Reggio nell'Emilia

Chief town of Reggio nell'Emilia province in Emilia-Romagna region, northern Italy, about 55 km/34 mi northwest of Bologna; population (2001) 141,900. Industries include manufactures and services associated with locomotives, and the production of textiles, agricultural machinery, cement, and wine. It was here in 1797 that the Congress of the cities of Emilia adopted the tricolour flag, which was later to become the national flag of Italy.

The town lies on the Via Emilia and has a 13th-century cathedral with an unfinished facade, containing some fine Renaissance statues. There are other old churches, including the domed 17th-century Madonna della Ghiara; art galleries, including the Parmeggiani Gallery; museums; and a theatre built in 1857. The poet Ludovico Ariosto was born in Reggio nell'Emilia in 1474.