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Emilia-Romagna

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Emilia-Romagna is a major administrative region in northern Italy.

Map of region of Emilia-Romagna, Italy, with provinces-it
Map of region of Emilia-Romagna, Italy, with provinces-it

It combines two historical territories known as Emilia and Romagna. The regional capital is the city of Bologna.

View from the Torre degli Asinelli, Bologna 3
View from the Torre degli Asinelli, Bologna 3

This region is one of the wealthiest areas in Europe. It holds the third highest gross domestic product per capita in Italy. With over 4.4 million people, it is a vital economic and cultural hub. The region is famous for its history, food, and high-performance automobiles.

The geography of the region is defined by diverse landscapes.

Reliefkarte Emilia-Romagna 2019
Reliefkarte Emilia-Romagna 2019

Nearly 48% of the land consists of flat plains. This plain was formed by the Po river and the retreat of the sea. In ancient times, this area was mostly marshland. People worked hard to reclaim this land for farming. The remaining land is split between hills (27%) and mountains (25%). The Apennine Mountains stretch from the north to the southeast. Three peaks in this range rise above 2,000 meters. These are Monte Cimone, Monte Cusna, and Alpe di Succiso.

Vegetation changes according to the altitude and location.

I-RE-Brescello9
I-RE-Brescello9

The Po plain and the Adriatic coast feature oak and hornbeam forests. Much of this land is now used for wheat, sugar beet, and fruit orchards. On the lower mountain slopes, you find pubescent oak and hop-hornbeam. Higher up, between 800 and 1,700 meters, European beech and silver fir grow. The highest areas above 1,700 meters consist of mountain heath. The region also protects nature through two national parks. These are the Foreste Casentinesi and the Appennino Tosco-Emiliano National Parks.

Sentieri tra le foreste casentinesi
Sentieri tra le foreste casentinesi

The history of the region is deeply tied to Ancient Rome. The name Emilia comes from the via Aemilia.

Arco d'Augusto, Rimini Italy
Arco d'Augusto, Rimini Italy

This Roman road was completed in 187 BC. It was named after the consul Marcus Aemilius Lepidus. The name Romagna comes from Romània. This was the name for the Eastern Roman Empire. The Lombards used this name for Ravenna between 540 and 751. After the Western Roman Empire fell, the region saw many rulers. The Lombards held power until Charlemagne overthrew them in 774. Later, the Papal States controlled much of the territory.

Emilia-Romagna has been a center of learning for centuries. The University of Bologna was established in AD 1088.

Archiginnasio ora blu Bologna
Archiginnasio ora blu Bologna

It is the oldest university in the world still in continuous operation. This institution helped keep trade and intellectual life active in the region. Many cities are recognized as UNESCO heritage sites. These include Modena, Parma, Ferrara, and Ravenna.

Castello Estense con riflessi - Ferrara
Castello Estense con riflessi - Ferrara

In Ferrara, the House of Este left a legacy of Renaissance art and literature. This patronage helped create many famous palaces and masterpieces.

Modern industry has made the region a global leader in several sectors. It is a major center for food production.

Tagliatelle al ragù (image modified)
Tagliatelle al ragù (image modified)

It is also world-famous for producing luxury automobiles. Companies like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Maserati are based here.

Lamborghini Aventador SVJ%2C Paris Motor Show 2018%2C IMG 0656
Lamborghini Aventador SVJ%2C Paris Motor Show 2018%2C IMG 0656

Along the coast, popular seaside resorts attract many visitors. These include Cervia, Cesenatico, and Rimini.

Beach of Rimini (14-07-2012)
Beach of Rimini (14-07-2012)

In 2018, the Lonely Planet guide named the region the best place to see in Europe.

Human activity has significantly changed the landscape over time. In the plain, urban and industrial areas grew rapidly through the 2010s. This growth has reduced the amount of land available for farming. Between 2003 and 2008, agricultural land decreased by 157 square kilometers. Meanwhile, urban areas increased by over 130 square kilometers. This change affects the ability to grow food locally. The loss of arable land is equivalent to the food for 440,000 people per year. Additionally, more urban surfaces increase water runoff. This requires expensive systems like retention basins to manage river water.

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🖼️ Images & Media (31)
File:Mausoleum of Galla Placidia in Ravenna.JPG
Mausoleum of Galla Placidia in Ravenna.JPG
File:Archiginnasio ora blu Bologna.jpg
Archiginnasio ora blu Bologna.jpg
File:Castello_Estense_con_riflessi_-_Ferrara.jpg
Castello_Estense_con_riflessi_-_Ferrara.jpg
File:Flag of the Cispadane Republic.svg
Flag of the Cispadane Republic.svg
File:Reliefkarte Emilia-Romagna 2019.png
Reliefkarte Emilia-Romagna 2019.png
File:Saline di Comacchio.JPG
Saline di Comacchio.JPG
File:Alta Val Trebbia - panoramio.jpg
Alta Val Trebbia - panoramio.jpg
File:Sentieri tra le foreste casentinesi.jpg
Sentieri tra le foreste casentinesi.jpg
File:Sede regione Emilia-Romagna.jpg
Sede regione Emilia-Romagna.jpg
File:CESENA-3497.jpg
CESENA-3497.jpg
File:View from the Torre degli Asinelli, Bologna 3.jpg
View from the Torre degli Asinelli, Bologna 3.jpg
File:Arco d'Augusto, Rimini Italy.jpg
Arco d'Augusto, Rimini Italy.jpg

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