It probably took as long to walk from the train station, with my luggage, to the B&B that I had booked, as it took for me to ride the train from Parma to Reggio Emilia, especially since I wasn’t certain just where I was going — this was before I had an iPhone to help me navigate. That said, the ride from one city to the next is quick, and painless — approximately fifteen minutes. I had booked a room for myself at Emilia Suite Relax. 
Reggio Emilia is a city of approximately 171,234 inhabitants. It is a relatively easy city to walk and, as is the case with most of Italy’s cities, “a piedi” is the best way to discover, and to get to know this lovely place. 
Piazza del Duomo, or Piazza Prampolini, is one of the main squares, or piazzas, in Reggio Emilia. 
Nearby is Piazza Prospero, where every day, but Sunday, there is an outdoor market.
How can you not love a place called Terme del Colesterolo (Cholesterol Baths)!
Later in the day, when I would pass the place, it would be packed full of people waiting to bite into one of their delicious sandwiches! 
Exploring side streets and small alleyways enables you to really see through to the soul of a city. By doing so, you discover things that you might never have seen by simply going from tourist spot A, to tourist spot B. 
One of Reggio Emilia’s most popular annual events is the Fotografia Europea — a photography show that takes place in many of the city’s art galleries, museums, and exhibition spaces, showcasing works from artists based all over Europe. This is a three-month-long event, and was starting a few days after I was set to leave for my next destination. I would miss it this time, but made a note of returning in the future.
A wedding was about to take place in the Duomo, so I put off my visit to the church, until the following day. 
Reggio Emilia’s other main square is actually a combination of three piazzas put together: Piazza Martiri del 7 Luglio, Piazza San Francesco, and Piazza dalla Vittoria. To my delight, I found a large stage had been set up in the piazza, and over the course of the weekend, different concerts were going to be held. The one that was taking place on this day, my first, was a concert featuring a recording artist who I was familiar with, from the San Remo Music Festival — Raphael Gualazzi.
At the edge of the Piazzas, near the Church of San Francesco, stood a monument which took my breath away, with its force and beauty.
Not far from where I was staying, on Via Roma, was Porta Santa Croce, part of the ancient system of walls that used to protect the city of Reggio Emilia. 
The Museo Diocesano is a must for anyone visiting Reggio Emilia. Housed inside of Palazzo Vescovile, it contains works of art from the 4th to the 16th centuries.
Next up: more from Reggio Emilia, including a visit to the Musei Civici – the Civic Museums! Also, as I mentioned last week, beginning this coming week, we will be visiting the cities of Fiuggi, Tivoli, Firenze, Pisa, and Campiglia Marittima! Any suggestions on things to do, or places to eat in, will be greatly appreciated!
Note: this blog is written in English and Spanish, and the author takes no responsibility for the quality of any other translations which may appear!