Discover Modena: A City of Cultural Heritage and Culinary Delights
Modena, once a Celtic settlement on the ancient Via Emilia, flourished under the Este family after 1288. The Este's influence brought about Modena's arcaded streets, squares, palaces, and gardens, as well as a wealth of art. The city's cathedral, Piazza Grande, and Ghirlandina Tower are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Today, Modena is renowned as the birthplace of Enzo Ferrari and for producing the world's finest balsamic vinegar. Visitors often flock to the Ferrari museum and enjoy balsamic vinegar tastings among other attractions.
1. Cathedral
The Modena Cathedral is a Romanesque masterpiece begun in 1099, featuring exquisite stone carvings both inside and out. Notable are the 13th-century rose window, marble lions, and early Romanesque sculptures. Inside, the crypt houses Guido Mazzoni's Adoration of the Infant Christ.
Address: Piazza Grande, Modena
2. Museo Enzo Ferrari
Enzo Ferrari's birthplace and a modern exhibit hall showcase his life and iconic cars. Visitors can experience driving simulators and take a shuttle to the Museo Ferrari in Maranello.
Address: Via Paolo Ferrari 85, Modena
Official site: http://museomodena.ferrari.com
3. Piazza Grande UNESCO World Heritage Site
Piazza Grande, flanked by the cathedral and Ghirlandina Tower, has been Modena's heart since 397. The square is lined with historic buildings, including the Palazzo dell'Arcivescovado, which honors the Resistance.
4. Villa San Donnino
Villa San Donnino offers tours and tastings of their DOP-designated balsamic vinegar, a product of decades-long aging in wooden barrels.
Address: Strada Medicina 25, Modena
Official site: http://www.villasandonnino.com/
5. Torre Ghirlandina
The Ghirlandina Tower, part of the UNESCO site, offers panoramic views of Modena. Its lower levels are adorned with bas-reliefs.
Address: Piazza del Torre, Modena
6. Casa Museo Luciano Pavarotti
The home of Luciano Pavarotti is now a museum displaying his life, art, and music.
Address: Stradello Nava 6, 41126, Modena
Official site: http://www.casamuseolucianopavarotti.it/
7. Galleria Estense and Palazzo dei Musei
The Palazzo dei Musei hosts a variety of collections, including the Galleria Estense with works by Velázquez, El Greco, and Bernini.
Address: Largo Porta Sant'Agostino 337, Modena
8. Mercato Albinelli
Modena's vibrant market offers local specialties like balsamic vinegar, Parmigiano Reggiano, and tortellini. The Art Nouveau building itself is also noteworthy.
Address: Via Albinelli and via Mondatora, Modena
9. Sant'Agostino
The 13th-century church of Sant'Agostino features a Baroque interior with rich decorations and a memorial to the Este family.
Address: Via Emilia, Modena
10. Abbazia di Nonantola
The Abbazia di Nonantola is a historic abbey with Romanesque architecture and a treasure trove of art and manuscripts.
11. Giardini Pubblici
The former Este ducal gardens are now a public park with a botanic garden and a villa that hosts art exhibitions.
12. San Francesco
The church of San Francesco is adorned with art, including terra-cotta statues by Antonio Begarelli.
Address: Rua Frati Minori 19 (corner of Corso Canalchiaro), Modena
Where to Stay in Modena for Sightseeing
For a comfortable stay, consider the Best Western Premier Milano Palace Hotel, VittorioVeneto25, PHI Hotel Canalgrande, or Hotel Cervetta 5. Budget options include Room & Breakfast Canalino 21.
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Places to Go near Modena: Explore nearby Bologna and Parma for more historical and gastronomic experiences.
Where to Go from Modena: Venture north to Verona for Roman history and Venetian traces, or relax at Lake Garda's charming villages.
