Northern Italy – Emilia Romagna

BOLOGNA is the capital of Emilia Romagna and famously nicknamed ‘La Dotta, la grassa, la rossa’ , referring to three characteristics that form a key part of the city’s cultural heritage.  The first of which is the university, the oldest of its kind in the western world still in operation.  La grassa alludes to the city’s gastronomic traditions, and la rossa to the warm terracotta hues of its rooftops and porticos.

• A WALKING TOUR of Bologna’s historic centre – to include the main square, Piazza Maggiore, one of the finest squares in Italy, and the monumental Fountain of Neptune. The bronze figure of Neptune is attributed to Giambologna and is believed to date back to the 16th century.  We will also view the famous Due Torri Pendenti – two gigantic leaning towers, which were built by Bologna’s most important families during the 12th century (Asinelli and Garisenda), at which time there were almost 200 towers in the city.
• BASILICA OF SAN PETRONIO – purportedly the world’s fifth largest church and undoubtedly the city’s most important religious site. The basilica is dedicated to the patron saint of the city of Bologna and was built in the late Gothic period, but left incomplete. If finished, it would have been the largest Catholic church in the world, even bigger than St Peter’s in Rome.
• ARCHIGINNASIO – the heart of the old University of Bologna, housing the fascinating wood-panelled Anatomy Theatre, which dates back to 1637 and forms part of the University’s Medical School.
• BASILICA DI SANTO STEFANO – otherwise known as the ‘Seven Churches’. It is a labyrinth of structures and their architectural styles span centuries of Bolognese history, incorporating Romanesque, Lombard and even ancient Roman elements.
• PINACOTECA NAZIONALE – the collection of the Pinacoteca began in 1762 and today includes works of art dating back to the 13th century, and works spanning the Renaissance period.

RAVENNA was once the capital of Byzantine Italy, famous for its wealth of art treasures and magnificent mosaics.  Several of its monuments are listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Visits here include:

• BASILICA OF SAN VITALE – which dates back to 548 and was built by Giulianus Argentarius. The basilica houses fine examples of early Christian Italian art alongside many ornate mosaics with a noticeable Eastern influence. The basilica also boasts frescoes by Caféozzi and Gandolfi of Bologna.
• MAUSOLEUM OF GALLA PLACIDIA – which contains the earliest wall mosaics in the city. Galla Placidia (386-452) was the sister of Roman Emperor Honorius, and this Latin cross plan mausoleum was built in her honour.
• DOMUS OF STONE CARPETS (‘I Pavimenti’) – which were recently discovered and are located 3 metres below the level of the road. This is a magnificent collection of 14 highly decorative 5th and 6th century mosaics from a Byzantine Palace.
• DANTE’S TOMB – erected in the 18th century to house Dante’s sarcophagus.
• CHURCH OF SAN FRANCESCO – housing interesting mosaics.
• SANT’APOLLINARE NUOVO – the basilica dates from the 6th century and has a magnificent marble portico, which was added in the 16th century.  It also boasts a cylindrical bell tower, which is typical of Ravenna in the 9th and 10th centuries, and a magnificent collection of mosaics.
• SANT’APOLLINARE IN CLASSE – located in Classe on the outskirts of Ravenna, the Basilica is also dedicated to St Apollinare, the patron saint of Ravenna, and is characterised by its spacious nave and large windows which flood the interior with light. It is also renowned for its stunning mosaics which are to be found in the presbytery, and date primarily from the 6th century.

FERRARA is the former capital of the Este dynasty and now a World Heritage City.  Ferrara has a rich history of art and architecture and boasts particular originality in its architecture.  The city is often referred to as the ‘first modern city in Europe’, due to its unique urban framework. Visits here include:

• PALAZZO DEI DIAMANTI – a magnificent palace that takes its name from the diamond motifs on its façade, and contains several separate art collections. Located on the first floor of the palace, the National Picture Gallery (Pinacoteca Nazionale) houses an important collection of Renaissance works of the Ferrara and Bologna schools from the Middle Ages to the 18th century.
• PALAZZO SCHIFANOIA – the summer residence of the Este family, built in 1385. The most famous room in the palace is the ‘Room of the Months’, whose murals depict scenes from each month of the year, including works from Tura and a selection of Ferrarese artists.
• ESTE CASTLE – situated exactly in the centre of the city, and surrounded by a moat. The castle was built in 1385 to protect the Este family, although many family members were eventually incarcerated and executed here.

PARMA is a delightful, compact city founded by the Romans and renowned for its art, architecture and gastronomy in the form of its ham and cheese. Visits include the following:

• DUOMO AND BAPTISTERY – the Romanesque cathedral was consecrated in 1106 and its cupola, decorated by the late Renaissance artist Antonio da Correggio, is the illusionistic fresco of the Assumption of the Virgin. The Baptistery marks a transition between the Romanesque and Gothic styles, and is considered to be among the most important medieval monuments in Europe.
• CASTELLO DI TORRECHIARA – the castle dates back to the 15th century and was built by Pier Maria II de’ Rossi supposedly for the count’s lover, Bianca Pellegrini. Its famous hall, the Camera d’Oro (Golden Chamber), is highly decorative with frescoes by Benedetto Bembo.
• PROSCIUTTO DI PARMA (Parma Ham) – a guided tour of the factory and a tasting.