Reggio Emilia Pestiferia: stories of diseases, plague doctors, and makeshift hospitals｜Italy

Plague, cholera, syphilis and other epidemics that plagued Reggio Emilia in a dark past.

An unusual itinerary through the lesser-known streets of Reggio Emilia, discovering the epidemics and diseases that have marked the city over the centuries. We will tell the story of places connected with gravediggers, undertakers, and those who buried the dead, where the transportation of the dying to the infirmaries and of the corpses to the mass burial pits was organized.

The route will also take us to the ancient locations of Reggio's “houses of tolerance”, the hospitals of charity, religious symbols, altars, superstitions, and folk remedies used to defend against plagues and cholera.

An original, intense and curious tour that brings to light traces that are still present of a darker, more fragile and forgotten Reggio, but one that is deeply linked to its history.


Meeting point: In front of the Grattacielo Cafè, Viale Monte S. Michele, 1, 42121 Reggio Emilia RE, Italy


Visiting Time: 01:30 Hours


All our guided visits are conducted by licensed tour guides.


Please arrive 10 minutes before the start of the tour. The tours start on time, without delay.


Barrier-free route, also suitable for people with motor disabilities.