Places to Visit and Things to Do in Modena
If you are looking for a beautiful but not-so-crowded Italian city, head over to Modena in Emilia-Romagna. This mid-sized city is famous around the world for its automobile industry and delicious vinegar. Luckily, Modena offers so much more!
The Old Town (Centro Storico) is a maze of narrow streets and charming squares. It revolves around the picture-perfect Piazza del Duomo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Cathedral and the Town Hall are both here.
There is also an old market, a palace housing several museums, a lovely park, and two sites related to the famous opera singer Luciano Pavarotti. Finally, thanks to its location, you can easily visit several fantastic places just a short ride away.
Visit the Cathedral
You should start exploring Modena in its main square, Piazza del Duomo (Cathedral Square). Built in the 12th century, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and San Geminiano is one of the finest examples of Italian Romanesque architecture.
The cathedral was built over the burial place of Saint Geminianus, Modena’s patron saint, whose remains rest in the crypt. The exquisitely detailed reliefs on the façade tell stories from the Book of Genesis and are the work of the local artist Wiligelmo.
The 86-meter-tall (280-foot-tall) Torre Ghirlandina stands at the northeastern end of the cathedral. Its lower part is Romanesque, while the octagonal spire at the top is Gothic. You have to pay to climb the tower, but entrance to the cathedral is free.
Explore Palazzo Comunale
Once you’re done with the cathedral, cross the square to Palazzo Comunale (Town Hall). It is a group of buildings from the 17th century, united by a long portico facing the square. The Palazzo is open to visitors, and admission is included in the ticket for Ghirlandina Tower.
There are several rooms worth visiting. The famous Hall of the Bucket houses a wooden bucket that reminds locals of their victory over the Bolognese in 1325. Next to it is the Sala del Fuoco (Fire Room), with a large fireplace.
Other interesting rooms include the Sala di Rappresentanza (Reception Hall), a grand ceremonial hall used for official events, and the Sala del Vecchio Consiglio (Room of the Old Council).
Shop at the Historic Market
After you’re done exploring the square, take Via Luigi Albinelli and walk for 100 meters (330 feet) to Mercato Storico Albinelli. This charming historic market, dating from 1931, is the oldest covered market in Modena.
The market stands out for its architecture, which follows the Liberty style (the Italian version of Art Nouveau). Its centerpiece is a fountain featuring a sculpture of a girl with a fruit basket, created by local artist Giuseppe Graziosi.
There are 49 stalls inside the market selling fresh produce, including meat, salami, and cheese, as well as fresh fish, bread, pastries, and fresh pasta. Go to Bar Schiavoni for a delicious panini.
Tour the Palazzo dei Musei
From the marketplace, walk for about 10 minutes northwest to Palazzo dei Musei. The grand palace was built in 1771, although it incorporated the Este family armory and an Augustinian convent that had previously stood there.
The palace was originally used as a shelter for the poor. In 1788, it was turned into a Hotel of Arts and was later occupied by Napoleonic forces. In 1881, Modena’s city council bought part of the building to house the city’s art museums.
Galleria Estense occupies the top floor of the building. It displays the collections of the Este family, including works by Velázquez, Bernini, and El Greco. The Biblioteca Estense Universitaria houses rare books and manuscripts. The Museo Civico di Modena has two collections: archaeology and ethnology.
Visit the Palazzo Ducale
The Palazzo Ducale of Modena is a Baroque palace overlooking Piazza Roma. The former ducal palace was the seat of the Este Court and is now home to a military academy. In 1805, Napoleon and his wife Josephine briefly stayed here.
The palace occupies the site of the former Este Castle, where the dukes of Modena resided from 1452. The current building dates from 1634 and is a symmetrical, three-story mansion with balustrades, pilasters, and statues.
You can visit the palace on weekends through a guided tour. You’ll love the Sala d’Onore, with its frescoes depicting mythological creatures, and the Salottino d’Oro, with its gold-plated wooden panels.
Tour the Sites Related to Luciano Pavarotti
Luciano Pavarotti, one of the greatest opera singers of all time, was born in Modena. He both lived and died in the city, and today several local cultural institutions bear his name.
The Casa Museo Luciano Pavarotti is a little outside the city center. This was Pavarotti’s residence during the last years of his life. In 2015, it opened as a museum. Inside, you can see many personal items, including costumes, photographs, and keepsakes.
The Teatro Comunale di Modena Pavarotti-Freni is Modena’s opera house. It is a Neoclassical theater dating from 1841, where the famous tenor once sang in a choir. There is also a bronze statue of him on the corner of Corso Canalgrande and Via Carlo Goldoni.
Rest in Parco Giardino Ducale Estense
A couple of blocks away from the theater, you’ll find a small green oasis in Modena’s Old Town. Parco Giardino Ducale Estense is a municipal park with a botanical garden.
The original 16th-century garden was expanded and opened to the public in 1739. After the unification of Italy, it became the property of the royal family, but seven years later, the king returned it to the municipality.
The yellow pavilion in the center of the park is a 17th-century building that originally housed a casino. Today, it is part of Galleria Civica and displays works of modern and contemporary art.
Admire Designed Cars in Different Museums
Modena sits in the middle of the so-called Motor Valley. Some of the most renowned car brands in the world are based here, including Ferrari and Maserati.
Modena’s most famous museum is the Enzo Ferrari Museum. You’ll easily recognize it by its roof, which is shaped like the bonnet of a racing car. It is located at the house where Enzo Ferrari was born and lived. You will learn about Ferrari’s life and Modena’s motor racing history.
If you are crazy about Italian cars, two other museums are worth visiting. The Museo Stanguellini displays old racing cars, while the Panini Motor Museum houses Umberto Panini’s Maserati collection.
Learn How Famous Vinegar is Produced
Modena is home to the world-famous balsamic vinegar. This dark, concentrated vinegar with a strong flavor is made from grape must. It has been produced in Modena and Reggio Emilia since the 11th century.
The vinegar is produced by cooking the grapes. Once it turns into vinegar, it is transferred from larger to smaller barrels as it becomes thicker and more concentrated.
To learn about the production process, visit one of the local acetaie. Acetaia Giusti, just north of the city, is the oldest balsamic vinegar producer in Italy. Acetaia Gambigliani Zoccoli, east of the city, offers personal, hosted visits. You can also visit an acetaia as part of a food tour.
Go on a Day Trip
Modena is located on the main railway line between Milan and the Adriatic coast, making it easy to visit many interesting places in the area. Reggio Emilia is a lovely city just 15 minutes away.
If you have time, we suggest going to Bologna. The capital of Emilia-Romagna is one of the biggest and most beautiful cities in Italy. It is famous for its university, medieval towers, and arcades.
Another great option is a visit to the home of ham and cheese. Parma is a beautiful university city with a charming Old Town and a gorgeous park. Spend a night in both cities if you can.
Where to Stay
The best places to stay in Modena are close to Piazza del Duomo. The best hotels in the city are located here. Hotel Rua Frati 48 in San Francesco, south of the square, is housed in a 16th-century palace and offers spacious rooms, as well as a complete spa and fitness center.
If you plan to explore the surrounding area, the Best Western Premier Milano Palace Hotel has a fantastic location between the Old Town, the Ferrari Museum, and the train station. It is a modern hotel with a fancy spa.
Salotto delle Arti is another historic property in the Old Town. Located inside Palazzo Montagnani, it features 19th-century frescoes and designer furniture. Their homemade food is delicious.
