Reggio Emilia Car Hire

Guide of Reggio Emilia

Geography

Reggio Emilia is situated in the Emilia Romagna region in Northern Italy. It sits on the banks of the Crostolo River, close to the southern edge of the Po Plain. It is located between Parma to the west and Modena to the East.

Climate in Reggio Emilia

Like the rest of Emilia Romagna, Reggio Emilia enjoys a warm and temperate climate. Summers are hot and often muggy, while winters are cold and cloudy. The hottest months are July and August, when temperates average highs of 31°C. Most locals close down restaurants for at least a few weeks during August for Ferragosto.

The coldest month in Reggio Emilia is January. Temperatures reach average highs of 10°C, though it is not unheard of to have days as cold as 1°C. Winters tend to be rainy too, with occasional snow. November is the wettest month, though rain is common in October, December, March and April as well. The best time of year to visit is late spring and early autumn when the crowds have died down but the temperatures are still pleasant.

Culture

Once an important Roman military station on the Via Aemilia, Reggio Emilia developed into a flourishing commercial town during the Middle Ages. During the Renaissance period, it was home to prominent figures like Matteo Maria Boiardo and Ludovico Ariosto. Art thrived under the wealthy patronage of the dukes too. The city underwent an economic and population boom from 1873 until the early mid-20th century. At the same time, it grew a strong socialist tradition, which still exists today.

Things To Do in Reggio Emilia

Explore the Palazzo dei Musei

Previously known as Palazzo San Francesco, the Palazzo dei Musei houses five museums inside two historical buildings. Exhibitions range from collections exhibiting findings from the Paleolithic Age to 18th-century masterpieces.

Have a night out at the theatre

The Teatro Municipale Valli is the city’s most impressive theatre. The traditional opera house was built in an elegant neo-classical style in the 1850s and can seat up to 1150 people. It hosts a wide range of concerts, ballets and operas throughout the year and tickets are affordably priced too.

Dive into the history of the Italian flag

This pint-sized museum tells the story of Italy’s tricolour flag. It was in Reggio Emilia that, during Napoleon’s Cispadan Republic in 1797, the green, white and red flag was adopted for the first time.

Visit the city’s many cathedrals and churches

Reggio Emilia is bursting with beautiful churches. The Basicilia della Beata Vergine della Ghiara is the city’s most important. It was built in 1596 to honour the miracle of a deaf and blind boy who regained his voice and hearing after witnessing an apparition in front of the Blessed Virgin of Ghiara painting in 1569. Inside, the church is filled with frescoes and paintings by some of the region’s most prolific artists.

Cycle along the Via Matildica

The Via Matildica del Volto Santo is a 284-km pilgrim trail that winds through Lombardy, Emilia Romagna and Tuscany, along the Apennine Mountains. You can pick up the trail just outside the city centre. It follows in the footsteps of Matilde di Canossa, who ruled over the lands in the 11th century, passing ancient castles, monasteries and biodiverse landscapes along the way.

Eating Out in Reggio Emilia

Emilia Romagna is the gastronomic capital of Italy, so you can expect to find excellent food in every city. You’ll find the region’s most famous culinary specialities on most menus in Reggio Emilia, including Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, traditional balsamic vinegar, tagliatelle and tortellini. There are traditional aceterias (vinegar cellars), wineries and cheese farms dotted around the city too. Famous local dishes include tortelli di zucca, filled with pumpkin, Parmigiano Reggiano and crushed amaretti biscuits and gnocco fritto (fried gnocchi).

You’ll find the best restaurants and cafes in side streets off the main squares and away from the main tourist hotspots. Al Chiostro della Ghiara is one of the most atmospheric restaurants in the city, set in a former convent. Ristorante Canossa is a local institution too. It’s one of the few places in Emilia Romagna where you’ll find the age-old culinary tradition of carello dei boliti, a cart piled with main courses rolled to your table.

Transport

Airport

There is no airport in Reggio Emilia. The closest airport is Parma, though this is a smaller local airport that mostly offers local connections to Rome, Sardinia, Paris and London. The easiest way to reach Reggio Emilia is via Bologna Airport, the main stopover for international travellers. It’s the largest airport in the region and is served by dozens of major international airlines. It takes around 45 minutes to drive the 67 km journey or an hour by train.

Alternatively, you could fly to Milan Linate or Milan Malpensa Airport, both roughly a two-hour drive away. Milan is often the cheapest destination to fly to in Italy.

Getting Around Reggio Emilia

Reggio Emilia’s city centre is relatively compact and easy enough to explore on foot. There is also limited car access and parking in a convenient location can be difficult. Cycling is common in the city centre too and many hotels offer bicycle rentals as part of their rates. The city is well connected to surrounding towns such as Modena and Parma by Train and you can use the Mi Muovo integrated public transport pass for short-term trips.

However, if you’re looking to explore the region’s rural scenery, vineyards and medieval villages, we recommend hiring a car.