Modena is a medium-sized city in the heart of the northern Italian region of Emilia-Romagna. Its medieval city center is one of the most beautiful in Italy, and its 12th-century duomo or cathedral is one of the finest Romanesque churches in Italy. The cathedral, its Gothic bell tower called Torre della Ghirlandina, and Piazza Grande, the main square where these monuments are located, are part of the UNESCO world heritage.
Modena is the hometown of the late tenor Luciano Pavarotti and the legendary automaker Enzo Ferrari. The area is also known throughout the world for its production of balsamic vinegar and cheese. Its rich history, food traditions, and links to sports cars and opera music mean that there is something for almost everyone in this charming town in the Po River Valley. In fact, the Modena tourist office uses Art, Food and Cars as its slogan.
The best things to see
Piazza Grande : Around the main square are several monuments, including the cathedral, the town hall, the picturesque 15th century clock tower, and medieval relics, including a marble slab that was used as a speaker platform and the cube stolen from a battle against Bologna in 1325. It inspired a famous Italian poem called, appropriately, “The Stolen Cube.”
Duomo – The 12th century cathedral is a perfect example of a Romanesque church. Its exterior is highly decorated with sculptures representing biblical characters and stories. Works of art inside include two terracotta nativity scenes (15th and 16th centuries), a 13th-century marble parapet depicting the Passion of Christ, a 14th-century wooden crucifix, and mosaics.
Torre della Ghirlandina – The cathedral’s Gothic bell tower, dating from 1167, towers over the city. Originally five stories high, the octagonal section and other decoration were added to the top during the renovation in 1319. The interior is adorned with frescoes.
The Ducal Palace was the seat of the Eastern court from the 17th to the 19th centuries. Its baroque exterior is impressive, but today the palace is part of the military academy and visitors can only make special visits that take place on some weekends.
Museum Building : Within the Museum Palace there are several museums, including the Estense Art Gallery and Library, the Archaeological Ethnographic Civic Museum and the Civic Art Museum. The Estense Gallery contains works of art from the 14th to 18th centuries, mainly the collections of the Dukes of Este, who ruled Modena for centuries.
The Enzo Ferrari Museum is a short walk from the historic center and houses a display of Ferrari and other exotic cars. Inside Enzo Ferrari’s childhood home is a series of videos about the history of cars, photos and memories. There is also a café and a shop.
The Luciano Pavarotti Museum is located about 20 minutes from the center of Modena, on the estate where the famous tenor lived and built an equestrian center. The museum contains personal effects and memorabilia from Pavarotti’s illustrious career.
Race car fans won’t want to miss the Lamborghini Museum , located about 20 km from Modena. Ticket options include a factory tour, where you can see the stylish cars on the assembly line.
Places to eat
Travelers will find a lot of delicious food when they visit this part of Italy. Zampone , a stuffed pork leg, or Cotechino Modena (pork sausage), both often served with lentils, are traditional dishes. They are also served as part of a bollito misto , a typical dish of boiled meats from Emilia Romagna.
If you’re less inclined to pork, stuffed pasta like ravioli and tortellini is hearty and comes in numerous preparations, from plain broth to red sauces. Local prosciutto, spicy Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, and balsamic vinegar, which originated in Modena, are other staples. Lambrusco sparkling red wine is the local wine.
The most famous restaurant in Modena is Osteria Francescana, a haute cuisine temple that in 2016 was named the best restaurant on the planet by the 50 best restaurants in the world (currently # 2). Book long, long in advance if you want to dine at this 3-star Michelin restaurant, and prepare to part with a lot of money on your vacation.
If you don’t want to go high-end, there are countless humble trattoria, wine bars, and restaurants where you can find authentic Modenese cuisine at a reasonable price. Ask your hotel concierge for recommendations or, better yet, a local merchant or resident.
How to get around Modena
On the rail line between Parma and Bologna, Modena is easily accessible by train, and it is a short walk to the historic center or the Enzo Ferrari Museum from the station. If you drive, Modena is easily accessible via the Autostrada A1. It is about 60 kilometers northwest of Bologna, which is the nearest airport, and 60 kilometers southeast of Parma.
Updated by Elizabeth Heath
