Modena - Buses and Buses - Transportation - Attractions and Monuments

Modena is a city in northern Italy located between Parma and Bologna in the Emilia-Romagna region. It is located in the Po valley near the Apennines on the Secchia and Panaro rivers. For centuries Modena was ruled by the powerful d'Este family and only in 1860 was it incorporated into the Kingdom of Sardinia, only to become part of the Kingdom of Italy a year later. The city has a population of more than 180,000 and is a major economic center - within the metropolitan area, manufacturers of racing cars such as Ferrari, Maserati, De Tomaso and Pagani have their headquarters. The original balsamic vinegar, known as local black gold, also originates from there.

Modena - what to visit in the city?

The historic old town is located in a not too vast area, so it is suitable for exploring on foot. If Modena is in your travel plans - the sights to see are included in the text below.

Piazza Grande

This vast square, laid out in the 12th century, where the most important buildings are the cathedral, bell tower and city hall, is located in the very center of Modena. Characteristic of it are the arcades of the buildings surrounding it. In former times, the square was the city's main marketplace. Since 1997, along with the cathedral and bell tower, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Cathedral

Construction of this Romanesque cathedral dedicated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Geminian began in 1099 and was completed in the 12th century. Inside one can find many valuable works of sacred art. The crypt of the cathedral holds the remains of Modena's patron saint Geminian. Near the temple there is also a treasury and a cathedral museum with exhibits such as an original document signed by Charlemagne, antique tapestries and a portable altar of Saint Geminian used during processions.

Bell Tower (Ghirlandina)

Torre della Ghirlandina, located adjacent to the cathedral, dates back to the late 12th century, measures 86 meters and is a symbol of Modena. On top of it is an observation deck accessible by 200 stairs.

City Hall - Palazzo Comunale

Built at the turn of the 17th and 18th centuries, this government headquarters building stands out in Piazza Grande with its distinctive clock tower. A tour of its interiors is worthwhile, as in addition to the beautiful paintings, you can see the famous stolen bucket of Bologna - the most important spoils of war in Modena's history, which led to the famous Battle of the Oak Bucket (Battle of Zappolino) in 1325. There is also a small factory producing balsamic vinegar in the attic of the town hall.

Ducal Palace - Palazzo Ducale

Its construction was initiated by Francesco I d'Este in 1634. The palace was home to the world's first military academy, established in 1678.

Estense Gallery

The gallery is located in the Palace Museum and displays works of art collected by the d'Este family. It features paintings by Correggio, El Greco and Velázquez, among others.

Enzo Ferrari Museum

The museum was created at the birthplace of the creator of the famous brand, Enzo Ferrari. There you can see, among other things, various car engines, and in the hall located behind the house - the most famous models of Ferrari cars from the entire history of the brand. The museum can be found in the center of the city, near the train station.

Pavarotti Museum

One of the most famous opera singers - Luciano Pavarotti - was born in Modena. In the museum, located about 10 kilometers from the city center, in the singer's house, you will find memorabilia and objects related to him and learn many facts about his artistic career.