Living in Emilia-Romagna:
A region full of history, culture and vitality
Emilia-Romagna, one of Italy’s most prosperous and multifaceted regions, offers a fascinating mix of history, culture and economic strength. This region is not only famous around the world for its cuisine, but also for its automotive industry and beautiful landscape.
Italy > Emilia-Romagna
Emilia-Romagna offers a high quality of life, excellent job opportunities and an impressive variety of cultural attractions. Find out why it is worth living in Emilia-Romagna and discover the many advantages of this unique region.
Geographical location and population
With an area of 22,509.67 km² and a population of 4.4 million inhabitants (as of 2022), Emilia-Romagna is one of the most important and most densely populated regions in Italy. The capital Bologna, one of the oldest university cities in the world, is considered the cultural and economic heart of the region. The landscape of Emilia-Romagna is characterized in roughly equal parts by flat plains and rolling hills, which gives the region a scenic diversity.
To the east, Emilia-Romagna borders the Adriatic Sea, which is known for its miles of sandy beaches and seaside destinations such as Rimini and Riccione. The coast attracts thousands of tourists every year and at the same time offers an ideal place to live for those who want to enjoy life in Italy close to the sea.
History and cultural heritage
Emilia-Romagna is deeply rooted in Italian history. Already in Roman times, the region was an important center for trade and culture. The ancient Via Emilia, a Roman road that stretches from Piacenza to Rimini, is to this day a symbol of the region’s long history and strategic importance.
Bologna: the city of towers and science
The capital city of Bologna is a cultural jewel and is known for its university, the oldest in Europe, which was founded in 1088. The old town of Bologna, characterized by medieval towers, invites you to explore its narrow streets, charming squares and arcades. The university and lively student life have given Bologna a dynamic and international atmosphere that delights both locals and visitors alike.
Another highlight of Bologna is its cuisine. Many of the most famous Italian dishes, such as tagliatelle al ragù (also known as “bolognese”), have their origins here. The city’s culinary tradition reflects the rich culture and history of the region and is a must for any foodie.
Modena: home of balsamic vinegar and Ferrari
The city of Modena is world-famous for two things: the exquisite aceto balsamico tradizionale and as the home of the legendary car manufacturer Ferrari. Balsamic vinegar from Modena is one of Italy’s most important culinary achievements and has been produced according to strict traditional methods for centuries. Visitors to Modena can not only visit the local vinegar cellars, but also the Ferrari Museum, which offers an exciting insight into the history of the Italian automotive industry.
Economy and industry – a strong engine for Italy
Emilia-Romagna is not only known for its cultural and culinary treasures, but also as one of the strongest economic regions in Italy. The region is home to some of the most important companies in the automotive industry, including Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Ducati and Pagani. These brands are synonymous with luxury, innovation and perfection throughout the world and contribute significantly to the region’s prosperity.
Emilia-Romagna is also known for its food industry. In Parma, another important city in the region, the world-famous Parmigiano Reggiano (Parmesan cheese) and prosciutto di Parma (Parma ham) are produced. These products enjoy worldwide recognition and stand for the high quality of the region’s food.
It is also a leader in tile production and mechanical engineering, two other important industries that contribute to Emilia-Romagna’s economic success. The strong economy ensures low unemployment rates and makes Emilia-Romagna one of the most prosperous regions in Italy.
Quality of life and real estate in Emilia-Romagna
The quality of life in Emilia-Romagna is remarkably high. The region combines an excellent infrastructure with a rich cultural life and stunning nature. The cities of Bologna, Modena and Parma in particular offer an ideal balance between traditional Italian charm and modern amenities.
Buying real estate in Emilia-Romagna
For those considering buying a property in Italy, Emilia-Romagna offers many attractive options. Whether in the historic centers of the cities or in the idyllic rural areas, the region offers a wide range of properties that are perfect for a new life in Italy. Especially in the smaller towns and villages away from the tourist centers, you can still find properties at relatively affordable prices.
If you prefer city life, cities such as Bologna and Modena offer modern apartments and historic buildings that are perfect for urban living in Italy. If you prefer a quieter life, you will find beautiful country houses near the Adriatic coast or in the hills of the province of Reggio Emilia, perfect for a quiet life in the countryside.
Culinary delights of Emilia-Romagna
Emilia-Romagna is considered the culinary heart of Italy. The region is known around the world for its diverse range of high-quality foods, which are characterized by traditional methods of production and a deep respect for nature.
Insider tips for Emilia-Romagna
Besides the well-known towns and sights, there are many hidden treasures in Emilia-Romagna that are waiting to be discovered. One such place is the small village of Brescello, known as the location for the popular Don Camillo and Peppone films. Here you can immerse yourself in the world of the Italian post-war comedy and stroll through the charming streets of the village.
Another highlight is the Frignano Regional Park, a beautiful nature reserve in the Apennines that is perfect for hikes and excursions into nature. Here you can enjoy the unspoiled nature of the region to the full and experience peace and seclusion away from the big cities.
To sum up: Living in Emilia-Romagna, a region for those seeking pleasure and exploring
Whether you’re interested in the breathtaking scenery, fascinating history or world-class cuisine, Emilia-Romagna offers plenty of opportunities for all those considering a life in Italy. With its high quality of life, diverse real estate options and attractive job opportunities, Emilia-Romagna is an ideal destination for expats. Discover the advantages of this region and be enchanted by its unique blend of tradition and modernity.
Emilia-Romagna consists of eight provinces and one metropolitan city, which we would like to introduce to you here.
- Bologna – Brief info with map available here: BOLOGNA
- Ferrara – Brief info with map available here: FERRARA
- Forli-Cesena – Brief info with map available here: FORLÌ-CESENA
- Modena – Brief info with map available here: MODENA
- Parma – Brief info with map available here: PARMA
- Piacenza – Brief info with map available here: PIACENZA
- Ravenna – Brief info with map available here: RAVENNA
- Reggio Emilia – Brief info with map available here: REGGIO EMILIA
- Rimini – Brief info with map available here: RIMINI
The Emilia-Romagna region offers its inhabitants and visitors a variety that leaves nothing to be desired
