Bologna & Emilia-Romagna
-- Daily Telegraph
Americans are discovering a place Europeans have known for centuries - lovely Emilia-Romagna, home of spaghetti bolognese, Pavarotti, Parma ham, Lambrusco, lasagna, macaroni, balsamic vinegar and much more. Now fully redesigned, this new edition of the only guide available to this essentially Italian region contains the most up-to-the-minute practical information and listings, along with color photographs and maps. Cadogan's best-selling authors unearth treasures to compare with those of Tuscany and Lombardy: visit beautiful Bologna, a city whose historic center is considered one of the best preserved and maintained in Italy, and the pretty mountain valleys that lead to the Apennines. Rimini, Italy's vast, madcap, international resort is explored, as is San Marino, the world's smallest and oldest republic, nestling in the region's corner. This guide uncovers a region people know better than they think.
Excerpt: The Navel of Venus
-an old saying in Bologna
On the whole, the Bolognese are not an excitable race , but they are gaga on the subject of tortellini. For many, even the city’s famous university, the oldest in Europe, pales before plump rings of pasta stuffed with meat and cheese as Bologna’s culminating cultural achievement. Men have even fought for the honour of tortellini; in the 1920s, when a visiting Venetian dared to insult them, a Bolognese postman beat him up so badly that one ended up in the hospital and the other in jail (sentenced to six months without tortellini).
The first reference to turtlein, as they are known in the local dialect, go back to the 12th century, when they were given to priests as Christma, and to this day no Christmas table in the city is complete with a bowl of tortellini in capon broth. ...click here to read the rest
great guide to Emilia-Romagna, /5
We traveled to Bologna and Emilia cities and Appenines in September 2008. We loved every minute of it- great food, nice people, and beautiful scenery. This book gave us the best recommendations for restaurants and hotels, with interesting historical background. Well written and fluent.
A Smart Guide to and Oft Over-looked Region, /5
I purchased this book prior to studying abroad in Bologna, and it has been an essential part of traveling in the region. If you plan on taking day trips throughout Emilia-Romagna this book will lead you to all the important things, especially where to eat! The histories and descriptions are witty and informative and seem to explain the sites better than most other guides I have encountered. My only complaint is that only the bigger cities (Bologna, Parma, Ravenna, etc) have maps, so you might find yourself a little lost if you don't find the tourist office or someone to point you in the right direction. It is really a great purchase that I would recommend for anyone who plans to travel or live in the region.
Bologna and Emilia Romagna, /5
This guide is packed with loads of useful information written in a witty and entertaining style. If your time is limited, the authors point you to the key features of each place. I also enjoyed the historical backgrounds. I found the information was up to date and accurate. I would have liked a few more photographs to help identify places but this is a small quibble. Although this region is not particularly well-covered by guidebooks, this volume sets such a high standard that I don't think another one is required!
A review from a(n almost) local, /5
I know Bologna and Emilia Romagna very very well and I can tell you that this is a very good and useful guide for someone who does not and who has some time to spend in this wonderful region. Like all the excellent Cadogan guides I have seen, there is a lot of room devoted to history/culture and not too much devoted to hotels/restaurants. Indeed it is remarkable how much information you will find in this book, despite its unremarkable size. Several excellent maps, for both cities and broader areas, will be very useful to move around. Many relatively small but wonderful less central spots are duly signaled.
Some pieces of advice for the traveler to this region:
- the best period to go is May-June. July/August are usually very hot and humid and Italy is still not very A/C-ed.
- if you happen to visit Bologna, make sure you see Piazza S Stefano, possibly at night. It's wonderful! And also make sure you climb all those steps to see Bologna from above from the Asinelli tower (but don't even try if you fear heights or have trouble with slopes!).
- The hills in Romagna (the Eastern side) are absolutely wonderful in late spring, when hundred of thousands of peaches and other fruit trees are in flower. If you are in the area, make sure to visit Brisighella (wonderful small medieval city) and Faenza (famous for its ceramics).
- In the hills and the countryside around Bologna and Modena, you can easily find places where they make "crescentine". These are marvelous, soft pieces of fried dough, usually served with prosciutto, salame and such. Make sure you try them!
Anyway, do visit the area, bring this guide with you and enjoy (and Buon Appetito!)
PS if you happen to spend time in Italy and you want to eat wonderful local cuisine spending not too much in nice places do check out the "Guide to the Osterie & Locande D'Italia: A Guide to Traditional Places to Eat and Stay in Italy". There are plenty of locations everywhere in Italy, including many in Emilia Romagna.
PPS Remember to check your cholesterol level!!!
Nice detailed guide book, /5
I got this book as a planning guide for a trip to the Emilia romagna region in the next year or so. Most guidebooks ignore this region because it is a mainly agrarian part of the country. It seems to be well organized and easily makes a case for spending a week to ten days in the region. I think for folks who want to explore the heartland of italian cooking this is probably the right book. I think one of the nice touches is they identify several country Inns that seem to be nice alternatives to city hotels
Bologna & Emilia Romagna, /5
This book was very informative, found it very useful. Would have liked more pictures. Indepth details re churches and the art work in them. Authors very honest if did not feel place interesting, said so.
Dana Facaros and Michael Pauls can be reached at: michel.pauls@wanadoo.fr
