The best city hikes and walks in Reggio nell'Emilia

The Church of San Pietro (officially also known as the Church of Saints Peter the Apostle and Prospero Bishop) is one of the most important and imposing Baroque-style religious buildings located in the historic center of Reggio Emilia. Its main facade stands along Via Emilia San Pietro, while the parish access is located in Via Campo Samarotto.

The Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo is one of the most characteristic and historically relevant medieval monuments in Reggio Emilia. Located in the heart of the historic center, the building overlooks the very central Piazza del Monte. It was erected as the seat of the Captain of the People, a political and military figure who assisted the Podestà in the governance of the free commune. In the 15th century, it hosted the Este dukes during their lordship in the city. After ceasing public functions, the palace was transformed into the Ospizio del Cappello Rosso. With this reconversion, it became one of the oldest hospitality and hotel establishments in Italy. Birth of the Hotel Posta (1913): The structure was modernized, taking the name Albergo della Posta, a receptive activity still active within it.

The Oratorio del Santissimo Crocifisso, commonly known as the Oratorio del Cristo, is a Baroque place of worship located in the historic center of Reggio Emilia, in piazzale Roversi Built between 1758 and 1763 to a design by architect Giovan Battista Cattani The oratorio del Ss. Crocifisso in capo alla Ghiara commonly called del Cristo ..., the oratory stands on the site where an ancient image of the crucifix painted during the plague of 1630-1631 was the object of deep popular veneration It features a characteristic convex and ornate Baroque facade The oratorio del Ss. Crocifisso in capo alla Ghiara commonly called del Cristo ..., enriched by statues by the Veronese sculptor Angelo Finali The oratorio del Ss. Crocifisso in capo alla Ghiara commonly called del Cristo ... It is located a short distance from the famous Basilica della Beata Vergine della Ghiara (a true jewel of 17th-century Emilian painting housing masterpieces by Guercino and Lionello Spada

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 Statue of the Crostolo is one of the symbolic monuments of Reggio Emilia, located on the north side of Piazza Prampolini (the city's main square). It represents the allegory of the stream of the same name that crosses the Reggio territory. The work dates back to before 1750. It was part of the monumental park of the Villa Ducale in Rivalta. In the villa's park there were three colossal statues dedicated to the main waterways of the Duchy: the Panaro, the Secchia, and the Crostolo. Many art historians attribute the sculpture to the artist Giovan Battista Bolognini. The Municipality of Reggio Emilia acquired the property of the ducal assets and decided to move the sculptures. The Crostolo was definitively placed in the main square on April 14, 1802. It was positioned on top of the base of an ancient public well from 1285 that had fallen into ruin. The other two statues were instead placed on the San Pellegrino Bridge.

Piazza Martiri del 7 luglio in Reggio Emilia offers a splendid architectural perspective when viewed from the windows, the colonnade, or the balcony of the Romolo Valli Municipal Theatre.

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.