Casalgrande

Reggio Emilia: The City of the Tricolor and Much More

Are you exploring Reggio Emilia, the city of the Tricolor, delicious culinary specialties, and innovative pedagogical methods? Then you've come to the right place! The capital of the province of Reggio Emilia has a population of 169,640 and is located in the Po Valley, in the heart of the historic region of Emilia.

Physical Geography

The municipal territory of Reggio Emilia is completely flat and is crossed by the Crostolo stream. The city borders Campegine, Cadelbosco di Sopra, and Bagnolo in Piano to the north, Correggio, San Martino in Rio, and Rubiera to the east, Casalgrande, Scandiano, Albinea, and Quattro Castella to the south, and Bibbiano, Cavriago, Montecchio Emilia, and Sant'Ilario d'Enza to the west. The first foothills of the Reggio Emilia Apennines develop about 10 kilometers south of the municipal territory.

Reggio Emilia: between tricolor, food, and pedagogy.

Climate

The city's climate can be defined as temperate continental, with hot and humid summers (with temperatures that can exceed 40°) and cold winters. Rainfall occurs in every season, but greater frequency and intensity are found in autumn and spring, especially in the months of October, November, and April. July and January are the driest months. Snow falls practically every year in winter, reaching the city and leaving accumulations of about 30 cm on average.

History and the Tricolor

Reggio Emilia was essentially created along the Via Emilia, the ancient Roman imperial road that linked Piacenza to Rimini, by the consul Marco Emilio Lepido. The city is famous for being the City of the Tricolor, because the Italian flag was inspired by the flags of the Cispadane Republic and was first created in this city on January 7, 1797. The flag was displayed in the Tricolor Room of the Town Hall, which can still be visited during the city council meetings.

Food Culture

Reggio Emilia is famous for its incredible food and wine products, starting with Parmigiano Reggiano, the famous cheese with an unmistakable taste. In the city, you can also find cured ham, culatello, zampone, and cotechino, all high-quality products. But the Reggian cuisine is not only made up of cured meats and cheeses, but also of delicious first courses like pumpkin tortelli, cappelletti in broth, lasagna, and potato gnocchi.

Reggio Emilia Approach Method

Reggio Emilia is also the city where the Reggio Emilia Approach teaching method was developed. This method was created based on early childhood experience and aims to promote creativity, autonomy, and independence in children. The method is based on the creation of stimulating learning environments and active involvement of the child in the learning process.

City Decorated for Military Valor

After the Second World War, Reggio Emilia was one of the cities decorated for military valor for the Italian Resistance Liberation War. The city played an important role during the Italian Liberation War.

Reggio Emilia, with its history and food and educational culture, represents an unmissable destination for those who want to discover the beauties of Emilia-Romagna.

Chiara Russo
Wrote by Chiara Russo
Updated Wednesday, Jan 11, 2023