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    Modena

    Italy

    Modena

    CityCulture

    Modena lies on the southern edge of the Po Valley between Bologna and Parma and has around 184,000 inhabitants.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
    3. Destinations
    5. Italy
    7. Emilia-Romagna
    9. Modena
    Modena lies on the southern edge of the Po Valley between Bologna and Parma and has around 184,000 inhabitants. The historic center clusters around Piazza Grande, home to the Romanesque Cathedral and Ghirlandina bell tower, a joint UNESCO World Heritage site since 1997.The city is known for its traditional balsamic vinegar and its automotive connection: Enzo Ferrari was born in Modena, and Maranello, with the Ferrari factory, lies south of the city.

    Sights in Modena

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    The Modena Dome
    Church

    1The Modena Dome

    Romanesque Cathedral, begun in 1099 according to the plans of master builder Lanfranco. The facade reliefs by sculptor Wiligelmo, depicting scenes from Genesis, are considered a masterpiece of Romanesque sculpture. The city's patron saint, San Geminiano, rests in the crypt. The Cathedral, Ghirlandina bell tower, and Piazza Grande have been UNESCO World Heritage since 1997.
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    Galleria Estense
    Museum

    2Galleria Estense

    Picture Gallery on the top floor of the Palazzo dei Musei, housing the art collections of the Este Dukes. At the entrance, you are greeted by a marble bust of Francesco I d'Este by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. The same building also houses other municipal museums and the Biblioteca Estense.
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    Torre Ghirlandina
    Historic Landmark

    3Torre Ghirlandina

    The approximately 86-meter-tall Cathedral bell tower is Modena's landmark. It was begun around 1130 and completed in the 14th century with an octagonal spire, receiving its golden sphere in 1319.
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    Piazza Grande
    Historic Landmark

    4Piazza Grande

    Modena's main square, dating from the second half of the 12th century, is flanked by the Cathedral, the Palazzo Comunale, and the Archbishop's Palace. The square also features the Preda Ringadora, a stone table where unknown deceased were formerly laid out for identification.
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    City walks in Modena

    Curated walking tours through the city's highlights, handpicked by experienced travel journalists.

    Modena's Historic Splendor & Ferrari Flair

    On this two-hour walk, discover the best of Modena, from UNESCO World Heritage sites to modern icons. Immerse yourself in the city's rich history, vibrant markets and world-famous automotive culture. A perfect mix of culture, indulgence and the spirit of Emilia-Romagna.

    ~2 Std. 5 Min.
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    Stops (6)

    Food and Drink

    1

    Persepolis

    Restaurant on Via Bono da Nonantola in the north of the old town.
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    2

    Osteria Francescana

    Chef Massimo Bottura’s restaurant on Via Stella in the Old Town, awarded three Michelin stars. The creative cuisine reinterprets Emilia’s classics; reservations are often required months in advance.
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    3

    Franceschetta58

    Bistro by Massimo Bottura on Via Vignolese southeast of the Old Town, offering more casual cuisine than Osteria Francescana.
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    4

    Trattoria Ermes

    Small trattoria on Via Ganaceto north of the Cathedral with Modenese home cooking.
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    Eating & Drinking

    The cuisine of Modena is among the richest in Italy.

    Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena

    Traditional Balsamic vinegar from cooked grape must, aged for at least twelve years in barrels of various woods.

    Tortellini

    Small filled pasta pockets, classically served in capon broth.

    Zampone and Cotechino

    Pork sausages with Protected Geographical Indication, traditionally served on lentils.

    Gnocco fritto and Tigelle

    Lard-fried pastry diamonds and small flatbreads baked in iron molds, filled with ham, sausage, or cheese.

    Lambrusco

    Dry, sparkling red wine from the surrounding area, such as Lambrusco di Sorbara or Grasparossa di Castelvetro.

    History and Culture

    Modena dates back to the Etruscan settlement Mutina, refounded as a Roman colony in 183 BC. From 1099, its Cathedral, a Romanesque masterpiece, was built. The Este family ruled from 1288; after 1598, Modena was their main ducal seat. In 1859, the city joined the Kingdom of Italy.Modena is the birthplace of tenor Luciano Pavarotti, whose home is now a museum, and Enzo Ferrari, whose birthplace is now a museum. The traditional balsamic vinegar is made from boiled grape must and ages for at least twelve years in wooden barrels.

    On the Go Locally

    The Old Town is small; you can reach all sights on foot or by bike. Buses and trolleybuses are operated by SETA.Modena is on the Milan–Bologna railway line. From the station, a shuttle bus goes to the Museo Ferrari in Maranello, stopping at the Museo Enzo Ferrari.

    Accommodations in Modena

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    Campgrounds in Modena

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    Plan your trip to Modena

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      • 1The Modena Dome3 days
      • 2Galleria Estense4 days
      • 3Torre Ghirlandina5 days
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    Nearby

    Emilia-Romagna

    Emilia-Romagna

    Emilia-Romagna stretches across northern Italy from the Apennines over the Po Plain to the Adriatic coast; the Po forms its northern border. Along the ancient Roman road Via Emilia, cities like Piacenza, Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena and Bologna, the region's capital, are strung.To the east, in the Romagna, lie Ravenna with its Byzantine mosaics and the Adriatic beach resorts around Rimini. The region is known for its cuisine, from Parma ham and Parmigiano Reggiano to balsamic vinegar and egg pasta.
    Bologna

    Bologna

    Bologna is the capital of Emilia-Romagna and lies on the edge of the Po Plain at the foot of the Apennines. The old town, with its arcades and medieval towers, defines the cityscape. The university, founded in 1088, is considered the oldest continuously operating university, and the city is known for its hearty cuisine.
    Parma

    Parma

    Parma is located in Emilia-Romagna on the Via Emilia and, with around 200,000 inhabitants, is the region's second-largest city after Bologna. From the 16th century, it was the capital of a Duchy under the Farnese, and later the Bourbons; palaces, churches, and the opera house date from this period.Parma is especially known for Prosciutto di Parma and Parmigiano Reggiano. UNESCO has designated Parma as a City of Gastronomy. In the Duomo and San Giovanni Evangelista, dome frescoes by Correggio can be seen.
    Mantua (Mantova)

    Mantua (Mantova)

    Mantua, set on three lakes formed by the Mincio, was the seat of the Gonzaga for almost four centuries. Their palaces, with frescoes by Mantegna and Giulio Romano, make the small city a Renaissance hub; since 2008, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage site along with Sabbioneta.
    Ferrara

    Ferrara

    Ferrara is located in the Po Valley, approximately 44 kilometres northeast of Bologna. From 1264 to 1598, the d'Este family ruled here, under whom the city became an important Renaissance court.The old town is enclosed by an almost completely preserved city wall, approximately nine kilometres long. To the north lies the Addizione Erculea, a city extension systematically planned from 1492. Since 1995, Ferrara has been a UNESCO World Heritage site; in 1999, the listing was expanded to include the Po Delta.

    Sources & method

    • Photos: Unsplash, Google Maps. Each photo carries its credit.
    • Place data such as addresses and ratings comes from Google Maps.
    • The content is based on web research from public, traceable sources. How the content is made · The role of AI