There is a simple way to get to know the history of Reggio: just walk among its squares and visit some of its most important buildings and monuments. With map in hand, let yourself be guided through the historic centre, discovering the stories and fascinating features hidden within the city walls.
The itinerary begins in the city’s elegant “living room,” where two adjoining squares form one vast open space devoted to culture.
Must-sees
This is where some of Reggio Emilia’s cultural highlights are found: the impressive Teatro Municipale Valli and the nearby Teatro Ariosto. For a journey into history and collecting, the Palazzo dei Musei and the refined Galleria Parmeggiani are well worth a visit. For a more relaxing break, Parco del Popolo offers a green escape with its centuries-old trees on the northern side of the square.
Curiosity
Inside Parco del Popolo, look out for the Monumento ai Concordi: a remarkably well-preserved Roman funerary enclosure discovered in Boretto almost a century ago. While walking through the gardens of the former Citadel, it’s fun to spot the historical figures portrayed in the park’s statues.
The route continues to Piazza Cesare Battisti, affectionately known by locals as Piazza del Monte. This historic square has long been a central meeting place, dominated by the Palazzo del Monte di Pietà.
To know
The Palazzo del Monte dates back to 1188 and originally served as the town hall. Its tower once housed an extraordinary mechanical clock created by Giampaolo Raineri, the same master craftsman behind the famous clock in Piazza San Marco in Venice. While the original mechanism is now preserved in the Civic Museums, the square retains its charm, also thanks to Palazzo Busetti, traditionally attributed to Gian Lorenzo Bernini, and the historic Albergo Posta.
Tip
Step inside Palazzo Busetti and ask if it’s possible to look out from a first-floor window: it offers an unusual and highly photogenic view over the rooftops and streets of the historic center.
Welcome to the city’s political and religious heart, once known locally as Piazza Grande. Here, the view opens onto the Cathedral, the Baptistery, and the Bishop’s Palace, forming one of the most significant ensembles in Reggio Emilia.
Must-sees
Curiosity
Just a short walk away, along Via Farini, the Biblioteca Panizzi, housed inside Palazzo San Giorgio, is a favorite spot among locals. Inside, look up to admire Whirls & Twirls, the vibrant contemporary ceiling artwork by Sol LeWitt.
Walking along Corso Garibaldi, once the riverbed of the Crostolo stream, the route leads into the heart of Baroque Reggio.
Must-sees
To taste
Did you know that erbazzone, the traditional savory pie made with spinach, chard, and plenty of Parmigiano Reggiano, was likely created in the narrow streets of the former Jewish Ghetto nearby? It’s a must-try local specialty.
After returning to Piazza Roversi, pause in front of the Church of Sant’Agostino and admire its interior, which houses one of the four precious Guercino paintings in the city. Continuing along the narrow street beside the Chiesa del Cristo, you’ll find yourself in Piazza Fontanesi, the vibrant heart of Reggio Emilia’s life.
To know
Today a leafy square, Piazza Fontanesi has a working past: the Guazzatoio Canal once flowed here, powering silk workshops and tanneries. Following Via del Guazzatoio, you’ll reach the Bastion, the only remaining part of the 13th-century city walls, now incorporated into the historic Casa Lasagni.
Curiosity
Take a closer look at the square’s pavement near the old bakery: you’ll notice strange engraved symbols. These are the ancient units of measure used before the metric system, allowing citizens to check that merchants weren’t cheating them. Similar symbols can also be seen on the left column of the Baptistery.
Must-sees
Continue along Via San Carlo:
Walking along the elegant Via Toschi, the route leads to the presence of the city’s patron saint. Piazza San Prospero (affectionately called Piasa Cèca by locals) is dominated by the Basilica of San Prospero with its unfinished octagonal tower.
Must-see
The six red Verona marble lions guarding the basilica’s forecourt. They are a symbol of the square and a favorite meeting point for local youths. To reach Piazza Grande from here, walk through the Broletto, a charming porticoed passage that was once the canons’ orchard.
Curiosity
As you exit the Broletto, look for the vintage sign inviting cyclists to “dismount here”. It’s one of the most photographed signs in the city!
Leaving Piazza San Prospero along Via Guidelli, the route reaches the oldest part of the city: the Gromae Locus. This is Reggio Emilia’s “kilometre zero”, the exact spot where Roman colonists founded Regium Lepidi over two thousand years ago.
To know
Here, the Romans placed the Groma, a cross-shaped surveying instrument used to draw straight lines. From this very point, the city’s two main axes were born:
It’s along this historic axis that the final stretch of the itinerary unfolds.
Curiosity
At the end of Via Roma, the view meets the Gabella, the old city gate dedicated to Giuseppe Garibaldi. But the real gem is tucked in a side street: at Vicolo Venezia 13 stands what is considered the first mural in Reggio Emilia’s history. Created in the 1940s, it bears the enigmatic and poetic phrase: “Il Popolo giusto vuole la neve!” (“The righteous people want snow!”), a silent cry that still fascinates anyone passing by.
Tip
Walk along Via Roma with your eyes up: it’s one of Reggio Emilia’s most authentic and multicultural streets, where historic shops stand alongside noble palaces. Turn into Via Secchi at the end to close the loop at Piazza Martiri del 7 luglio, the perfect spot to sit at a café, order a glass of Lambrusco, and toast to the beauty of Reggio Emilia.
