Piacenza
Only a 30-minute train ride away from Milan, this little town offers a perfect day-trip. The 16th century Musei Civici di Palazzo Farnese are to be seen here, which hosts a rich art collection displaying the wealth and power of the Farnese family at that time. The 12th-century Romanesque cathedral of the town is one of the best examples of its kind in Italy. The gothic town hall on the main square of Piazza Cavalli is another must-see.
Fontanellato
This small town between Piacenza and Parma deserves a visit for its famous designer’s outlet called Fidenza Village. The shopping center is open every day with its 120 boutiques offering reduced prices up to 70% at times. This luxury outlet offers a charming open-air “village” settings with many dining options as well. Parma region is also famous for its exquisite castles. Rocca Sanvitale, dating back to the 17th century, is a fine example surrounded by water. Castelli del Ducato is another fascinating example, housing great art collection of the Duchy of Parma.
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Labirinto della Masone
Being one of the main attractions of the area, this largest labyrinth of the world is made of 200 thousand bamboo plants. The structure was commissioned by the Italian art publisher and magazine editor Franco Maria Ricci and inspired by Argentinean writer Jorge Luis Borges. A museum has been opened alongside the Labyrinth (the entire art collection of Ricci), as well as a library, exhibition areas, a bistro and two exclusive suites.
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Parma
Parma is a university city, which is also famous for its gastronomical specialties like “Prosciutto di Parma”, “Parmigiano Reggiano” cheese and “gnocchi di patate” that has been the most popular items Italy has introduced to our culinary world. The city offers some architectural gems like a Romanesque cathedral, the cupola of whom is covered with frescos of the famous 16th century Renaissance master Correggio. Teatro Regio, the gilded opera house of the city on the other hand, is active all around the year staging several international opera and dance spectacles, including a well acclaimed Verdi Festival.
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La Galleria (former Barilla Center)
The first pasta factory of Barilla later served as an entertainment center, the design of which belonged to the star architect Renzo Piano. The building has recently been converted into a shopping center, where you could also find fine dining options.
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Salumeria Verdi
On Via Garibaldi, for local products like Parma ham and cheese.
Modena
The former medieval capital of Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region is home to Italy's three super cars: Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati were all born here and are still being produced in Modena and its surrounding villages. It was here that Enzo Ferrari set up his racing team in 1929, and became the world's number one sports-car manufacturer that also inspired others. One can see the history of the fastest cars in the world by visiting Museo Enzo Ferrari in Maranello, as well as a tour to Maserati factory. Pavarotti, the world-famous tenor, was also a resident of Modena for about a decade and his museum-like villa is now open to the visitors as Casa Museo Luciano Pavarotti. The city is also famous for its high-quality balsamic vinegar, produced and aged in wood barrels in the provinces of Modena and Reggio Emilia.
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Al Cenacolo
Typical Modena dishes with affordable prices, accompanied by a glass of welcoming prosecco.
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Osteria Francescana
Artsy plates at the Michelin-starred restaurant of Massimo Botura, a key figure among the new wave of Italian chefs.
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Dozza
This small town is a true gem, hidden from the eyes only 40 kilometers away from Bologna. The town is famous for its mural festival called Muro Dipinto that takes place every two years when the streets and the house facades are covered with paintings. Dozza is also a member of I Borghi Piu Belli di Italia (The Most Beautiful Villages of Italy) organization.
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This regional wine association has been around since the 1970s to promote Emilia Romagna wines. They offer wine tastings with sommeliers and a rich cave of about 800 local labels.
Mantua
This beautiful medieval town has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, mainly due to its artistic and culinary traditions. As it is surrounded by several lakes and wetlands, the city has not expanded too much and still has a population of 48,000. That's why, you can explore its treasures without being disturbed by the crowds. Palazzo Ducale is like a city within the city with its castle, basilica, galleries, more than 500 rooms, courtyards and gardens. It was the home of Gonzaga family, the dukes of Mantua, for centuries and still is the the largest residence in Italy after the Vatican. You should see its frescos painted by artists like Raphael and Lorenzo Costa. End your day with a romantic stroll by the river at the sundown, savouring Torta Sbrisolana (a local almond cake) and Lambrusco wine of course!
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Casa del Rigoletto
Giuseppe Verdi's "Rigoletto" takes Mantua as its scene. Learn the rest of the story at this small museum.
Ferrara
Ferrara flourished as an economic, artistic and religious center under the famous Este family, who made the city a rival to Florence and Venice during the Italian Renaissance of the 15th and 16th centuries. The city attracted the greatest talents of the time, like Bellini and Mantegna, who decorated the palaces of the House of Este. You can visit Castello Estense (Este Castle) to imagine the times when this powerful family ruled the city.