Emilia Romagna lies between the River Po to its north and the Apennine Mountains (to its south). It is one of the most fertile and productive regions of Italy, thanks to the mitigating effect that the Adriatic Sea has on the coastal climate. The diversity between the mountains and sea offers visitors to Emilia Romagna breathtaking views, in addition to beauty for both the eyes and spirit, with a mixture of the earthy colors, the aromas, and the fresh sea air. Not to mention that Emilia Romagna is a hotbed for music, cinema and art appreciated nationally and internationally. Many who love the combination of sun, sea, and entertainment choose the Romagna Riviera. It possesses the longest beach in Europe and is where visitors flock to enjoy its sports offerings and leisure facilities. Towns such as Rimini, Riccione, and Cattolica are highly-outfitted for touristic reception, emphasizing relaxation and fun. Further from the coast, the beautiful landscape of the Apennines, for instance, makes the region ideal for horseback riding or trekking in the area between Parma and Piacenza. Make a visit to the splendid parks and wonderful nature reserves. The hinterland features several wellness spas like Salsomaggiore and Bagno di Romagna, due to its many types of water springs, as well as modern facilities and technology. Both culinary and artistic methods found themselves on the fertile soil of this land, and their roots run deep. This is the land of Verdi’s novels and Giovanni Pascoli’s poetry, as well as Fellini’s unmistakable cinema - a director who became a legend through his many masterpieces that come to life in this, his native region. In Emilia Romagna, one can enjoy amazing views anywhere, and the list of places to choose from is endless. Emilia Romagna sits on the border with the third-smallest country in Europe, the Republic of San Marino. The provinces of the region are Bologna (the region's capital), Ferrara, Forli-Cesena, Modena, Parma, Piacenza, Ravenna, Reggio Emilia, and Rimini. Art, history, and architecture are only some aspects of the wide range of features characterizing Emilia Romagna. Bologna is part trade show city and commerce, the part grande dame of culture, art and cuisine, and in part college town with a rather alternative flair. Similarly to Bologna's own diverse characteristics, the Basilica di San Petronio, one of the most beautiful churches in Italy, displays a with its half marble and half raw façade. Those who want to reach the heights of the city must climb the 498 steps of the Asinelli Tower. The view from its top will reward all those who make the climb. Ferrara, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, is a marvelous example of Renaissance splendor perfectly preserved. This can be seen in the roads, façades of the buildings and the other artistic treasures the town has to offer, especially the Castello Estense. Modena, then, boasts its Romanesque cathedral and the Ghirlandina Church Tower. With no fewer than 8 Christian monuments deemed worthy of the UNESCO World Heritage List, Ravenna is Emilia Romagna's city of mosaics. The masterpieces of this town, a capital of the Byzantine (Exarchate) Empire, bear witness to the wealth acquired over its long history. Highlights include the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, the Mausoleum of Theodosius and the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare in Classe (featuring some of those above-mentioned spectacular mosaics). Faenza, rich in monuments and historical and cultural heritage, is internationally-acclaimed for its ancient ceramics industry, dating back to the 13th Century. In the province of Modena is Maranello, where sports car enthusiasts can visit the Ferrari Museum to see the most prestigious cars produced - along with race trophies and photos - by this world-famous manufacturer. And Imola, with its historic forts and piazzas, is the seat of the Enzo and Dino Ferrari Autodrome, a continuous venue for bicycle and motorcycle events. Tourist Attractions in Emilia Romagna 01 Oltremare Marine Park; A marine park near Rimini, the highlight of Oltremare ( beyond the sea ) is the dolphin lagoon. 02 Push Start Ferrari Experience; In the city of Ferrari and Maserati, it's only natural that you'll feel the impulse to the push the pedal to the metal. 03 The Certosa of Bologna; A cemetery might seem like a strange tourist attraction, but this one is truly one of Bologna's must-see sights. 04 Bologna's Two Towers; The medieval version of skyscrapers are an impressive sight, especially in Bologna. 05 Cathedral and Baptistry; The austere facade of Parma's cathedral gives no hint of the splendor to be found within. 06 Dante's Tomb; While Florence is the famous poet's birthplace, his mortal remains are in a tomb in Ravenna, having been cast out from his own city. 07 Rocchetta Mattei; In the rugged countryside near Vergato, this fairytale castle looks lost in place and time. 08 Archiginnasio; One of Bologna's most famous buildings, the Archiginnasio served as the principle building for the university. 09 Castello Estense; Set in the heart of Ferrara, the Castello Estense is the symbol of the city. 10 Jewish Ghetto of Ferrara; Ferrara has a rich history sprinkled with the importance of Jewish presence here since the Middle Ages, said to have come directly from Judea. 11 Mercato di Mezzo; Bologna is a food lover's paradise, and the Mercato di Mezzo is the place of culinary dreams. 12 Palazzo Municipale di Ferrara; One of the symbols of Ferrara is the bulwark building known as Palazzo Municipale. 13 Piazza Grande of Modena; The city of Modena's heart and hub is the portico-lined Piazza Grande. 14 The Canals of Bologna; A little known fact about Bologna is the city's canals. 15 Piazza Garibaldi; The heart of Parma is centered on the central Piazza Garibaldi.

PHOTO Santuario Madonna di San Luca in