Modena

<< Emilia-Romagna

Modena is a city in Emilia-Romagna, located west of Bologna. Inhabited since ancient times, it emerged as one of the most important towns in Northern Italy under the Romans. After a period of decline, Modena became a free comune in the 12th century, and was later ruled by the Este family of Ferrara. When Ferrara became part of the Papal States, the Este moved their capital to Modena in 1598, and the Duchy of Modena and Reggio survived various wars before eventually falling with the Napoleonic invasion. The Duchy was re-established in 1814 under Austrian rule, and it joined Italy during the unification of the country. Modena is now an important industrial center, especially known for its car manufacturers, and it is also notable for its rich culture and famous gastronomic products.

✪ Modena Cathedral

The Modena Cathedral (Duomo di Modena) is one of the greatest examples of Romanesque architecture in Italy. It was inaugurated in 1184 and features a really elaborate facade adorned with a large rose window and many 12th-century reliefs, which are among the best of their time. The interior of the church hosts numerous artworks and relics. The bell tower of the cathedral, known as Ghirlandina, is the most iconic landmark of Modena. Originally built in the 12th century, more floors were later added to this bell tower, reaching a height of 86 meters. Adjacent to the cathedral are the Musei del Duomo di Modena, an exhibition of various medieval and Renaissance artworks related to the church. The entire complex of the Modena Cathedral, along with the nearby Piazza Grande, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

✪ Piazza Grande

Piazza Grande is the main square of Modena, located south of the city’s cathedral. The eastern side is occupied by the large Palazzo Comunale, the town hall of Modena. This palace was built during the 17th century by gradually expanding some previous structures, and it features various frescoed hall. The bucket which was famously captured by Modena after winning a battle against Bologna in 1325 is also displayed in the palace.

✪ Palazzo dei Musei

Palazzo dei Musei is a museum complex in Modena which includes the Galleria Estense, the Civic Museum of Modena (Museo Civico di Modena), and a library. The Galleria Estense is a rich art gallery hosting the collection that once belonged to the Este family. This museum features mostly artworks from the Renaissance and the Modern age, including works by artists such as Raphael, Correggio, El Greco, Velázquez, and more. Another interesting piece of this collection is the Arpa Estense, a harp made in 1581. The Civic Museum instead features exhibitions mostly focused on the history of Modena, including various artworks, archaeological findings, and several scientific and musical instruments. This museum also houses an interesting ethnological collection with objects from all over the world.

✪ Museo Casa Enzo Ferrari

Museo Casa Enzo Ferrari is a museum in Modena focused on the life and work of Enzo Ferrari, the founder of car manufacturer Ferrari. The museum includes the former house and workshop of Enzo Ferrari, and a more modern exhibition center feauturing various historic automobiles and race cars.

Ducal Palace of Modena

The Ducal Palace of Modena (Palazzo Ducale di Modena) is a 17th-century palace that once served as the residence of the Este family when they ruled over the Duchy of Modena and Reggio. After the Italian unification, the palace became the seat of a military academy, which is still housed here to this day, along with a museum of weapons and military equipment. The facade of the palace features rich Baroque decorations, while its interior includes various frescoed halls.

Botanical Garden of the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia

The Botanical Garden of the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (Orto Botanico dell’Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia) is a historic botanical garden in Modena, opened in 1758. The garden includes an arboretum and various greenhouses, and it features numerous species of plants and trees.

Palazzo Santa Margherita

Palazzo Santa Margherita is a 19th-century Neoclassical palace now serving as a museum complex and cultural center. The building houses the Civic Gallery of Modena (Galleria Civica di Modena), a collection of artworks which includes thousands of drawings and photographs. Also hosted here is the Museo della Figurina, a museum hosting one of the largest collections of collectible cards in the world, created in collaboration with the famous publisher Panini Group.

Teatro Comunale Pavarotti-Freni

The Teatro Comunale Pavarotti-Freni is the main opera house of Modena, erected during the 19th century and featuring richly decorated interiors. In 2007 it was renamed after the great tenor Luciano Pavarotti, who was a native of Modena, and in 2021 the name of Mirella Freni, who was also from Modena, was added.

Church of Sant’Agostino

The Church of Sant’Agostino is a historic church in Modena adjacent to Palazzo dei Musei. It was erected in the Late Middle Ages, but it was heavily reworked during the 17th century. Despite its unassuming facade, the church features an extremely elaborate interior, which is adorned with countless decorations, along with several artworks and frescoes.

Ex Ospedale Sant’Agostino

Ex Ospedale Sant’Agostino is a historic former hospital located in front of the Church of Sant’Agostino and Palazzo dei Musei, erected in the 18th century. Now it houses a cultural center and some areas can be visited, such as the Anatomical Theater (Teatro Anatomico) and the adjacent Museum of Anatomy. The complex also includes the Farmacia Storica dell’Ospedale Sant’Agostino, a historic 18th-century pharmacy with richly frescoed interiors.

Archaeological Park Novi Ark

Novi Ark is an archaeological site located in Modena, near the 19th-century Foro Boario, a former livestock market and military barracks. The large square behind this palace was turned into an underground parking lot between 2009 and 2011, and several archaeological remains were unearthed during the excavations. Most of the findings date back to the Roman age, with some being even older. Some of the ruins can now be seen in the square, while the underground parking lot houses an exhibition of hundreds of Roman amphorae.