A precise date shapes the way we see Reggio Emilia: the Museo del Tricolore recounts that on January 7, 1797, delegates from Reggio, Bologna, Modena and Ferrara proclaimed the Cispadane Republic and its green, white and red flag. The ground floor connects the Tricolour with contemporary art, creativity and educational workshops. On the first floor, the political events of Reggio Emilia continue to unfold—from 1796 to the beginning of the Restoration. A single historical moment and a longer political period are thus brought together at the museum.
Collections and architecture
The Palazzo dei Musei traces the history of the Reggio area, from prehistory through the Etruscan presence and Roman conquest to the early Middle Ages. The permanent interpretation on the second floor covers this period; the palazzo also houses art, archaeology and natural science collections. A permanent section dedicated to the work of Luigi Ghirri features changing exhibitions. Here, a broad sweep of history meets a range of different collection areas.
The Galleria Parmeggiani brings together three 19th-century collections, combined in 1925. The holdings include paintings, furniture, textiles, weapons and jewellery. The building itself also tells a story: built between 1925 and 1928 to a design by engineer Ascanio Ferrari, it is in the Gothic-Renaissance style. The Teatro Municipale Romolo Valli features a different architectural language, with its Neoclassical façade and Doric portico of twelve columns. The two buildings offer a chance to compare different stylistic features.
The Basilica della Beata Vergine della Ghiara is considered a masterpiece of Counter-Reformation art. Admission is free; check the latest information on entry and digital services before your visit. A free app and QR codes on the interior pillars provide historical information and details about the artwork. The paintings can also be viewed under special lighting.
Guided tours of the Chiostri di San Pietro last about 45 minutes. The tour includes the outdoor garden, historic rooms, the monumental Chiostro Grande, the Sette Sale and the immersive virtual reality experience È pericoloso non sporgersi. As the programme may change, check the latest visitor information before your trip. The tour Di piazza in piazza takes you through the historic centre, linking churches, museums and other sights; individual stops may change.
Routes and getting around
The part of Parco del Crostolo south of Reggio covers 5.7 million square metres. Passeggiata Estense connects the city centre with the park and continues through green spaces to the Reggia di Rivalta and Villa d’Este. Passeggiata del Crostolo is a separate route, about 16 kilometres long, along a combined cycling and walking path that can be used on foot or by bike.
The CAI 646V trail is a hiking route connecting Parco del Crostolo, the Rosta Nuova/Pappagnocca neighbourhood and Parco delle Acque Chiare. To access Via Matildica del Volto Santo from the city centre, the route crosses Ponte di San Pellegrino. You can reach it via Porta Castello and Viale Umberto I. The routes thus offer different points of reference: an approximate distance, links between named places and a described route from the city centre.
Even the journey here has an architectural connection: Stazione AV Mediopadana is the only high-speed railway station between Milan and Bologna and was designed by Santiago Calatrava.
Local cuisine and things to do
Erbazzone Reggiano is a savoury pie and a symbol of Reggio’s culinary tradition. In the Reggio area, you can visit traditional balsamic vinegar cellars; check with each cellar about visitor arrangements. In the province of Reggio Emilia, guided tours of dairies offer insight into the production of Parmigiano Reggiano. Bookings and participating dairies vary.
When planning your accommodation, start by choosing what interests you most: would you like your trip to focus on collections and historic buildings, or on green routes? Guided tours and local produce offer other ways to shape your visit. You can plan your trip around the discoveries that interest you most.
Discover more destinations: Casale, Montecatini, Tabiano, Rubiera, Regnano, Reggio Nell'emilia, Reggiolo, Montecchio Emilia, Luzzara, Correggio, Castelnovo Di Sotto, Campegine, Brescello, Cadelbosco Di Sopra, Praticello, Salvaterra, Gaida, Baiso, Villarotta, Fabbrico, Campagnola Emilia, Cavriago, Scandiano, Bagnolo In Piano, Vezzano Sul Crostolo, La Villa, Quattro Castella, Gualtieri, Toano, Massenzatico, Carpineti, Viano, San Polo D'enza, Canossa, Ramiseto, Cecciola, Cerreto Alpi, Poviglio, Novellara, Lignano, San Bartolomeo, Cervarezza, Casina, Castellarano, San Donnino Di Liguria, San Martino In Rio, Rolo, Cerreto Laghi, Castelnovo Ne' Monti, Monteduro, Bosco, Bibbiano, Villa Minozzo, Sant'ilario D'enza, Casalgrande, Collagna, Gattatico, Castellazzo, Succiso Nuovo, Borzano, Fogliano, Il Cantone di Pieve Modolena, Ligonchio, La Collina, San Giovanni, Bagno, Vecchia, Cerredolo, Febbio, Barco and Albinea.
For the wider travel overview: Emilia-Romagna.
