Emilia Romagna
Emilia-Romagna is a well-organized, rich region. It is regularly mentioned as the best place to live in Italy. Emilia-Romagna is rich in art cities and art treasures. The coast on the Adriatic Sea attracts millions of tourists, both Italians and many foreigners. The inhabitants of the region have an open, friendly and cheerful character.
Geographically, the region is split into two parts. In the south are the Apennines and the region is a lot less populated than in the flat north. A large part of Emilia-Romagna is characterized by the Po Valley (Pianura Padana). The presence of this river also provides fertile land with many agricultural businesses.
On the other hand, there is also a wide range of technological and modern companies: here you will find the most advanced companies in Europe. There are many companies in the chemical and petrochemical industry, in the textile industry and in ceramics. There are also many small businesses with handicraft products. You will also find the factories (and museums) of Italian sports car manufacturers such as Lamborghini, Maserati and Ferrari.
The dead straight Via Aemilia, an ancient Roman road from the 2nd century, runs right through Emilia-Romagna. It is still in use, now as a highway, connecting all major cities in the region. Emilia-Romagna has many medium-sized cities such as Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena and Forlì, where the quality of life is at a high level.
The capital is Bologna, an important art city. This city is sometimes called 'la dotta e la grassa'. This means 'the learned and the fat one'. Learned because the oldest university in Europe is located in Bologna and bold because life and food here are so very good. As a city of art with its leaning towers and about 35 kilometers of historic colonnades, Bologna is well worth a visit.