The best walks and hikes around Reggio Nell'Emilia

Ludovico Ariosto's birthplace

The bell tower of the Basilica of San Prospero is one of the most important and beloved architectural symbols of Reggio Emilia. Located in the square of the same name in the heart of the historic center, this imposing structure stands out for its characteristic octagonal shape and for being fascinatingly unfinished. Construction work on the bell tower began between 1535 and 1536. Its construction saw the collaboration of important master craftsmen and architects of the time. The builders: The construction site was initially directed by the local master builders Leonardo, Alberto, and Roberto Pacchioni. Design and consultation: The initial design is attributed to the sculptor Cristoforo Ricci (known as Il Rossino). In 1538, Ricci himself went to Mantua to submit the drawings to Giulio Romano, the famous pupil of Raphael, who supervised the project, introducing prominent elements (such as shell-shaped niches inspired by Palazzo Te). Partial completion: Upon Rossino's death in 1555, the sculptor Prospero Sogari (known as Il Clemente) took over, carrying forward the third order. Work definitively ceased around 1575, leaving the structure without the planned fourth level and covering dome. The tower is composed of three superimposed octagonal volumes, decorated according to the classical superposition of architectural orders: Doric on the lower floor, Ionic on the second, and Corinthian on the third. The nickname derives from its characteristic external cladding in local sandstone. Sandstone is sand naturally cemented over millennia; while providing a warm golden color, it is a friable material that tends to flake under the action of atmospheric agents.

The Basilica of San Prospero is one of the most important religious monuments in Reggio Emilia, located in the square of the same name in the heart of the historic center. Dedicated to the city's patron saint, the church represents an extraordinary testimony of the Emilian Renaissance, enriched with late Baroque elements. It houses the relics of the Saint under the high altar.

The Duomo of Reggio Emilia (Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta) is the main religious building of the city and the mother church of the diocese of Reggio Emilia-Guastalla. Located in the very central Piazza Prampolini, the building has represented the historical and spiritual heart of the Reggio community since the 9th century. Entry to the structure is free.

Piazza Camillo Prampolini, historically known as Piazza Grande, is the beating heart and historic center of Reggio Emilia. The square is surrounded by the most important monuments of the city, which represent the historical political and religious powers.

Summer home of the poet Ludovico Ariosto Fifteenth-century villa on the banks of the Rhone where the poet Ludovico Ariosto, born in 1474, stayed for long periods.

The square in front of the Church of San Prospero is commonly called Little Square (Piasa Céca). Its origins date back to the end of the 10th century, when Bishop Teuzone had the new church dedicated to the Patron Saint built behind the Cathedral.

The main square of the city, also called Piazza Grande, Piazza del Comune. Dedicated to the well-known politician and socialist deputy from Reggio Emilia, Camillo Prampolini.