What is an Urban Trekking?
Urban trekking, also known as urban hiking or city hiking, involves exploring cities and urban areas on foot.
It’s a way to discover the hidden gems, historical sites, and cultural landmarks of a city while enjoying the benefits of physical activity and outdoor exploration.
I always seek predefined routes, but I often end up adding way more points of interests.
I find Urban trekking a great way to experience the sights, sounds, and atmosphere of a city while getting some exercise and fresh air.
- Where: Reggio Emilia, Emilia Romagna
- One Day Itinerary
- Distance: 6 km
- Average Duration: 5 h
- Difficulty level: Easy
Exploring Reggio Emilia
If you are looking for a blend of history and contemporary culture, Reggio Emilia is your town. Centuries-old streets will lead you to the most futuristic architecture, well-known worldwide.
Despite being a lesser-known tourist destination than her sisters Modena (you can find the Modena Urban Trekking here) and Bologna, Reggio Emilia has a rich cultural and culinary history. It is full of historical landmarks, offering an authentic experience of Italian local life (which also means it is much more affordable)!
A Stroll Through History in Via Emilia & the Historic Centre
Via Emilia is an ancient Roman road that cuts through the city. It was originally built to connect Rimini and Piacenza, so it is safe to say that Reggio Emilia was born because of this road. Nowadays, along Via Emilia, you’ll discover modern shops housed in historical buildings, local markets, and stunning architecture.
Reggio Emilia is where the Italian flag was born on January 7, 1797, in the Sala del Tricolore, designed in 1774 by Ludovico Bolognini. On that day, the Cispadane Republic was proclaimed, and the green-white-red tricolour was adopted. It is currently the seat of the municipal council and a symbol of Reggio Emilia’s civic commitment. The hall hosts cultural events, weddings, and conferences. Every year, on January 7, the city celebrates the anniversary of the Tricolor’s creation with official events.
You can Visit the Sala del Tricolore for free. You can also visit the museum in the same building for free. It exhibits documents and memorabilia related to the history of the Italian flag, along with an important collection of works from the project “Ninety Artists for a Flag.”
The city center is home to a variety of important sites, such as Piazza Prampolini, where you’ll find the impressive Reggio Emilia Cathedral and the 13th-century Baptistery of San Giovanni, elegant Renaissance palaces and ancient towers. In Piazza Martiri del 7 Luglio, the well- renowned Teatro Municipale Romolo Valli was built between 1852 and 1857. Originally an opera house, it currently plays a significant role in opera, classical music, ballet, dance, and drama performances.
Another important site is The Basilica of the Madonna of Ghiara, one of the most important Marian shrines in Italy, it was born out of the faith and devotion of the people of Reggio Emilia in gratitude to the Blessed Virgin Mary for the numerous extraordinary favours received. While I was there, the 45th edition of Sagra della Giarèda was taking place, a religious festival held annually to commemorate the miracle of the healing of the deaf-mute Marchino. It features a market of artistic craftsmanship, traditional trades, and liturgical functions. Held in Corso Garibaldi, Piazza Gioberti, and Via Emilia Santo Stefano.
When in Reggio, you must stop by Piazza Antonio Fontanesi, my fav piazza in the whole town: lively in the evening with small local establishments and every Saturday morning with the farmers’ market stalls.
Reggio Emilia: Where Tradition Meets Progress
Reggio Emilia is well known worldwide for all the commitment and attention placed on redeveloping old structures and factories, transforming them into spaces of innovation and contemporary culture. This dedication to revitalization is embodied in key projects like the Tecnopolo and the Centro Internazionale Loris Malaguzzi, both symbols of the city’s forward-thinking approach. The Tecnopolo is a hub for research and technological advancement, attracting professionals from various fields to collaborate on cutting-edge projects that push the boundaries of modern science and industry. Meanwhile, the Centro Internazionale Loris Malaguzzi, inspired by the renowned Reggio Emilia Approach in education, serves as a cultural and educational centre, hosting Reggio Children, an organization that promotes innovative learning methods for children.
These spaces, once industrial relics, now pulse with creativity and knowledge, reflecting Reggio Emilia’s commitment to fostering a vibrant community where tradition meets progress. The city’s ability to merge its rich history with a vision for the future makes it a beacon of contemporary urban renewal, continuously evolving as a center for education, culture, and innovation on the global stage.
I find Reggio Emilia a beautiful example of how history and modernity can coexist in harmony.
Culinary Delights: Reggio Emilia’s Gastronomic Symphony
Reggio Emilia is the birthplace of Parmigiano Reggiano, so if you love parmesan, this is the place where you must try it! Another must-try in Reggio Emilia is the erbazzone, a savoury pie filled with spinach and (of course!!!) Parmigiano! Erbazzone is perfect anytime, but I always have it for lunch as it is tasty, fulfilling, and easy to take away, so it’s perfect to have it on the go while exploring. Don’t forget to try tortelli, delicate pasta stuffed with sweet pumpkin or spinach and topped with butter and sage. You will have to pair your meal with a glass of Lambrusco or Spergola, wines native to the region, for a true Reggio Emilia experience.
A good spot to visit if you want to find farmers local products is The Mercato Campagna Amica del Tricolore, an undercover market in the town centre.
Via Matildica del Volto Santo & Reggio Emilia
The Via Matildica del Volto Santo is a historic pilgrimage route that winds through the heart of northern Italy, connecting the regions of Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, and Tuscany. Named after the powerful medieval noblewoman Matilda of Canossa, who played a pivotal role in shaping the region’s history, this path traverses Reggio Emilia, offering travellers a unique blend of spiritual and cultural exploration.
If you want to have a taste of what this hike has to offer, I suggest these 2 day hikes:
Estense itinerary from the historic center of Reggio Emilia to Villa D’Este/Vasca di Corbelli (Reggio Emilia)
Length: 11 km
Hike duration: approx. 3 hours (excluding stops)
Elevation gain: 80 m ascent – 20 m descent
Download GPX here
The Reggiano hills, in the heart of the lands of Matilde di Canossa
Length: 14 km
Hike duration: approx. 5 hours 30 minutes (excluding stops)
Elevation gain: 700 m ascent – 430 m descent
Download GPX here
Why not biking around?
While urban trekking on foot is wonderful, Reggio Emilia is also one of Italy’s most bike-friendly cities. The flat territory and the short distances make cycling easy and pleasant also for those traveling with the family. You can rent bikes at the Central Station and travel the over 250 km of cycle paths surrounding the town or the 25 km of greenways running alongside the river parks of Rodano, Crostolo and Modolena. So, if your feet need a break, renting a bicycle is a great way to explore more of the city’s outskirts or speed up your journey between distant landmarks.
Would You Visit Reggio Emilia? Let me know in the comments 🙃
Catch you Outside,
Elena
Frequently Asked Questions
Dog allowed?
Yes, You can take your puppy… but only if you collect their 💩!!
Where to Sleep?
Any BnB in the city centre 🙂 You can find few suggestions on the map
Credentials?
No need
Best months to go?
It can get pretty hot, so I recommend Spring, Autumn and Winter. I was there in September and it was the best.
Recurring festivals/events you might be interested in:
SPRING: The European Photography Festival; the Granfondo Matildica cycling competition.
AUTUMN: The Emergency Festival (hosted in Reggio for the past 4 years); the Dinamico Festival (held here since 2010); the Festival Aperto, a theatre and music festival featuring concerts, operas, performances, choreography, installations, shows, and multimedia.
What to bring?
Always carry a water bottle and some tape in case of blisters.
Waymarking
You can either stroll around or follow the Urban Trekking Itinerary I have made for you.
Planning Information
If you are going in high season I recommend you to book accomodation and restaurants in advance.
Getting there & Away
You can easily get there by train from the majority of the italian towns and cities (www.trenitalia.com).
Do you still have a question?
"Discover Italy Like a Local" Consultation
I always try to write everything I can to give the best possible informations, but if you feel like you need a specific and tailored consultation, feel free to book a one-on-one consultation to address your concerns, answer your questions, and provide support throughout the planning process.❤️
