Recently, Bologna, the vibrant capital of the Emilia Romagna region, unveiled Grand Tour Italia, a reimagined theme park that promises to immerse visitors in the rich tapestry of Italy’s culinary and cultural heritage. This innovative park is particularly tailored for both domestic and international travelers, serving as a gateway to the diverse regional treasures that Italy has to offer. The park is the brainchild of Oscar Farinetti, a prominent Italian entrepreneur known for his role in establishing the Eataly brand, which has grown into a global phenomenon with 27 locations around the world.
Grand Tour Italia is coming into existence after FICO Eataly World, its predecessor, faced significant challenges, leading to its closure in February 2024. While FICO attracted a notable 2.8 million guests in its inaugural year, interest waned considerably in subsequent years. Recognizing the need for a fresh approach, Farinetti invested an additional €15 million to breathe new life into the project. The ambitious goal is to draw 1.5 million visitors in its first year and generate €30 million in revenue by 2025, all while occupying the same footprint as FICO—a staggering 50,000 square meters.
Beyond Gastronomy: A Multifaceted Experience
While Italian cuisine has a well-deserved reputation globally, it is crucial to note that the phrase “Italian food” cannot encapsulate the diversity represented across the 20 Italian regions. Each area is characterized by unique ingredients, flavors, and traditions that reflect its geography and history. Even pasta, a staple in any Italian meal, presents a staggering variety of around 350 shapes, each tied to its specific locality and customs. Therefore, Grand Tour Italia not only highlights food but also expands its focus to encompass a range of cultural and historical elements that make Italy unique.
Guests will explore Italy’s myriad regions through a thoughtfully curated journey that introduces them to the architecture, traditions, and folklore unique to each area. The park’s entrance is ingeniously designed around twenty-three ancient porticoes, echoing Bologna’s own historic arcades, which span 25 miles and are classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This striking feature allows visitors to engage with each region’s distinctive character, enriching their understanding of Italy’s breadth.
Sustainability at Its Core
In today’s world, environmental sustainability has become a pivotal aspect of any successful project. Recognizing this, Grand Tour Italia emphasizes sourcing ingredients and products from organic and sustainable suppliers, thus reflecting a commitment to ecological integrity. A substantial part of the park is dedicated to local partners, such as Coldiretti—an agricultural organization that champions the interests of over 1.6 million farmers in Italy—and Slow Food, which is dedicated to preserving local culinary traditions. This partnership exemplifies a model where tourism contributes to the sustainability of local communities, ensuring that visitors not only enjoy but also appreciate the resources and traditions they encounter.
The park is also a family-friendly destination, featuring diverse amenities such as a bookstore stocked with the most influential books in history, a children’s amusement park, and an outdoor Adventure Park. Activities will be constantly evolving, with a daily roster of music, culinary lessons, wine tastings, and food education workshops, ensuring that each visit offers something fresh and engaging.
The concept of Grand Tour Italia draws inspiration from the historical voyages of young men embarking on the Grand Tour of Europe in the late 18th century—a journey meant to enhance their education and cultural appreciation. It taps into a storied tradition that intertwines travel with personal growth and discovery. Wolfgang von Goethe’s “Italian Journey” serves as a literary testament to this enriching experience, chronicling his travels through Italy from 1786 to 1788.
Now, visitors to Grand Tour Italia can experience a similar journey, meandering through the essence of Italian culture in one location. It serves not just as a destination point, but rather as an invitation to delve deeper into Italy’s vast history and multifaceted communities. As Farinetti stated, “Grand Tour Italia is more than just a tourist destination; it is a tribute to the extraordinary diversity and cultural richness of our country.”
With its doors open Thursday through Sunday, offering free entrance and parking, Grand Tour Italia is located just a short journey from central Bologna, making it accessible for both locals and travelers. As the park embarks on this new chapter, it holds the promise of reinvigorating interest in Italy’s diverse offerings—tantalizing guests to explore further while celebrating the country’s unique cultural and culinary landscapes. The future is bright for Grand Tour Italia, embodied by the spirit of exploration and discovery it inspires.