Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Emilia-Romagna &
San Marino
Why Go?
The secret's in the mud. The roots of Emilia-Romagna's supersonic economy lie not in the
mechanics of its famous Ferraris, but in its exceptionally fertile soil. Since antiquity, the
verdant plains of the region's Po river valley have sown enough agricultural riches to feed a
nation and finance an unending production line of lavish products: luxury cars, regal
palazzi
(mansions), fine Romanesque churches, prosperous towns, a sturdy industrial infra-
structure, a gigantic operatic legacy (Verdi and Pavarotti, no less) and food. Ah yes, did
anyone mention the food?
You can eat like a Roman emperor here, and, if you have any appetite left, dip your toe
tentatively into the places that time-poor Rome-o-philes serially miss. There's Bolshie Bo-
logna with its
ragù
(meat and tomato sauce) and porticoes, posh Parma with its opera and
cheese, Modena and its balsamic vinegar, the wealthy micronation of San Marino, and
Ravenna with its mosaics. Come to Emilia-Romagna
ragazzi
(guys). Just don't forget the
mud that made it.
When to Go
