Born in Italy, Anita was bitten by the travel bug before she could walk. After a short experience in the UK, she literally went on the other side of the world and landed in French Guiana. Besides launching rockets, she loves everything about traveling and living abroad and (of course) writing about it!
Ah the desert, what a beauty, it is really out-sanding! Are you looking for the best desert puns and desert captions for your photos? I dune if you will agree but I have some pretty good ones in here. The list is long so do not hesitate to browse them through the table of content.
Life abroad can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially if you are a first-time expat. To make the transition run more smoothly, I have collected 13 essential expat tips from our experience and from other expats that will help you settle in quickly and comfortably to your new location.
Are you looking for the funniest Rome puns to craft the perfect Instagram captions? You are in the right place. I have more than 60 listed by type so that you can easily navigate through the ones that will perfectly match your stunning photos from Rome. What are you waiting for? Let’s find the perfect one for you!
Photos from Unsplash credits Spencer Davis and Mauro Grazzi.
Generic puns about Rome
More generic puns about the architectural wonders of the Eternal City.
It’s impossible to ruin the view of this city.
I was left in ruins after this day of walking in Rome.
Arch you glad you’re in Rome?
Rome is full of marble-ous temples.
The architecture found throughout Rome is truly a-stone-ishing.
There are many marble-ous statues in Rome, but so many people take them forgranite.
Photos from Unsplash credits Gonzalo Mendiola and Iam Os.
History and Rome Puns
These hilarious puns about Rome’s history will make your readers laugh.
How did the Roman Empire get divided? With a pair of Caesars.
That was a Nero miss.
Put Etruscan me.
After all this Italian food, I’m going to need to see a Diocletian.
Before I got to Rome,I was on the Vergil of a nervous breakdown.
Isn’t it Ovid-ious how beautiful this city is?
Can you Hannibal me the wine?
It would be a Seneca to miss my Rome trip!
That food didn’t sit right with me. I think I need to use the Commodus.
The Pantheon has a tight Agrippa on my heart.
I woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning. I’m feeling a bit Gracchi.
I’m so glad we came to Rome toga-ther.
Photos from Unsplash credits Bere del Valle and Evren Aydin.
Rome and Mythology Puns
Let’s revise mythology while having some fun. If you loved the stories about Roman mythology these are perfect for you!
Aeneid anything?
The street performer was out of Neptune.
Did Juno, Rome is a pretty cool city?
I think I drink to much Italian coffee, they should just give it to me intra-Venus-ly.
My Apollo-gies for the cheesy Rome puns.
You’re getting on Minerva-s.
There are too many Mars in Rome’s streets!
So sad to say Diana-ra to Rome!
It’s not a scooter, it’s a Vesta.
Are you Ceres-ly not going to visit the Colosseum?
Rome is a-Flora-ble!
Photos from Unsplash credits Sandra Bittmann and Kitera Dent.
Rome puns about the most iconic locations
Are you looking for the perfect caption for your Colosseum selfie or Trevi fountain photo? I have a few you will love!
Trevi fountain
I’m having Trevi saying ‘goodbye’ to Rome.
Rich in wishes.
My heart’s GPS location is fixed here.
Foun-10s.
I’m in a good place right now. Not emotionally, I’m just at the Trevi Fountain.
Photos from Unsplash credits Gonzalo Mendiola and Francesco Bruno.
Colosseum
That’s a Colosseum building indeed.
I Colos-see you.
Colossee-in the sights.
I just colom like I seeum.
I heard there are gladiators in Rome but I didn’t Colo-see-em.
Are you looking to take the most memorable pictures? Check out our favorite Colosseum photo spots!
Vatican puns
Dress warm at the Vatican, it’s a bit gold.
Dome stop believing.
Can’t say we saw the Pope, Vatican say this place is beautiful.
Why can’t I use Visa or Mastercard in the Vatican? Because it’s a Paypal state.
My favorite movie is Sistine candles.
I heard the Vatican was making a movie, what’s the name? Pope Fiction.
Photos from Unsplash credits Gonzalo Mendiola and Chad Greiter.
Italian Food puns
Ah Italian food! How delicious isn’t it? It’s no joke that Italian cuisine is among the best in the world! Although there are plentiful of jokes about Italian food. So that your food shoots won’t never be caption less again.
Another one bites the crust.
Are you upsetti? Then eat spaghetti!
Rome has stole a pizza my heart.
Words can’t espresso how much Rome means to me.
Rome has turned me into a gelat-ho.
You cannoli do so much.
Olive you.
Scoops, I did it again!
Here today, gone tomato.
Maybe we should ask him to join us? He looks cannelloni.
Photos from Unsplash credits Klara Kulikova and Amy Vann.
I love having fun reading these hilarious Rome puns. Don’t you? Remember to save this post if you are planning to post more photos so that you always have your inspiration at hand.
If you are traveling through Italy, you may be interested in our day trips in il Bel Paese. They are divided by region to help you easily find what you are looking for. And if you are looking for more Instagram captions or puns about Italy check out 150 Italy puns and Instagram captions for your vacation.
The world has almost 200 countries and more than 10.000 cities to cover in a lifetime. I’ll be brutally honest, it’s very unlikely that you will get to see them all (unfortunately). With this in mind, you should really focus your time and energies on what you can and most especially WANT to see. But how can you orientate your compass among all these possibilities? The answer is simple: you should create a travel bucket list that will help you focus on your travel goals. Let’s see how.
Are you on the hunt for the perfect skyline captions to complement your stunning shots? Or perhaps you’re looking to showcase some street photography and need the ideal caption to accompany it? Well, look no further! You’ve landed in the right place, we have a wide variety of top-notch city captions that you can easily browse through our collection.
Disclosure: anitabeyondthesea.com is reader-supported. When you make a reservation through links on my site, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. That will help me keep the blog up and running. Thank you!
Do you want to show off in a few words? These powerful captions will be perfect to make a statement.
My kind of town.
This city never sleeps.
Meet me in (city name you’re visiting).
Walking through a concrete jungle.
All I need is love and skylines.
photos from Pexels.com credits Ricardo Esquivel and Aleksandar Pasaric.
A city is a place where everything is made of glass.
Welcome to (your city) it’s been waiting for you!
I have no time to be sad in this beautiful city.
The streets of this city are full of love and amazing views.
I’m just a small-town girl/boy with big city dreams.
This city is nothing but, a concrete version of heaven.
I may fall in love with many things but, this city has something special in it.
photos from Pexels.com credits Abid Bin Nazar and Lorilee.
Generic captions that are perfect for your city pics
These captions aren’t necessarily about cities, but they will be the perfect addition to your skyline photos.
Go where you feel the most alive.
I came. I saw. I conquered.
These sidewalks are like a runway.
I love places that make you realize how tiny you and your problems are.
There’s no time to be bored in a world as beautiful as this.
Wake up and live.
Remember when you dreamed of being where you are now?
I can’t imagine calling any other place home.
Home sweet home.
photos from Pexels.com credits Adhen Wijaya Kusuma and Fabrizio Verrecchia.
City Lights captions
Are you looking for the perfect words for your city lights selfies? Here you will find the right ones for you!
Let city lights guide you home.
City lights are like fireflies in my heart.
Bright lights, good people and a big city.
Those bright lights are my sunshine.
There are many things in this city to love, one of them is city lights.
City lights make me forget my all problems for a while.
photos from Pexels.com credits Benjamin Suter and Som Thapa Magar.
The most beautiful City quotes
Your followers will love this witty captions, straight out from books and interviews to illustrious authors, philosophers, or celebrities.
“What I like about cities is that everything is king size, the beauty and the ugliness.” – Joseph Brodsky
“I’m in love with cities I’ve never been to and people I’ve never met.” – Melody Truong
“Men come together in cities in order to live, but they remain together in order to live the good life.” – Aristotle
“What is a city but the people?” – Shakespeare
“Cities, like cats, will reveal themselves at night.” – Rupert Brooke
“The city disappears street by street as you enter it.” – Ian Seed
“All cities are mad, but the madness is gallant. All cities are beautiful, but the beauty is grim.” – Christopher Morley
“The city is not a concrete jungle, it is a human zoo.” – Desmond Morris
“Cities have the capability of providing something for everybody, only because, and only when, they are created by everybody.” – Jane Jacobs.
photos from Pexels.com credits Oziel Gomez and Max Ravier.
The best songs lyrics for your skyline captions
The are so many songs about cities and city life. Down below you will find the best captions from 5 famous songs to match your photos.
“These streets will make you feel brand new.” – Jay-Z and Alicia Keys, Empire State of Mind
“Every time that you fade into the night, you’re the city lights.” – Bridgit Mendler, City Lights
“City of stars, are you shining just for me?” – La La Land
“Bright lights, big city, she dreams of love” – Thirty Seconds to Mars, Bright Lights
“Just like I pictured it, skyscrapers and everything.” – Stevie Wonder, Living for the city
photos from Pexels.com credits Vlada Karpovich and Alleksana.
One last word about the best city captions
Say goodbye to those empty spaces beneath your upcoming cityscape snapshots or captivating city light selfies! You can now bid adieu to the struggle of finding the perfect caption because you’ve stumbled upon the ultimate list of city Instagram captions and city light captions. The best part? They are completely customizable to suit any major city across the globe.
Do you like Instagram captions? Save the travel inspiration page among your favorites to always have the best quotes, captions, and puns at hand. New fresh content is published every week.
If I say Istanbul it’s impossible not to think of Hagia Sofia, the Blue Mosque, etc… By the way if you are not familiar with Istanbul’s main attractions, check out the 11 most amazing places to visit. It will help you plan your trip, especially if you are a first timer. But are there unusual and fun things to do in Istanbul? And what makes them stand out? Or even kid-friendly activities? Yes absolutely there are so many! Let’s see them.
Are you looking for the PERFECT London Instagram captions or puns for your London photos? I have so many for you to choose from. It could be a funny pun about Big Ben or a short but powerful caption about the Swinging City. The choice is yours, and the best thing is you will have plenty of them. More captions, less words let’s go!
French Guiana is not an independent country. In fact it has the status of an overseas department of France. As such their national flag is France’s tricolor. But they do have a representative flag, and during its history, French Guiana has known many different “colors”. Before as a colony and nowadays as a region of France. Do you know all of them? Let’s see.
Paris has captured the hearts and imaginations of people around the world for centuries. From famous writers to artists, musicians, and travelers, the city has inspired countless quotes that capture its unique charm and beauty. Whether you are planning a trip to Paris or simply dreaming of the City of Light, these inspiring Paris quotes offer a glimpse into what makes this city so special. From the iconic landmarks and architecture to the delicious food, rich history, and vibrant culture, there is truly something for everyone in Paris.
Disclosure: anitabeyondthesea.com is reader-supported. When you make a reservation through links on my site, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. That will help me keep the blog up and running. Thank you!
The most iconic quotes about Paris? I have listed them down below. Make a statement in just a few words.
“Paris is always a good idea.” – Audrey Hepburn
“We’ll always have Paris.” – Howard Koch
“Paris isn’t a city, it’s a country. – King Francois I
“No one said finding Paris would be easy. I only said it would be worth it.” – Con Template
“Paris needs no reason. Paris is its own reason.” – Maureen Johnson, 13 Little Blue Envelopes
“For all we know, Paris is the hottest spot in the universe.” – Woody Allen, Midnight in Paris
“Paris is a city where time is best to spend by doing nothing” – Erich Maria Remarque, Arch of Triumph
“Though you may leave Paris, Paris never really leaves you.” – Janice Macleod, A Paris Year
photos from Pexels.com credits Céline and Max Avans.
“There was something about Paris that made you feel you could forget who you were.” – Sonali Dev, Pride, Prejudice, and Other Flavors
“No one gets Paris after one visit. No one.” – Maureen Johnson, The Last Little Blue Envelope
“Paris is a place in which we can forget ourselves, reinvent, expunge the dead weight of our past.” – Michael Simkins, Detour de France
“You can’t ever get too much of Paris.” – Vicki Lesage, Confessions of a Paris Party Girl
“I love to watch cities wake up, and Paris wakes up more abruptly, more startlingly, than any place I know.” – Bill Bryson
“Paris has always seemed… the only city where you can live and express yourself as you please.” – Natalie Clifford Barney
“To breath the air of Paris preserves the soul.” – Victor Hugo, Les Misérables
“Every girl needs Paris.” – Eve Chase,The Wildling Sisters
“Paris at night is a street show of a hundred moments you might have lived.” – Courtney Maum, I Am Having So Much Fun Here Without You
photos from Pexels.com credits Vlada Karpovich and Nataliya Vaitkevich.
Long inspiring quotes about Paris
Are you looking for a longer quote instead? Here there are longer quotes about la Ville Lumière that will enlighten your days.
“Paris is a book to savor, in whole or in part, at any time and in any season. At age ninety or at thirty-four, you can open any chapter and read from there.” – Michelle Gable, I’ll See You in Paris
“He who contemplates the depths of Paris is seized with vertigo. There is nothing more fantastic. Nothing more tragic. Nothing more sublime.” – Victor Hugo
“Paris. There is something silken and elegant about that word, something carefree, something made for a dance, something brilliant and festive, like champagne. Everything there is beautiful, gay, and a little drunk, and festooned with lace.” – Nina Berberova, The Tattered Cloak and Other Stories
“Paris. City of love. City of dreams. City of splendour. City of saints and scholars. City of gaiety. Sink of iniquity. In two thousand years, Paris had seen it all.” – Edward Rutherfurd, Paris
“I never rebel so much against France as not to regard Paris with a friendly eye; she has had my heart since my childhood… I love her tenderly, even to her warts and her spots. I am French only by this great city: the glory of France, and one of the noblest ornaments of the world.” – Michel de Montaigne
“The streets of Paris had a way of making me stop in my tracks, my heart suspended. They seemed saturated with presence, even if there was no one there but me. These were places where something could happen, or had happened, or both.” – Lauren Elkin, Flâneuse
photos from Pexels.com credits Tove Liu and Max Avans.
Paris quotes about Art and History
Over the years the Parisian streets have been crossed by some of the most famous artists of all times. So what do they say about Paris and art? Find out here.
“Paris was where the twentieth century was.” – Gertrude Stein
“As an artist, a man has no home in Europe save in Paris.” – Friedrich Nietzsche
“Paris was like a poem in stone.” – Simon Van Booy, The Illusion of Separateness
“Every second in the air in Paris is art.” – Robert Black
“A walk about Paris will provide lessons in history, beauty, and in the point of life…” – Thomas Jefferson
“The old Paris is no more, the form of a city changes faster, alas! than a mortal’s heart.” – Charles Baudelaire, Flowers of Evil
“Paris that eternal monstrous marvel … the city of a hundred-thousand novels … a living creature, the great courtesan whose face and heart and mind-boggling morals they know: “They” are the lovers of Paris.” – Honoré de Balzac
“The whole of Paris is a vast university of Art, Literature and Music. It is worth anyone’s while to dally here for years. Paris is a seminar, a post-graduate course in Everything.” – James Thurber
“Paris has history, it has art, it has wonderful architecture, it has literature, but much more important than all these, it has freedom! If a city cannot offer freedom to its dwellers, all its other beauties will be meaningless!” – Mehmet Murat ildan
photos from Pexels.com credits Mark Amores and Max Avans.
Book quotes about Paris
Many books take place in France’s capital. The ones with the most memorable quotes are down below.
“He who sees Paris, seems to see all history through with the sky and constellations in the intervals.” – Victor Hugo, Les Misérables
“I’d never heard anyone talk about Paris without sighing. The city was a Promised Land that held appeal for most everyone: artists, lovers, even people who just liked cheese.” – Jennifer Coburn, We’ll Always Have Paris
“That was my favorite thing about Paris: it was well lived. The architecture spoke of the life it had seen through its curves and textures.” – Brooke Gilbert, The Paris Soulmate
“But it’s the life of Paris, that’s the thing. Ah, there’s no city like Paris for gaiety, movement, excitement…” – James Joyce, Dubliners
“Like a book on a shelf I’d waited years to open, Paris had always been waiting for me…” – Louisa Deasey, A Letter From Paris
“I want to see all the romantic places in Europe and make love in every city and take pictures kissing in front of the Eiffel Tower. I want to eat croissants and hold hands on trains.” – Colleen Hoover, It Starts with Us
photos from Pexels.com credits Guillaume Meurice and Vincent Rivaud.
Romantic quotes
It wouldn’t be a good list without the most romantic quotes about Paris. And there are so many! Let your imagination run wild with the best romantic quotes.
“Flowers never look so lovely as they do in Paris in the market there.” – Agatha Christie, Hallowe’en Party
“Paris is an extremely beautiful young woman bathing in public.” – Nkwachukwu Ogbuagu
“If you have ever walked in Paris, you will see that Paris will ever walk in your memories!” – Mehmet Murat ildan
“Paris is a woman’s town, with flowers in her hair.” – Henry Van Dyke
“Even the pigeons are dancing, kissing, going in circles, mounting each other. Paris is the city of love, even for the birds.” – Samantha Schutz, I Don’t Want to Be Crazy
“… you’ll have to fall in love at least once in your life, or Paris has failed to rub off on you.” – E.A. Bucchianeri, Brushstrokes of a Gadfly,
“Paris is a heaven for all woman’s obssesions: hot men, great chocolates, scrumptuous pastries, sexy lingerie, cool clothes but, as any shoe-o-phile knows, this city is a hotbed of fabulous shoes.” – Kirsten Lobe, Paris Hangover
“Though you may leave Paris, Paris never really leaves you.” – Janice Macleod, A Paris Year
photos from Pexels.com credits Shvets Anna and Miriam Espacio.
French quotes with translation
We are daydreaming about Paris, so what’s best then doing this by reading some quotes in their original language? Ah le français, la langue de l’amour (ah French is the lover’s language).
“Paris est la drogue du solitaire, un labyrinthe inépuisable où l’angoisse du possible s’apaise.” Translation: Paris is the drug of loneliness, an inexhaustible labyrinth where the anguish of the possible subsides. – Federico Castigliano
“Maintenant tu ne peux plus m’offrir ni joies, ni douleurs. Adieu, Paris! Adieu!” Translation: Now you can no longer offer me joy or pain. Farewell, Paris! Farewell! – Alexandre Dumas, Le Comte de Monte-Cristo
“Paris est Paris, c’est-à-dire une espèce de tourbillon où l’on perd la mémoire de toutes choses, au milieu du bruit que fait le monde en courant et la terre en tournant.” Translation: Paris is Paris, that means some kind of whirlwind where you lost memory of everything, in the middle of the noise that people make while running and the Earth while turning. – Alexandre Dumas, La Femme Au Collier de Velours
“Paris c’est comme une histoire d’amour, on se souvient seulement des beaux jours.” Translation: Paris is like a love story, we remember only the good days. – Lisa Gachet, Make My Party
“Quand on connaît Paris, on ne croit à rien de ce qui s’y dit, et on ne dit rien de ce qui s’y fait.” Translation: When you know Paris, you don’t believe in anything said there, and you don’t say anything about what’s done there. – Honoré de Balzac, Le Père Goriot
photos from Pexels.com credits Mateus Silva and Vlada Karpovich.
Paris vs the world
We like making comparisons, and just like any other city in the world Paris can be easily compared to other capitals or locations. Here are the most interesting parallels between Paris and the rest of the world.
“In Rome the statues, in Paris the paintings, and in Prague the buildings suggest that pleasure can be an education.” – Caleb Crain, Necessary Errors
“London is a riddle. Paris is an explanation.” – G.K. Chesterton
“I thought of Paris as a beauty spot on the face of the earth, and of London as a big freckle.” – James Weldon Johnson
“Paris is a woman but London is an independent man puffing his pipe in a pub.” – Jack Kerouac, Lonesome Traveler
“’I am told that New York is very beautiful. Is it more beautiful than Paris?’ ‘Oh, no,’ I said, ‘no city is more beautiful than Paris’.” – James Baldwin, Giovanni’s Room
“After living in Paris, does not the rest of the world seem but a hovel?” – Pietros Maneos
“In Rome the statues, in Paris the paintings, and in Prague the buildings suggest that pleasure can be an education.” – Caleb Crain, Necessary Errors
“America is my country and Paris is my hometown.” – Gertrude Stein
photos from Pexels.com credits Mathias Reding and Fingen Kokol.
Living in Paris
Living in Paris can be an amazing experience, even though, boy, are those rents high?!?! Let’s forget about that and just enjoy those quotes about Parisian life.
“If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast.” – Ernest Hemingway, A Moveable Feast
“I’ve been living ten years in Paris and the answer seems simple to me: because it’s the best place to pick ideas.” – Roman Payne, Crepuscule
“There is but one Paris and however hard living may be here, and if it became worse and harder even – the French air clears up the brain and does good – a world of good.” – Vincent Van Gogh
“Paris is the city in which one loves to live.” – Margaret Anderson
“To study in Paris is to be born in Paris!” – Victor Hugo, Les Misérables
“I know so much is going to happen here, but I just don’t know how. It feels like Paris is full of so many adventures just waiting to be had.” – Rachel Kapelke Dale
“When spring comes to Paris the humblest mortal alive must feel that he dwells in paradise.” – Henry Miller
“What you don’t know about Paris, is that when you live there, over time, an invisible thread forms around your heart, and so when you leave, it always tugs you back.” – Robert Black
photos from Pexels.com credits Salvatore De Lellis and Alex Barnes.
Fun Paris Quotes
Amuse your readers with this fun Paris quotes about lifestyle, Parisians and the city itself.
“To know Paris, you need to relax, have a glass of wine, and enjoy life.” – Jennifer Coburn, We’ll Always Have Paris
“Being poor in Paris is being poor twice.” – Émile Zola, La Curée
“It is impossible for a Parisian to resist the desire to flick through the old volumes laid out by a bookseller.” – Gérard de Nerval, Les Filles du feu
“That Paris exists and anyone could choose to live anywhere else in the world will always be a mystery to me.” – Woody Allen, Midnight in Paris
“In Paris we find a way to murder a man by saying “he has a good heart”. This sentence means “the poor boy is as dumb as a rhinoceros”. – Honoré de Balzac, Eugénie Grandet
“Paris is a hard place to leave, even when it rains incessantly and one coughs continually from the dampness.” – Willa Cather
“I love Paris in the summer, when it sizzles.” – Cole Porter
“To err his human, to stroll is Parisian.” – Victor Hugo, Les Misérables
“There are only two places in the world where we can live happy: at home and in Paris.” – Ernest Hemingway, A Moveable Feast
photos from Pexels.com credits Mathias Reding and Céline.
Cute Eiffel Tower quotes
The symbol of France and Paris. One of the most famous landmarks in the world. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the Eiffel Tower, and with its best quotes.
“I ought to be jealous of the tower. She is more famous than I am.” – Gustave Eiffel
“I like The Eiffel Tower because it looks like steel and lace.” – Natalie Lloyd
“My little boy to climb the Eiffel Tower you climb on a song” – Vicente Huidobro
“The Eiffel Tower was once thought impossible to build.” – Hector Jesus Arencibia
“Every time I look at the Eiffel Tower, it completely blows my mind.” Brian Fallon
“What was the good of having the statue without the liberty, the freedom to go where one chose if one was held back by one’s color? No, I preferred the Eiffel Tower, which made no promises.” – Josephine Baker
photos from Pexels.com credits Viviana Ceballos and Boris Ulzibat.
In conclusion about the best Paris quotes
Let the magic of Paris take hold of your heart and mind. And as Audrey Hepburn once said, “Paris is always a good idea.” If you liked our Paris quotes collection, you will love these Instagram captions and puns for you pics!
Would you like to read more quotes that will inspire you travel? Check out the Travel Inspiration page. Au revoir!
Emilia Romagna is one of those regions of Italy that are often overlooked. And in a way, that’s even understandable, I mean how can you beat the beauty of Tuscany’s landscapes, the magic of Rome’s history, or the incredible coastal cities of Southern Italy? And yet. With its incredible medieval towns and its tasty cuisine (yes, Emilia Romagna is probably the best region of the world when it comes to food!) this is a hidden gem to discover. Let’s dive into the best towns in Emilia Romagna, that you should explore during your stay.
Disclosure: anitabeyondthesea.com is reader-supported. When you make a reservation through links on my site, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. That will help me keep the blog up and running. Thank you!
This list is based on the choice made by the Italian national club i Borghi più belli d’Italia, with the addition of my personal favorites. To help you sort your itinerary, the list follows a geographical order. Starting from the North West, the area nearby Piacenza, and ends with the South East, nearby Rimini. It will also allow you to skip directly to the areas you would like to visit, and for that don’t hesitate to use the table of content.
At the end of the blog post, you will find some useful information, to help you plan your vacation.
Bobbio (Piacenza)
Bobbio is one of the most ancient towns in Emilia Romagna. The Romans founded it in 14 B.C.. As a heritage of Roman’s passage, we still can see the magnificent Ponte del Diavolo (Devil’s Bridge) that runs on 280 meters. A masterpiece of engineering that is supported by 11 irregular arches. Around 614 the Irish monk Colombano founded a Monastery that is nowadays one of the main attractions. San Colombano Monastery hosts a museum that collects finds, some of them are pre-Romans, from the surroundings.
Symbol of Renaissance Emilia’s architecture, the Duomo features many interesting frescoes. And how not to mention the massive medieval Malaspina Castle? A key location during the medieval wars between Guelfi and Ghibellini.
Bobbio takes its name from the river, a well-known spot, where the locals seek freshness during Summer’s heat. At this time of the year, due to the drought, the water uncovers some small beaches. Bobbio’s beautiful river gorges offer also one of the funniest activities to try: canoeing! Test your abilities along the river rapids, if you’ve never tried this it’s really fun! Check RockandRivers.com for schedules and events. Unfortunately, their website is in Italian only, if you are interested, call them directly.
Accommodations in Bobbio are for the majority B&B and the prices may be a little higher than in other locations nearby. If you are only visiting the town without doing extra activities in the countryside, the best solution is to sleep in Piacenza (more on that at the end of the post) or nearby.
View of Bobbio from the Devil’s Bridge. Photo credits to Alessandro Vecchi. License.
Grazzano Visconti (Piacenza)
Unlike the other locations in this list, Grazzano Visconti is not an ancient village. Let me explain this better. The fortress is medieval indeed. But the village’s construction dates back to the beginning of the XX century when Giuseppe Visconti financed the reconstruction of a modern medieval-looking town attached to the fortress and the ancient Church of Saint Anna.
Grazzano Visconti was born. An exquisite mix of Neo-Gothic and Renaissance architecture that let us forget the fact that it’s only a hundred years old. The village regularly hosts events in costume every year that will let you feel how life was in the Renaissance.
Fun fact: the founder of the town, Giuseppe Visconti was the father of one of the most famous Italian directors, Luchino Visconti.
Giuseppe Visconti was ahead of his time, and with the renovation works he commissioned an inn inside the village that looks like the ancient medieval inns (of course, it is equipped with all comforts). If you want to try something different the Locanda of Grazzano Visconti is the perfect solution for you! For a more budget-friendly option, search for accommodations in Piacenza instead.
I’m not a romantic movie person, but growing up I always loved the movie “Ladyhawke” (if you haven’t watched it yet you should!). And guess what? One of the locations was Castell’Arquato and more specifically Rocca Viscontea. This ancient fortress dominates the view over the village and had originally 4 defensive towers. Only one survived to us and today hosts a small museum about the history of the village. The fortress is worth visiting also because of the view of the village and valley.
In addition to the majestic fortress, the village is absolutely worth visiting. Its narrow cobblestone alleys preserved the charm of ancient times and the whole village has a lost-in-time aura. Once you reached the main square admire il Palazzo del Podestà which rises in front of the fortress.
Castell’Arquato is a very small village and you will have more chances of finding accommodations nearby. Just like Bobbio, they are less than an hour from Piacenza, so my recommendation is to book your hotel there, unless you’ve decided to stay inside one of the beautiful castles!
Vigoleno is a scenic fortified village on top of a hill a few kilometers outside Piacenza. The name comes from Latin: Vicus Lyaeo (Baccus Village), and it refers to the exquisite wine production of the surrounding hills. Even though the first settling was Roman, the fortress dates to the Middle Ages. When visiting the village get lost in the labyrinth of narrow alleys inside the fortress walls.
I’m repeating myself, but walking in this town will bring you back in time. Vigoleno and (almost) all the villages from the list, have passed the test of centuries incredibly well and are among the most beautiful towns to visit in Italy. The icing on the cake? As the Romans stated, by dedicating the village to the God of pleasure, if you are a food and wine lover, this is THE place for you!
One of the most exciting things to do is spend the night inside the castle. The prices are less expensive than what you may expect. And the rooms are very elegant and will put you in a romantic mood.
On a road trip, you can easily explore Bobbio, Castell’Arquato, and Vigoleno on the same day. Spend the night in Vigoleno and then continue your trip to Grazzano Visconti and Piacenza.
The name of this town derives from the Italian words Monte Chiaro (White Mountain), which indicates the fact that the top of the mountain was deforested to build the houses. Montechiarugolo is a hidden gem a few kilometers outside Parma.
It’s a must-visit when you are in the area because of its Renaissance architecture. And among the buildings, you have to visit the Montechiarugolo Castle. Inside you will find many original objects, including tapestries, frescoes, and mobilia. The castle is open from March to November. In case you are traveling during another period, you will have to contact the castle owners at info@castellodimontechiarugolo.it.
Montechiarugolo is litterally a few minutes from Parma. That’s why I’d recommend staying in Parma to explore it, it’s absolutely worth it. And spend a few hours in the town on your way to the South.
Let’s now change location. Gualtieri is nearby Reggio Emilia on Italy’s longest river, the Po, on the border between Emilia Romagna and Lombardy. The name of this town comes from Gualtiero, a commander of the Lombard King Agilulfo sent to conquer Mantua. Gualtiero created an encampment there that gradually expanded through the years to become a small city.
Gualtieri had an important urban development during the Renaissance. From this period we have some incredible buildings like Piazza and PalazzoBentivoglio, Santa Maria della Neve Church, and the beautiful Civic Tower. The whole city looks straight out of a Raffaello’s painting. It’s very different from the Middle Ages villages mentioned above but in any way less interesting.
The civic tower. Photo credits to Saliko. License.
Castelvetro di Modena (Modena)
Even though in Italian Castelvetro means Glass Castle, the original name comes from Latin and translates as Old Castle (Castrum Vetus). And Castelvetro is old indeed! The first Roman encampment dates back to the 1st century B.C.
So what makes this castle unique and worth being on our list? Castelvetro is the towers’ village. There are 6 of them all around, which contributes to create a unique atmosphere in the town. The main square and most important location is Piazza Roma. Besides having an incredible view of Modena’s hills, the square also has a chessboard in the middle.
On even years in September, Castelvetro hosts human chess. A game to remember the time when Torquato Tasso, one of the most famous Italian poets, sought refuge in the town. While on odd years, always in September, Piazza Roma is the location of a fabulous Renaissance banquet. Even if you don’t dress in Renaissance costumes you still can assist to the festivals and enjoy the festivities around the village. For more information about the exact dates, check Castelvetro Tourism Board Website.
View of the Prison’s tower. Photo credits to Mongolo1984. License.
Fiumalbo (Modena)
Fiumalbo means White River, in reference to the foaming waters of the two rivers that surround the town. Unlike many other villages on the list, Fiumalbo isn’t on top of a panoramic hill. Instead, it spread over the valley and embrace the lush nature. If you like trekking in nature, there are many different trails around the area.
But what can you see inside the city on a day trip? First, you have to stop by the impressive Devil’s Bridge (yes another one!) also known as Ponte di Fola Alto. This bridge is very high and it surprises visitors as it’s supported by only two arches (it’s not the one in the photo below). One of the most surprising sights you will find in Fiumalbo is the “Celtic Village”. It consists of an ensemble of a few constructions, that most likely dates back to the 4th century B.C. when the Celts invaded Italy.
But I couldn’t end this list without mentioning the feast of the patron Saint Bartholomeus, the 23rd of August. For the occasion the town is enlightened by the light of thousands candles, including in the river. Fiumalbo becomes magical!
Fiumalbo during St. Bartholomeus Feast. Photo credits to Massic80. License.
Dozza (Bologna)
You may think you have ended in an open modern art gallery. You are not wrong because Dozza is one of the most surprising ancient/modern villages in Italy. A mix between the Dixit’s board games illustrations and more classical paintings, there are more than a hundred murals scattered throughout the city. The hunting is exciting!
But if you are more into historical discoveries you should head to the Sforzesca Fortress. Following renovation works, the fortress now hosts an interesting museum. Inside you will also find a giant sleeping dragon. Don’t worry, he wakes up only during the Fantastika Festival of fantasy, which take place every two years. You can check more information about the next on Fantastika’s website.
Brisighella is one of the most beautiful towns in Emilia Romagna. What makes it unique? The three rocky peaks that surround the valley. On top of each, stands a historical building. The Manfredian fortress, built in the 14th century, is the oldest. The Monticino sanctuary (18th century) and the Clock Tower, which was built in the second half of the 19th century.
When exploring the village you can walk in the “Donkey’s road” (via degli asini). This covered alley is very ancient and originally it had a defensive purpose. Through the years the basement of the road was carved from the rock to create stables and shops. For this reason, the alley is nowadays integrated inside a series of buildings.
In June, the town gets enlightened by a thousand torches at night. It’s simply magical if you have the chance to visit during this time of the year. Otherwise, as you can judge for yourself the views are breathtaking also during Winter when the town gets covered by snow.
The clock tower. Photo credits to Vanni Lazzari. License.
Comacchio (Ferrara)
Would you like to visit Venice without tourists? Well, Venice is absolutely unique. But Comacchio also known as Little Venice, reminds the floating city because of its many channels that cross it. You will even see some small boats reminding the gondola. They call them batane and they are used by the locals to move around the 13 different islands on which Comacchio is founded.
If you are lucky enough to find one of the locals willing to accompany you, you can even enjoy a small cruise along the water alleys. Note: they do this service for free usually, but feel free to give them a generous tip.
Otherwise, a walk between the alleys is an exciting experience as well. The colored house facades are a joy for the eyes! While you are wandering, don’t forget to visit Ponte Pallotta, also known as Trepponti (Three Bridges). This particular bridge connects four channels and 5 alleys and over the years it has become a symbol of Comacchio.
When arriving in San Leo the question arise spontaneously: how did they get to build a medieval fortress on top of that rocky peak? And while you will soon spot the slope where the village is settled, San Leo’s fortress still fascinates for it majestic beauty.
You can visit the fortress every day from 10.30 AM to 6.30 PM. But if you are planning to go, you should contact them to be sure they are open. Send the email to info@sanleo2000.it.
After you visited the fortress, stop by the lovely village. Among the ancient stone houses and buildings, you should visit also the Duomo, which is set into the mountain, to the point that it only have to facades. The Duomo is known for its perfect acoustic. Through the years famous artists like Ennio Morricone, have performed inside the walls of the sacred building.
Montefiore which literally means Flower Mountain is an impressive fortress that rises nearby the coast. The name Conca derives from the river that flows over the valley. Its strategic position nearby the most famous beaches of Rimini, makes it a nice addition to your Italian East Coast itinerary.
Montefiore Fortress is a must-see. Not only for its incredible history, you can learn when visiting on a guided tour, but also for the incredible views you can admire while visiting. Moreover, the fortress is famous for the legend of Costanza Malatesta. Daughter of one of the most beloved lords of Rimini, Ungaro Malatesta, Costanza became a widow at a very young age. When her father died she found herself with a lot of power and money.
Her libertine lifestyle caught the attention of her uncle who was worried about the family’s heritage. For this reason, when she fell in love with a German soldier her uncle commanded their assassination in 1378. Since then, Costanza’s ghost haunts the castle, seeking peace for her soul.
In the same fashion as these phenomenons, every year on the first weekend of September Montefiore hosts the Arckana Mystery Night. A festival where holistic and spiritual disciplines are introduced to the great public.
Montefiore is a rather small village, but it’s very close to other interesting touristy locations, like San Marino and Rimini. When looking for places to stay don’t hesitate to choose one of these two locations to stay at.
Exploring Italy is a lifetime experience and there are indeed many ways to move around. But when it comes to exploring villages and towns there are no doubts, a road trip is the best solution. It could be either by renting a car or with your own van/camping car.
Where can I rent a car?
It depends on where you are heading. If you want to start from the North West, Milan Malpensa International Airport is the ideal starting point. It is a few kilometers from Piacenza, about 50 minutes drive on the highway. And Piacenza as I showed above, is very close to 4 incredibly beautiful villages and towns: Grazzano Visconti, Bobbio, Castell’Arquato, and Vigoleno. Instead, if you are planning to don’t visit Emilia, and explore only the East area you may consider descending from Venice’s Marco Polo Airport.
Down below ou can easily simulate or book the car from Discover Cars by choosing the airport you prefer. I’ve enter Malpensa, but if you can get to Linate (smaller airport in Milan), that’s even closer.
The best places to stay in Emilia Romagna
While exploring the best towns in Emilia Romagna is an exciting experience, you shouldn’t overlook the larger cities. I’m thinking of Piacenza, Parma, Bologna, Ravenna and Ferrara. These cities are hidden treasures mostly unknown to foreign tourists. Don’t hesitate to spend a few days exploring, while having day trips to the neighboring towns.
Also one of the main benefits of being based in larger towns is that you will find more budget-friendly options. Even though I would invest in a one-night stay at one of the beautiful castles mentioned above.
In conclusion: why you shouldn’t overlook Emilia Romagna
Thanks to a rich history, beautiful natural landscapes, and one of the best cuisines in the world, Emilia Romagna is one of the most beautiful regions to visit in Italy. And it’s in the center also! That makes it easy to add on a larger itinerary from the North to the South.
Are you planning a vacation to Italy?
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