Modena​

Latest page update: 12 January 2025
By: Dion Protani
The city of Modena is the capital city of the Province of Modena with a population of 186,307 inhabitants.

Standing at an elevation of 34 metres above sea level, it covers a total area of 183 km² and lies 43 kilometres north west of Bologna, the regional capital of Emilia Romagna.  

Listed under the heading "Cathedral, Torre Civica and Piazza Grande, Modena", the city has been inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1997.
In just a few words, the UNESCO title neatly captures the very best of Modena and any sightseeing of the city should start with those three places. In fact, all three places are in the same location; the 12th century Romanesque Modena Cathedral is the centrepiece of the city and situated on Piazza Grande at one end (the other end is on Piazza Duomo). What UNESCO refer to as Torre Civica is slightly better known as Torre Ghirlandina, an 86 metre high bell tower which it's possible to climb and get the best possible views of the city.

​​The main artery and shopping street in Modena is called Via Emilia: the beautiful, porticoed street runs south east to north west and splits the city centre in two. Walking north west along Via Emilia from Piazza Grande for 7 minutes (500 metres) brings you to another of the city's main sights: the Palazzo dei Musei. Inside the palazzo there are several museums including the Museo Civico Archaeologico Etnologico, the Galleria Estense art gallery and the Biblioteca Estense with the famous Bibbia di Borso d'Este among its most celebrated exhibits. As you make your way around Modena you'll find lots of outlets for the city's most famous produce: Balsamic Vinegar. 
Related links
Modena • Emilia-Romagna • UNESCO World Heritage
Modena is a historic city located in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy, known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and culinary delights. The city is famous for its beautiful medieval centre, which includes the UNESCO-listed Modena Cathedral, the Piazza Grande, and the Ghirlandina Tower. Modena’s historic centre is a vibrant mix of narrow streets, charming piazzas, and elegant buildings that showcase its medieval and Renaissance history. The city is also renowned for being the home of traditional balsamic vinegar, a key element of local cuisine.

Visitors to Modena can explore its many historic sites, including the Modena Cathedral, which is a prime example of Romanesque architecture, and the Ducal Palace, which once served as the residence of the Este family. The city is also home to several museums, such as the Museo Ferrari, dedicated to the legendary car manufacturer, and the Enzo Ferrari Museum, offering a fascinating look at the city’s automotive heritage. Modena’s culinary scene is another highlight, with visitors able to taste the region’s famous balsamic vinegar, along with local dishes like tortellini and parmigiano reggiano.
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Modena is well-connected to nearby cities such as Bologna and Parma, both of which offer additional cultural and gastronomic experiences. The surrounding countryside features picturesque vineyards and charming villages, providing a perfect opportunity for those looking to explore the Emilia-Romagna region. Visitors can easily combine a trip to Modena with exploring nearby towns and the natural beauty of the region.
Highlights
  • Modena Cathedral: A UNESCO World Heritage site, the cathedral is a prime example of Romanesque architecture, with a stunning façade and intricate sculptures. It is one of the most important historical and architectural landmarks in Modena, dating back to the 12th century.
  • Piazza Grande: The heart of Modena’s historic centre, this lively square is surrounded by beautiful buildings, including the Modena Cathedral, the Ghirlandina Tower, and the Town Hall. It's a great place to soak in the city’s atmosphere, with cafés and events held throughout the year.
  • Ghirlandina Tower: This iconic bell tower is part of the Modena Cathedral complex and stands tall in the city skyline. Visitors can climb to the top for panoramic views of Modena and its surrounding countryside.
  • Ducal Palace: A grand building once home to the Este family, the Ducal Palace is now a military academy. While the interior is not fully accessible, the palace’s impressive architecture and nearby gardens are open to the public, offering a glimpse into Modena's aristocratic past.
  • Museo Ferrari: Located just outside the city, this museum is dedicated to the legacy of Ferrari, showcasing the history of the iconic car brand, with a range of cars, engines, and interactive exhibits. It’s a must-see for automotive enthusiasts and those interested in the history of Italian design and engineering.
  • Enzo Ferrari Museum: Situated in the house where Ferrari’s founder was born, this museum offers a deep dive into the life of Enzo Ferrari and the company’s evolution. The museum combines exhibits of historic cars with modern displays, offering a fascinating look at Ferrari’s impact on the automotive world.
  • Traditional Balsamic Vinegar: Modena is the birthplace of traditional balsamic vinegar, a highly prized product with centuries of history. Visitors can tour local acetaie (vinegar cellars), where the vinegar is aged and learn about the meticulous production process. Tasting opportunities allow visitors to experience the rich flavours of this iconic product.
  • Culinary Scene: Modena is renowned for its rich culinary heritage, with signature dishes like tortellini, ragù, and various pasta dishes. The region is also home to Parmigiano Reggiano, which is produced nearby, and a variety of local meats and wines. The city boasts a number of excellent restaurants, some of which have Michelin stars.
  • Historic Centre: Modena's historic centre is a blend of medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. Narrow cobblestone streets lead to charming piazzas, and visitors can discover hidden gems in the form of quaint cafés, artisan shops, and traditional trattorias.
  • Proximity to Bologna and Parma: Modena is well connected by road and train to nearby cities such as Bologna and Parma. Bologna is known for its rich cultural history and cuisine, while Parma is famous for its ham, cheese, and historical landmarks, offering visitors a chance to explore more of the Emilia-Romagna region.
  • Surrounding Countryside: Modena is set in a picturesque region of rolling hills and vineyards, perfect for outdoor exploration. The nearby Apennine Mountains offer opportunities for hiking, while the fertile plains around Modena are ideal for cycling and enjoying the views of traditional farmhouses, vineyards, and olive groves.
Comune di Modena
Province: Modena

Region: Emilia Romagna

Population: 185,009 (in 2024 - source)

​​Total size: 183 km²​​

Elevation: 34 metres

Top sights: Modena Cathedral, Torre Ghirlandina

Close by: ​Maranello, Carpi, Sassuolo, Reggio Emilia, Vignola
UNESCO World Heritage Site

Cathedral, Torre Civica and Piazza Grande, Modena

​Year: 1997
My recommended accommodation options for Modena:
  • Hotel Ruina Located near the historic centre of Modena, this charming hotel offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities, a restaurant serving traditional Emilia-Romagna cuisine, and a bar. Guests appreciate the central location, excellent service, and proximity to Modena’s main attractions, including the Modena Cathedral and the Piazza Grande. €€ (mid-range)
  • B&B La Torre Set just outside the town centre, this cozy bed and breakfast features modern rooms with rustic touches, a relaxing garden, and a homemade breakfast served each morning. Visitors enjoy the personal touch of the hosts, the peaceful setting, and the easy access to Modena’s historical sites and nearby attractions. €€ (mid-range)
  • Hotel Canalgrande Situated near the heart of Modena, this well-regarded hotel offers comfortable rooms with scenic views of the surrounding area, a wellness centre, and a restaurant serving regional dishes. Guests enjoy the friendly service, relaxing atmosphere, and the short walk to Modena’s cultural sites, including the Modena Palace and the Museo Ferrari. €€ (mid-range)
  • Agriturismo La Casina Located a short drive from Modena, this agriturismo offers spacious rooms with scenic views of the surrounding countryside, a large garden, and a restaurant serving locally sourced produce. Guests appreciate the rural setting, the authentic Emilia-Romagna experience, and the short drive to Modena’s historical landmarks and nearby vineyards. €€ (mid-range)
  • Best Western Premier Hotel Milano Set in a tranquil location near Modena’s town centre, this luxury hotel offers elegant rooms with panoramic views, a wellness centre, an outdoor pool, and a restaurant serving high-quality Emilia-Romagna cuisine. Guests enjoy the luxurious amenities, exceptional service, and the short drive to Modena’s cultural landmarks. €€€ (high-end)

Modena  Gallery

Modena  Travel

Modena's train station is situated at the city centre's northern fringe, a distance of one kilometre that can be walked in 14 minutes. It's also possible to take a number 7 or number 11 bus from the train station to Piazza Mazzini, a journey of 8 minutes. 

​By train you can reach Bologna in 33 minutes or heading in the opposite direction, Reggio Emilia in 25 minutes. The trains to Reggio Emilia run all the way to Milan (2 hours 9 minutes), with notable stops along the way at Parma (42 minutes), Fidenza (54 minutes) and Piacenza (1 hour 15 minutes).

The most convenient airport for Modena is Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport which is 38 minutes away by car, a distance of 40 kilometres.
Public transport: ​​​train station 1 km from centre, local buses

​By car: ​​​Reggio Emilia - 40 mins (35 km), Bologna - 50 mins (43 km)
Fly to: Bologna Airport - 38 minutes by car (41 km)

By train: ​​​Reggio Emilia - 25 minutes, Bologna - 33 minutes​
Connected to the Italian High Speed Train Network

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