santo Stefano
Approximately 1.93 km – 1.11 miles

The walk starts in Piazza Camillo Prampolini – Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta, Piazza Camillo Prampolini – Via Filippo Corridoni – Via Emilia San Pietro – Via Don Giuseppe Andreoli – Piazza Martiri del 7 Luglio – Piazza della Vittoria -Galleria Cavour – Via Naborre Campanini – Via Guido da Castello- Corso Giuseppe Garibaldi – Piazza Roversi – Corso Giuseppe Garibaldi – Piazza Vincenzo Gioberti – Via Emilia Santo Stefano