In the northern reaches of central Italy, the region of Emilia-Romagna is known for its gastronomy and for its art cities, Modena and Parma. Here, such families as the Renaissance dukes of Ferrara rose in power and influence, creating courts that attracted painters and poets. Half of Emilia Romagna territory is formed by the Apennines; the other half is a large plain, which reaches to the Adriatic Sea. The coastline is flat and sandy, with a typical lagoon and marshy area (the Valli of Comacchio). Bologna, the capital, stands at the crossroads between Venice and Florence and is linked by express highways to Milan and Tuscany. By basing yourself in this ancient university city, you can branch out in all directions: north for 52 Km (32 miles) to Ferrara; southeast for 50 Km (31 miles) to the ceramics-making town of Faenza; northwest for 40 Km (25 miles) to Modena, with its Romanesque cathedral; or farther northwest for 55 Km (34 miles) to Parma, the legendary capital of the Farnese family duchy in the 16th century. Ravenna, famed for its mosaics, lies 74 Km (46 miles) east of Bologna on the Adriatic Sea. Emilia Romagna is famous for the ancient Roman road, Via Emilia, which began in Rimini and stretched to Piacenza, a Roman colony that often attracted invading barbarians. This ancient land (known to the Romans as Emilia, and to the Etruscans before them) is rich in architecture (Parma's cathedral and baptistery) and in scenic beauty (the green plains and the slopes of the Apennines). Emilia is one of Italy's most bountiful farming districts and sets a table highly praised in Europe, both for its wines and for its imaginatively prepared pasta dishes. Finally, Emilia's most famous wine is Lambrusco, 50 million bottles of which are produced every year near Modena and Reggio Emilia. Less well known but also highly rated are the Colli Piacentini wines.