Reggio Emilia, the cradle of memory and social struggles and the beating heart of “Emilia Rossa,” is the perfect destination for a journey to discover the places that have shaped the history of 20th-century Italy.
This two-day itinerary winds through cities and the countryside, taking you past factories, museums, squares, and villages that tell stories of labor, culture, and civic engagement.
The 20th century in Reggio Emilia was an intense one: major industrial transformations, the emergence of workers’ and peasants’ movements, the partisan Resistance during World War II, and a strong cultural and political identity that left a deep imprint on the region.
Many of the sites visited have now become cultural spaces, museums, and memorial centers: former factories are now hubs for innovation and research, farmhouses tell the story of the struggle for freedom, and the small villages of the plain preserve atmospheres that have inspired cinema, literature, and art.
Over the course of these 48 hours, you’ll explore some of the most iconic sites: from the Officine Reggiane—a symbol of industrial and labor history—to the Cervi Museum in the countryside of Gattatico, and on to the villages of the Bassa Reggiana, which have served as the backdrop for famous films and stories of popular culture.
This journey is not only historical but also emotional: a journey that helps you better understand the identity of this region and its contribution to 20th-century Italian history.
Useful Info
If you have more time, you can continue your journey by visiting:
These sites offer a deeper insight into the region’s civic and cultural history.
The tour begins with a visit to the former Officine Meccaniche Reggiane, one of the landmarks of the city’s industrial history.
Founded in 1904, it was one of Italy’s most important industrial complexes for decades. Locomotives, airplanes, farm machinery, and industrial components were manufactured here, making it a hub for thousands of workers.
To know
In July 1943, during a strike against the war, several workers were killed during the army’s crackdown—an event that remains etched in the city’s collective memory.
Must-see
Today, thanks to a major urban regeneration project, many areas have been repurposed for events, festivals, cultural initiatives, and exhibitions, making a visit an immersive experience that blends history and innovation.
The journey continues toward Cavriago, a small town in the province of Reggio Emilia known for being home to one of Italy’s most unusual monuments: a bust of Vladimir Lenin.
A short walk through the town center, where you can also see murals and symbols related to local political history, allows you to discover the town’s historical identity and its connection to 20th-century political traditions.
To know
As early as 1919, the local socialist club had expressed solidarity with the October Revolution, making Cavriago one of the first Italian towns to publicly support that political movement.
Curiosity
The bust was donated by the Soviet Union in 1970 in recognition of the strong historical ties between Cavriago and the international socialist movement.
To wrap up the first day, we’ll head out to the countryside between Gattatico and Campegine, where the Cervi House Museum is located—one of the most important sites commemorating the Italian Resistance.
This is where the Cervi family lived—anti-fascist farmers who chose to oppose the fascist regime by offering shelter and support to the partisans.
Their farmhouse—which became a symbol of hope and the struggle for freedom—features museum spaces dedicated to the Resistance and objects from everyday peasant life that tell the story of the seven Cervi brothers, who were executed by the Nazi-Fascists in December 1943.
Events
Throughout the year, the museum hosts cultural events, exhibitions, and initiatives dedicated to historical memory and peasant culture.
To know
The second day begins in Brescello, a town made famous by the films about Don Camillo and Peppone, based on the stories by Giovannino Guareschi.
Must-see
Curiosity
The films shot in the 1950s starring Fernandel and Gino Cervi helped make Brescello one of the most famous towns in Italian cinema.
To taste
After your visit, it’s the perfect time to sample some local specialties:
The tour continues to Gualtieri, home to the museum dedicated to Antonio Ligabue, one of the most original artists of 20th-century Italy.
Must-see
After visiting the museum, we recommend taking a stroll through the picturesque Piazza Bentivoglio, one of the most charming Renaissance squares in Emilia.
To know
Ligabue lived for many years in the countryside of the Bassa Reggiana, developing a highly personal painting style characterized by wild animals, self-portraits, and scenes of rural life.
The final stop on the itinerary is Guastalla, where Bernardo Bertolucci filmed several scenes from his famous movie “Novecento.”
The film tells the story of two men born on the same day but from opposite social classes, set against the backdrop of the political and social transformations of the 20th century.
A stroll through the historic center allows you to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Bassa Reggiana region that inspired the film.
Must-See
To know
“Novecento” is considered one of the great cinematic masterpieces of the last century and one of the most important Italian films dedicated to the country’s social history.
