9 Best Things To Do In Reggio Emilia, Italy

things to do in Reggio Emilia
Rofiq
Rofiq 
Updated
| 3 min read

There are a plethora of reasons why you can’t miss Reggio Emilia, a charming old town in Northen Italy. A 90-minute drive from the winning Bologna, the gem famously known as the Tricolor Town incredibly has a lot of enchantment that can’t be overlooked. It literally has everything, from Renaissance figures, historic cathedrals, art, theater, great food, and much more.

If you want to learn more about this city, we recommend you to check out the following list of 9 great things to do in Reggio Emilia!

1. Have a laidback time at Piazza Fontanesi

Piazza Fontanesi - Reggio Emilia, Italy - December 19, 2009 04
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Giorgio Galeotti used under CC BY 4.0

Piazza Fontanesi is a popular city square in Reggio Emilia, commonly used by the locals for relaxing and hanging out. Here you will see a public green space, loaded with cheerful families gathering, enjoying conversation, sipping wine, and enjoying a picnic. It also is the site of a traditional market, where you can get fresh fruit and vegetables, every Tuesday and Friday.

Piazza Fontanesi

Address: Piazza Fontanesi, 42100, Reggio Emilia, Italy

Opening Hours: 24 hours

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2. Be impressed by the modern masterpieces of Collezione Maramotti

Collezione Maramotti ingresso lato est
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Photo by Cesare D... used under CC BY-SA 3.0

This hidden gem, named Collezione Maramotti, is situated in the historical headquarters of the Max Mara company and houses a countless collection of contemporary masterpieces. The mind-blowing artists who can be seen here include Alberto Burri, Tony Crag, and Piero Manzoni. As it’s not open to the public, you’ll need to reserve a visit first, free of charge.

Collezione Maramotti

Address: Fratelli Cervi, 66, 42124, Reggio Emilia, Italy

Website: Collezione Maramotti

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3. Learn about the history of the city at the Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo

Hotel posta reggio emilia
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Paolo da Reggio used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

If you want to see what Reggio Emilia was like in the past, you better hit the historic Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo. This palace dates back to the period of the Romanesque and is home to plenty of momentous objects and paintings. Once you are at the entrance, you will be captivated by the murals which vary in pattern and color, such as the Madonna with child and the coat of arms of the people.

Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo

Address: Piazza del Monte, 42121, Reggio Emilia, Italy

Contact Number: +39 075 81381

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4. Sample Il Pozzo's tortelli verdi

Pasta
Source: Pixabay

Il Pozzo boasts a lovely Italian atmosphere and an impressive dining experience. It features beautiful interior decor, a summer patio, a dramatic view of a tower wrapped in vine trees, and a sweet table setting. Additionally, there is an assortment of worthy local delicacies you can try. One great recommendation is the tortelli verdi, a type of ravioli cooked with summer squash and farm greens.

Il Pozzo

Address: Viale Antonio Allegri 7, 42121, Reggio Emilia, Italy

Opening Hours: 7:30 pm - 11:30 pm (Monday to Saturday) and 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm (Tuesday to Saturday)

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5. Say a prayer at the Tempio della Beata Vergine della Ghiara

Tempio della Beata Vergine della Ghiara
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Giuliani Claudio used under CC BY-SA 4.0

You are not a true churchgoer until you feed your soul at the holy Tempio della Beata Vergine della Ghiara, a remarkable site for Catholic prayer, in the heart of Reggio Emilia. Despite its old age, this structure, built in the 16th century, stands sturdily and features a fantastic interior that includes its colossal arcades, gorgeous altars and painted ceilings, which depict religious stories.

Tempio della Beata Vergine della Ghiara

Address: Corso Garibaldi, Reggio Emilia, Italy

Contact Number: +39 0522 439707

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6. Watch a live performance at the Teatro Municipale Valli

Teatro Municipale Romolo Valli 01
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Lorenzo Gaudenzi used under CC BY-SA 4.0

It’s not hard to find live entertainment in Reggio Emilia – the easiest way is to head to the Teatro Municipale Valli. The rectangular building accommodates up to 1150 people and hosts a number of worthy shows, such as concerts, ballet performances, and operas. Nestled in the historical center, the theater, designed by Cesare Costa, has mesmerizing neoclassical-style decor.

Teatro Municipale Valli

Address: Piazza Martiri VII Luglio 7 Reggio Emilia, Italy

Website: Teatro Municipale Valli

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7. Read and buy some books at the Libreria All'Arco

Bookstore
Source: Photo by Flickr user Shelby H. used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Famous for its achievements in education, the city provides a lot of places to read books, one of which is the Libreria All'Arco. Visitors will feel homey and comfortable here and won’t want to leave – the fashionable interior also adds to its charm. It has a large variety of books, from fiction to encyclopedias.

Libreria All'Arco

Address: Via Emilia a Santo Stefano 3/D, 42121, Reggio Emilia, Italy

Opening Hours: 9 am to 7:30 pm

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8. Stroll down the Piazza Prampolini

Piazza Prampolini Reggio Emilia-2
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Lorenzo Gaudenzi used under CC BY-SA 4.0

One of the coolest spots to take a walk is none other than the Piazza Prampolini. This major square is at the hub of the ancient town and is surrounded by compelling historic buildings, such as the Town Hall, accentuating its “Sala del Tricolore”, the Duomo (the archaic cathedral), and the bank. Come between Tuesday and Friday to interact with the locals at the lively, temporary street market, in the public center.

Piazza Prampolini

Address: Piazza Prampolini, Reggio Emilia, Italy

Opening Hours: 24 hours

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9. Delight in an elegant dinner at the Caffe Arti e Mestieri

Italian dinner
Source: Photo by Flickr user Kimberly Vardeman used under CC BY 2.0

To perfect your day of relaxation in Reggio Emilia, be sure to savor an Italian dinner at the Caffe Arti e Mestieri. Set in the courtyard of a building, this eatery is where you want to be for a lovely and memorable meal. The delicacies are well-presented, delectable, innovative, and highly recommended. Some of the dining options include oysters with burrata and pumpkin ravioli.

Caffe Arti e Mestieri

Address: Via Emilia a San Pietro 16 | Chef Gianni e Federico D'amato, 42121, Reggio Emilia, Italy

Website: Caffe Arti e Mestieri

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Enjoy never-ending pleasure in Reggio Emilia!

07 Reggio Emilia, Italy - レッジョ・エミリア
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Tupungato used under CC BY 3.0

Reggio Emilia, the charming town in the middle of Italy, truly gives more to all its visitors. From artistic places for worshipping and restaurants that offer authentic Italian cuisine to historic and modern buildings, this town is truly flawless.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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Rofiq, hailing from East Java, Indonesia, is a passionate explorer who thrives on discovering new places, encountering diverse people, and immersing himself in various languages and cultures. His...Read more

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