Our journey starts in Maranello, circa 18km South of Modena. It was here that Enzo Ferrari's dream became reality. Today, the history of the motorcar designed by Ferrari is documented in the official Ferrari museum, alongside the various trophies won by the team responsible for the vehicles' construction and by those pilots to have had the honour of driving them. At Fiorano, just moments away from Maranello in the direction of Sassuolo, there is the circuit used to test Ferrari's Formula 1 racing cars. Emilia Romagna is a true center of excellence for the car industry, a region where, in addition to Ferrari, world famous automobile companies such as Lamborghini, Ducati and Maserati were founded.
From Maranello and Fiorano we head to Modena, a flourishing town the busy industrial and commercial periphery of which forms a dramatic contrast with the peaceful historic center, this latter embellished with beautiful palazzi and churches - indication of Modena's historic importance. Modena is home to Maserati, producer of luxury and sports cars, and one of the greatest exponents of Italian Design. While the origins of Maserati are certain, dispute is still rife as to who invented the "tortellino", a delicious little ring of pasta (the form of which apparently looks like Venus's navel) filled with minced pork, prosciutto and parmesan cheese. Whoever wins the custody battle raging between Modena, Bologna and Emilia, visitors to the town should make sure they have at least one bowlful of Modena's "tortellini".
The gastronomic theme of the tour continues as we head for Reggio Emilia, famous for the production of the Parmigiano Reggiano DOP cheese, widely known as Parmesan. Here, in the Palazzo Comunale, the standard which was first waved on the 7th of January 1797 is conserved. The history of the Italian flag which was to become the Italian "tricolare" is documented in the museum. In 1994, in one of the factories located in the old industrial area behind the railway station, the Municipality of Reggio Emilia realised the "International Center for the Defense and Promotion of the Rights and Potential of All Children". 'Reggio Children' promotes an original pedagogical approach and was elected the most advanced center of its kind by Newsweek.
In this, the land of the Gonzaga, numerous traces of the noble family's dominion can be observed: at Guastalla, on the road which leads to Parma, the central Piazza Mazzini with its monument to Ferrante Gonzaga, serves as symbol of the dynasty's past power and influence.
Parma's austere and imposing monastic complex of San Giovanni Evangelista was erected in the 10th century and extensively rebuilt during the renaissance, when the dome frescoed by Correggio and the chapels decorated with the artworks of Parmigiano were built. Before leaving the city, visitors should be sure to make time for a tour of Palazzo Ducale, built for the Duke Ottavio Farnese on the site of the Rocca di Colorno. With its sumptuous halls, ornate decorative pieces, and magnificent gardens, it is easy to understand why Napoleon Bonaparte decided to nominate the residence Imperial Palace.
The area around Parma and, in particular, that of the Bassa Parmense, is renowned for its production of hams and salami. The most famous is the "culatello", a particularly refined variety of prosciutto, made with a fraction of the normal cut and naturally aged for at least 11 months. The principal town of production is Zibello.
