The Emilia Romagna region of Central Italy is one of my favourite parts of the country, and I love Italy so that’s saying something! Here are ten blissfully peaceful places to visit when you want to connect with yourself and enjoy some “me time”.
1. Cupola del Guercino, Piacenza
Sit beneath the dome (cupola) at the magnificent Cathedral of Piacenza and marvel at the remarkable frescoes by Bolognese painter, Guercino. (Ppssst. Bolognese means from Bologna, he didn’t paint with minced beef and tomatoes.)
2. Malatestiana Library, Cesena
If you’re visiting the seaside party town of Rimini, head just North West for a moment of quiet in the grounds of a former convent of the Franciscans. Malatestiana Library dates back to 1452 and boasts an incredible collection of ancient manuscripts.
3. Labirinto della Masone, Fontanellato
Not far from Parma is the largest bamboo labrynth in the world, made with 200,000 bamboo plants. Lose yourself as you wind through over 3km of twisting paths.
4. The Pietra di Bismantova, Castelnovo ne’ Monti
Just an hour from Reggio Emilia you’ll find the unusual Pietra di Bismantova, a rock formation in the shape of a boat. It inspired the favourite Italian poet, Dante, in the 14th Century and formed the basis of his description of Purgatory mountain in the Divine Comedy.
5. The Zone of Silence, Ravenna
Speaking of Dante, if you visit Ravenna you’ll find the Zone of silence, which includes the great poet’s tomb, a museum dedicated to his life and work, and the peaceful Garden of Silence (Giardino del Silenzio) at the Basilica of San Francesco.
6. The Abandoned Moraduccio, Bologna
If you’re anything like me, you’ll love visiting the abandoned village of Moraduccio, an hour’s walk through the hills from Bologna. Dating back to the 9th Centure, Moraduccio was abandoned after the war. Only the buildings and recovering nature remain.
7. The Po Delta Park, Ferrara
This is the second largest wetland in Europe. Visit to enjoy a multitude of streams and little islands, decorated with the pink flashes of local flamingos. Especially beautiful at sunset.
8. The Ridracoli Dam, Forli-Cesena
Set within the Foreste Casentinesi National Park, the Ridracoli Dam is a gorgeous stretch of water resting between the steep rocks. Sail out onto the dam in an electric boat and absorb the wonderful views, and sound of birdsond.
9. The Convent of Saint Catherine and Barbara, Santarcangelo di Romagna
I don’t know much about Catherine or Barbara – they were probably both lovely people judging by the convent erected in their name just outside of Rimini. A perfect spot for reflection and quiet meditation.
10. The Deserted Isola dell’Amore, Ferrara
Oh, isn’t it just so Italian to have an Island of Love? But why is it deserted? You can only reach this beautiful wild island by boat, and when you’re there you’ll enjoy one of Italy’s best beaches – it’s worth the effort to get there. Plus, you can stay in the island’s lighthouse.