Viano
Reggio Emilia: a historic city in the heart of the Po Valley
Reggio Emilia is an Italian municipality and the capital of the province of the same name in the Emilia-Romagna region. With a population of around 169,640 inhabitants, the city dates back to ancient Rome and was founded by the consul Marco Emilio Lepido in 187 BC along the Via Emilia, the ancient road used by the Roman Empire to connect Piacenza to Rimini. Reggio Emilia is famous for being the city where the Italian flag, inspired by the banners of the Cispadane Republic, was born and displayed for the first time on January 7th, 1797, and is known as the City of the Tricolour.
Physical geography
Territory
Reggio Emilia is located in the Po Valley and is the heart of the historical Emilia region. The municipal territory is entirely composed of plains, with many waterways and minor streams that over time allowed for the development of the first settlements, represented today by the hamlets and localities. Near the neighboring municipalities of Quattro Castella, Albinea, Scandiano, and Casalgrande are the first foothills of the Reggio Apennines, about 10 km from the municipality of Reggio Emilia.
Climate
The city has a temperate continental climate, characterized by hot and quite muggy summers, with temperatures that sometimes reach 40°C. Winters are cold with frequent frosts, and temperatures sometimes drop below -10°C during the most intense cold spells. Rain falls throughout the year, but the largest amount is recorded in autumn and spring, while July and January are the driest months. Snow falls in the city almost every winter, but the accumulations are variable, although an average of about 30 cm of snow can be recorded each year.
History
Reggio Emilia has a long and rich history. Founded by the Romans, it became part of the Duchy of Milan and later of the Kingdom of Italy. The city played an important role during World War II and was awarded the Medal of Military Valor for its participation in the Italian Resistance.
Food
Reggio Emilia is famous worldwide for its cuisine and dairy products derived from it. The city is, in fact, the home of Parmigiano Reggiano, one of the most famous and valuable cheeses in Italy. Local cuisine offers a wide choice of dishes, including the famous fried bread, cotechino, and lasagne.
Education
Reggio Emilia is known worldwide for the Reggio Emilia Approach, a pedagogical teaching method based on listening and cooperation between teachers and children. This approach is founded on the pedagogical theories of Lev Vygotsky and Jean Piaget and places the direct experience of children, play, and interaction at the center of the learning process.
Conclusions
Reggio Emilia is a city rich in history, culture, and culinary traditions. The city offers a temperate continental climate, with hot and quite muggy summers, but also cold winters with frequent frosts. The city is famous worldwide for Parmigiano Reggiano and for its innovative pedagogical approach that places the experience, play, and cooperation at the center of the learning process for children. If you visit Emilia-Romagna, Reggio Emilia is a must-see destination.
