Modena between World Heritage, Ferrari and landscapes

Modena between stone, sound and engines

In its medieval center, Modena combines outstanding architecture with museums, personal places of remembrance and a landscape that can be explored along a variety of routes. Modena Cathedral is an outstanding example of early Romanesque art from the 12th century. The Ghirlandina is the towering civic tower of Modena’s World Heritage Site. Piazza Grande is located on the historic Via Emilia in the medieval center of Modena.

Culture between Romanesque art and great voices

The Musei del Duomo display art-historical and liturgical objects dating from the Romanesque period to the 19th century. Casa Museo Luciano Pavarotti offers a more personal approach: it is still preserved as the maestro left it and can be visited in its entirety. The residence comprises 12 rooms on four floors, was built in the countryside around Modena and was the place where the singer spent the final years of his life. Casa Museo Luciano Pavarotti was opened to the public in 2015.

Ferrari and Terramare

The Museo Enzo Ferrari in Modena opened to the public on March 10, 2012. It preserves the original residence and mechanical workshop in the house where Enzo Ferrari was born in 1898. The design of the new exhibition gallery recalls the hood of historic racing cars. In Parco Montale, visits include demonstrations of traditional craft techniques and workshops for children about the world of the Terramare.

Routes for short and long stages

The Anello dei Sassi is an 8.5-kilometer, two-and-a-half-hour hiking trail from Pieve di Trebbio to Pieve di Trebbio. The Percorso Natura begins at the Sant'Ambrogio Bridge in Modena Est and runs for almost 34 kilometers to Casona di Marano sul Panaro; it can be used on foot or by bicycle. A hiking trail approximately 48 kilometers long leads from Casona di Marano to Monte Belvedere near Montese and can be used on foot, on horseback or by bicycle. Among the recommended routes in Modena, paved routes are designated for pedestrians as well as for bicycles, scooters, wheelchairs and strollers.

Balsamic vinegar in Spilamberto

The Museo dell'Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale in Spilamberto presents all stages of balsamic vinegar production – from selecting the vineyards and building the barrels through harvesting the grapes, pressing and cooking the must, to the vinegar cellar. Every day during opening hours, guided tours in Italian and English are offered at 10:45 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. On weekdays, reservations are strongly recommended; on weekends and public holidays, they are required at least one day in advance.

Wetlands and unusual landscapes

A wetland with bodies of water that has been restored to a more natural state in recent years is home to various rare bird species and is suitable for birdwatching. An area of naturalistic interest includes agricultural land, sand and gravel pits, as well as areas for water sports, and provides a habitat for various bird species. Methane in the subsurface, escaping through fissures in the ground, creates salt mud flows and small volcanoes with craters, explosions and gas emissions. These natural attractions broaden the view beyond the historic sites and give your trip to Modena a distinctive landscape focus alongside museums and routes.

More places for planning your trip

Fiumalbo, Spilamberto, Sassuolo, Pozza, Modena, Maranello, Fiorano Modenese, Castelvetro Di Modena, Castelfranco Emilia, Pavullo Nel Frignano, Carpi, Campogalliano, Ca Di Sola, Montagnana, Fanano, Faidello, Casoni, Casumaro, Romanoro, Frassinoro, San Cesario Sul Panaro, San Prospero, Cavezzo, Madonna Della Provvidenza, Formigine, Zocca, Riolunato, Casa Pisa, Vignola, Montese, Bastiglia, Finale Emilia, Serramazzoni, Mirandola, Castelnuovo Rangone, Cortile, Panzano, Nonantola, Montecreto, Sorbara, San Felice Sul Panaro, Savignano Sul Panaro, Ravarino, Disvetro, Dogaro, San Donnino, Ponte Gombola, Lesignana, Ganaceto, Montefiorino, Palagano, Solignano Nuovo, Bomporto, Polinago, Lama Mocogno, Casa Marchetti, Sestola, Pievepelago, Querciagrossa, Colombaro, Torre Maina, Guiglia, Novi di Modena, Le Tagliole, Rovereto sul Secchia, Medolla, Fontanaluccia, Soliera.

For the overarching travel overview: Emilia-Romagna.