Modena is a town located in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy in the Po Valley, approximately 40 kilometers north-northwest of Bologna.
The city has a rich history dating back to ancient times, with influences from the Etruscans and Romans. It became a center of culture and learning in the region during the Middle Ages.
So why exactly should you go to Modena? For its history, medieval architecture, automotive heritage, and culinary excellence. Altogether it creates a unique and captivating destination. Let’s explore this medieval town together.
Quick Facts
- The historic center of Modena is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its well-preserved medieval architecture.
- Modena is renowned for its commitment to slow food and traditional culinary practices, particularly in the production of balsamic vinegar. The city is known for its production of traditional balsamic vinegar, a prized and highly-regarded condiment.
- One of the most celebrated opera tenors of the 20th century, Luciano Pavarotti, was born in Modena on October 12, 1935. Pavarotti’s powerful and emotive voice made him a global icon in the world of opera, and he is often considered one of the greatest tenors in history.
- Modena is the birthplace of the Ferrari brand and the legacy of Enzo Ferrari, the creator of Ferrari.
- Modena is home to the legendary Osteria Francescana, a 3-Michelin-star restaurant offering contemporary and traditional Modenese cuisine. Osteria Francescana was rated the best restaurant in the world in 2018.
Itinerary
Modena is quite compact, making it ideal for exploration on foot. For those traveling by car, Central Parking (Parcheggio del Centro) offers a convenient option, situated just a short distance from the town center, and the cost is 8 € per day. This allows for a hassle-free and cost-effective way to explore the charming medieval town.
If you arrive by train, as we did, the central station serves as a convenient starting point, and it’s just a 15-minute walk to our first destination: Palazzo Ducale.
1. Ducal Palace
Italian: Palazzo Ducale
Palazzo Ducale is a magnificent Baroque palace in the historical center of Modena located in piazza Roma. The palace has a rich history dating back to the 17th century. It served as the residence for the Este family, who were rulers of the Duchy of Modena and Reggio, while now it is the seat of the Italian Military Academy.
It is worth seeing for its beautifully decorated facade as well as impressive interior with opulent rooms, frescoes, and grand staircases.
Ducal Palace houses important art collections, including paintings, sculptures, and historical artifacts of such renowned artists as Titian, Guido Reni and Guercino.
The palace serving as the headquarters of the Military Academy can be visited only with a guided tour on Saturdays and Sundays upon reservation.
Opening hours: there are normally only 3 tours per day at 10 AM, 11 AM and 3 PM.
Ticket Price: regular 10 €. Reduced (up to 12 years old) 8 €. Free for children up to 5 years old.
2. Malpighi Vinegar Factory Showroom
Italian: Acetaia Malpighi Showroom
Modena is renowned for its balsamic vinegar, crafted through a meticulous and time-intensive process. This method involves fermenting and aging grape must (juice) for an extended period, often ranging from 12 to 25 years or more. The city takes this traditional balsamic vinegar seriously, evident in the presence of the Consortium for the Protection of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena. This organization diligently oversees and certifies the production of authentic traditional balsamic vinegar, ensuring strict adherence to established standards.
While there are numerous guided tours to vinegar factories in Modena, our choice was the Acetaia Malpighi Showroom. Conveniently situated according to our Modena itinerary, it is just opposite Palazzo Ducale, across Piazza Roma.
The welcoming staff at the showroom provides an opportunity to taste various traditional and flavored vinegars, offering insights into the production process.
As a gesture of appreciation, consider purchasing a bottle of balsamic vinegar. It serves as an excellent souvenir or thoughtful gift for your family and friends.
Opening hours: 10 AM – 1 PM , 2 – 7 PM. It is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
3. Modena Cathedral
Italian: Duomo di Modena
From Malpighi showroom we head to the heart of Modena, piazza Duomo, to visit gorgeous Modena Cathedral. It just takes us 7 minutes on foot to reach there.
The Cathedral of Modena is a magnificent Romanesque-style catholic church. Its construction began in the year 1099 and was completed in 1184.
Duomo, along with the nearby Ghirlandina Tower and Piazza Grande, is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This recognition underscores its cultural and historical significance.
The exterior of the cathedral is adorned with intricate carvings, sculptures, and reliefs. Inside the cathedral, visitors can marvel at the impressive nave, aisles, and apse. The cathedral houses valuable artwork, including sculptures and paintings.
The Modena Cathedral is one of the few places in the world where a relic known as the “Custody of the Holy Nail” is preserved. This relic is said to contain a nail from the Crucifixion.
Opening Hours: 7 AM – 7 PM daily, on Mondays: 7 AM – 12:30 PM, 3:30 – 7 PM
Ticket Price: free
4. Ghirlandina Tower
Italian: Torre Ghirlandina
The cathedral is closely linked with the Ghirlandina Tower, a freestanding bell tower soaring to a height of almost 90 meters, an integral part of the cathedral complex.
A highly recommended experience is to ascend to the top of the Ghirlandina Tower, offering panoramic views of Modena.
Tickets can be purchased either directly from the ticket office located by the tower or in advance through online booking.
Opening Hours:
Between April 1 and September 30: Monday through Friday: 9:30 AM to 1 PM and 3 PM to 7 PM. Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays: 9:30 AM to 7 PM.
October 1 through March 31: Monday through Friday: 9:30 AM to 1 PM. and 2:30 PM. to 5:30 PM. Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays: 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM.
Closed: Christmas Day and the morning of New Year’s Day.
Ticket price: 3 €
5. Town Hall
Italian: Palazzo Comunale
Just beside the Cathedral and Ghirlandina Tower you’ll find Palazzo Comunale standing in Piazza Grande.
Palazzo Comunale, also known as the Modena Town Hall is a historical building featuring a mix of architectural styles, including elements of Romanesque and Gothic design. Its facade is adorned with decorative details, creating an impressive and visually appealing structure.
Palazzo Comunale has a rich history dating back to the medieval period. It has served various functions over the centuries, including being the seat of municipal government.
While historically serving as the Town Hall, Palazzo Comunale continues to be an administrative building for the city of Modena.
Welcoming visitors, Palazzo Comunale opens its doors to several halls and rooms housing significant artworks and artifacts.
One such room is the Camerino dei Confirmati, adorned in 1770 by Giuseppe Carbonari and Girolamo Vannulli. Within this room, visitors encounter a city symbol – the Secchia Rapita (Stolen Bucket). This ordinary wooden bucket commemorates Modena’s triumphant victory against the Bolognese in 1325 during the battle of Zappolino.
Opening Hours: From Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 6 PM. On Saturday from 1 PM to 3 PM. On Sunday the historical rooms are visitable at 3.15 PM, 4 PM, 4.45 PM, 5.30 PM, 6.15 PM. Reservation is mandatory and the entrance is free, except for Sundays.
Ticket Price: free / 2 € on Sundays
6. Lunch: Trattoria Il Fantino
Oh yeah, at this point you must be absolutely starving and deserving of a nice lunch alla Modenese. Good news! Just a 5-minute walk away you’ll find this cozy and welcoming Modenese Trattoria with delicious local food.
If you’re eager to sample something traditional from the region, opt for the Ricotta and Spinach Tortelloni with butter and sage (Italian: Tortelloni di Ricotta e Spinaci con Burro e Salvia). After this immersive journey across Modena, you might consider adding a second dish. Give the Veal Meatballs with parmigiano cream and peas a try (Italian: Polpette di vitello alla crema parmigiano e piselli). Buon Appetito!
Opening Hours: 12:30 – 2:30 PM, 7:15 – 10:30 PM. Closed on Mondays.
As usual, just don’t forget to book a table in advance as the place might get full especially during the weekend.
7. Albinelli Historical Market
Italian: Mercato Storico Albinelli
The Mercato Storico Albinelli, also known as the Albinelli Historical Market, is a vibrant and historic market located in the town center, just a 6-minute walk from Trattoria Il Fantino. Inaugurated in 1931, the Albinelli market stands as the oldest covered market in the town and is recognized as one of the most beautiful in Italy.
The market boasts an Art Nouveau style, featuring a central fountain crowned with the sculpture of a beautiful woman, the “fruit bearer,” crafted by Giuseppe Graziosi, one of the esteemed Modenese sculptors of the 19th century.
Renowned for its high-quality and locally sourced products, the market offers a diverse array of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, and traditional Modenese specialties.
Beyond being a shopping destination, the market provides an excellent opportunity to explore and sample local Modenese cuisine. Numerous vendors offer ready-to-eat dishes, allowing visitors to indulge in the authentic flavors of the region.
Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of the market, filled with passionate local traders showcasing their delicacies. Don’t miss the chance to take home practical Modenese souvenirs such as local Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and Lambrusco Modenese wine.
Opening Hours: From Mondays to Saturdays from 7 AM to 3 PM. On Saturdays: from 7 AM to 7 PM.
8. Estense Gallery
Italian: Galleria Estense
Our next destination is just a 10-minute stroll from the Historical Market – the Estense Gallery. Now, not everyone may consider themselves art enthusiasts, and that’s perfectly fine. However, this gallery is well worth a visit, even if just to admire the splendid Estense Library and catch a glimpse of the ducal wardrobe and musical instruments.
Established in 1854 by Francesco V of Austria-Este and housed since 1894 in the current location of the Palace of the Museums (Italian: Palazzo dei Musei), the Estense Gallery encompasses four halls and sixteen exhibition rooms dedicated to the extensive artistic heritage amassed by the Dukes of Este during the glorious years of Ferrara lordship.
Within the Este collections, you’ll find a rich picture gallery showcasing paintings from the 14th to the 18th centuries, various marble and terracotta sculptures; an extensive array of applied art objects from the ducal wardrobe; and specific collections such as drawings, bronzes, majolica, medals, ivories, and musical instruments.
Among the standout works are Pietà by Cima da Conegliano, the tender Madonna and Child by Correggio, Velázquez’s regal Portrait of Francesco I d’Este, El Greco’s captivating Triptych, the marble bust of Francesco I d’Este sculpted by Bernini, and the profound Crucifix crafted by Guido Reni.
Opening Hours: from Tuesday to Saturday 8:30 AM – 7.30 PM. Sunday and holidays 10 AM – 6 PM. Last admission half an hour before closing.
Ticket Price: standard ticket – 9 €, for young people under 25 – 3 €. Free for young people under 18.
9. Enzo Ferrari Museum
If you could consider skipping the Estense Gallery, the last point on our Modena Itinerary is simply unmissable, especially for car enthusiasts. The Enzo Ferrari Museum, also known as Museo Casa Enzo Ferrari, stands as a tribute to the life and legacy of the legendary Italian automotive designer and founder of Ferrari, Enzo Ferrari. Located 20 minutes away on foot from the Gallery, close to the Railway Station, this is our final destination in Modena.
The museum is housed in a remarkable modern building with a distinctive yellow aluminum roof designed to resemble the hood of a classic Ferrari. Notably, the museum complex incorporates Enzo Ferrari’s birthplace and childhood home, which has been meticulously preserved as an integral part of the exhibition.
Within its walls, the museum unfolds the history and evolution of Ferrari, offering a tribute to Enzo Ferrari’s monumental contribution to the automotive industry. Visitors can explore a curated collection of vintage and modern Ferrari cars, showcasing some of the most iconic and historic models that have left an indelible mark on the world of automotive excellence.
You can book your tickets in advance here.
Opening Hours: from April to May: 09.30 AM – 7 PM. From June to August: 09 AM to 7 PM. From September to October: 09.30 AM – 7 PM. From November to March: 9.30 AM – 6 PM.
Ticket Price: standard – 22 €, Under 19 years – 9 €. Children under 5 – free.
Here, our journey comes to an end, and we head to the train station to return to Bologna.
Summary
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