“Show and Tell”: Around Emilia-Romagna (and San Marino)

I am thrilled to invite Keane Li to share his favorite photos from the time he spent in Emilia-Romagna. Keane is a travel writer and the community manager for Gogobot San Francisco. He’s one of the many friends I’ve made and met thanks to Twitter, and it was great to see him again in the US  this past December. Without further ado, here’s Keane.

6 Favorite Photos from around Emilia-Romagna

Emilia-Romagna is an Italian region filled with amazing sights, beautiful buildings, the kindest people and mouth-watering food. Much of the country’s most notable exports come from Emilia-Romagna, including ravioli, lasagne, balsamic vinegar, many popular Italian cheeses and, last but never least, Ferrari cars. My travels kept me mostly in the Romagna part of the region, and I hope to explore Emilia a bit more in the future.

1. Ever since my first visit, I’ve been describing Santarcangelo di Romagna as the “most perfect small Italian town.” While I prefer the bustle and energy of bigger cities like Rome, Santarcangelo di Romagna is what I have in mind when I think of the idyllic small Italian town of the movies.

2. Pennabili’s Artisti in Piazza festival is a unique experience, bringing in street performers from around the world. From Japanese painters to French acrobats, the acts are almost intriguing enough to take attention away from the beautiful city. At the top of Pennabili are Tibetan bells given to the city by the Dalai Lama.

 3. While San Marino isn’t technically a part of Emilia-Romagna, it’s situated physically within the region’s outermost borders. This independent city-state rises into the sky, creating beautiful views from castles elevated into the clouds.

4. Foce Bevano, a natural reserve in the Parco Regionale del Delta del Po in Savio, is a nature-lover’s paradise. Those looking to learn more about the area’s ecology can visit the science center with a fancy interactive computer display. Of course, a nice horse-drawn carriage ride is a lovely way to pass the afternoon.

5. While I was in Bagno di Romana for La Notte Celeste, a big festival when all the spas are open to the public, we were invited on stage to say hello to the entire town. It was a unique experience that I don’t think can be topped anytime soon. At the end of the night, a band took the stage and performed to a packed piazza.

6. Ferrara’s annual Palio is an amazing experience for those who like to take a trip into the past. With costumed characters, a horse and donkey race, and crowds of people from all over the area, it’s an energetic festival set in a beautiful medieval town.

Of course, there are many other reasons to visit Emilia-Romagna and this was just the small bit that I got to experience, leaving me with plenty more to explore.

Thanks Keane for being part of “Show and Tell” and I hope you will be back in Italy later this year. There’s still so much to see and do!