The Aftermath: Traveling to Emilia-Romagna Post-Earthquake

A 6.0-magnitude earthquake north of Bologna in the region of Emilia-Romagna Sunday morning killed seven people and destroyed numerous buildings. One of our long-time subscribers, Italy travel planner Jim Zurer was staying in nearby Modena and shares his experience in this report.  The local cheese production and sites of cultural and historic significance were hit hard. Experts say it is the worst cultural damage since the 1997 earthquake that devestated Assisi in Umbria. If you're planning to visit Emilia-Romagna in the near future, here is a rundown of the damage (we will keep updating this post):

Local cheese production: This is where Reggiano Parmigiano and Grana Padano cheeses are produced and the Coldiretti Italian farm lobby says 400,000 wheels of cheese were damaged when the racks where they are aged collapsed. Workers are trying to determined what can be salvaged before mold moves in.  At least 10 percent of Parmesan production has been impacted, according to early estimates by the Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese Consortium.

Finale Emile:  Finale Emile was at the epicenter of the quake. The town's bell tower came crashing down and of the town's churches as well as the cathedral, according to AFP. The turrets of the 13th-century  century Castello delle Rocche were extensively damaged.

Sant'Agostino: City hall heavily damaged.

Ferrara: Ferrara, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has temporarily closed museums as a precaution. One modern building came down, killing four people.

San Carlo: The 16th-century Ghisilieri Oratorium (pictured above, pre-earthquake), an elaborate chapel used for concerts has partially collapsed. According to AFP, "A painstaking eight-year restoration was partly funded by a campaign on social media networks and contributions from local residents."

San Felice sul Panaro: Three churches destroyed and three of four towers of La Rocca Castle in ruins, according to the BBC.  Church of the Archpriest and its great works of art severely damaged.

Modena's Osteria Francescana: Recently named as one of the best restaurant's in the world, the chef at Osteria La Francescana tweeted that the osteria is open and not damaged.