Modena​

By Dion Protani
Latest update: 30 December 2023
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. 
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Profile
Modena, a charming town in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy, is a hidden gem known for its rich culinary traditions, artistic heritage, and historic architecture. This town is celebrated for its role in the development of Italian culture, from music to gastronomy, and its well-preserved historic center showcases its illustrious past.
History
Modena's history is intertwined with Italy's. It was an important Roman city known as Mutina, and later it became the seat of various noble families, including the Este dukes and the House of Habsburg. In more recent history, it played a pivotal role in the development of the Italian automotive industry, being home to luxury car manufacturers like Ferrari and Maserati.
Highlights
  • Historic Center: Modena's historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is a treasure trove of medieval and Renaissance architecture. Stroll through Piazza Grande, where you'll find the stunning Modena Cathedral, the Ghirlandina Tower, and the Town Hall.
  • Culinary Excellence: Modena is renowned for its culinary delights. It's the birthplace of balsamic vinegar and is famous for its traditional balsamic vinegar, Parmesan cheese, and local pasta dishes like tortellini. Be sure to visit a local osteria or trattoria to savor these delicacies.
  • Ferrari Museum: Car enthusiasts should not miss the Museo Ferrari in nearby Maranello. This museum showcases the history and iconic cars of the legendary Ferrari brand, offering a glimpse into the world of Italian automotive excellence.
  • Art and Culture: Modena is rich in culture, boasting art galleries, theaters, and cultural events. The Teatro Comunale is a renowned opera house where you can enjoy classical performances and concerts.
  • Palaces and Museums: Explore historic palaces like Palazzo Ducale and Palazzo dei Musei, which house museums dedicated to art, archaeology, and civic history. These institutions offer insights into Modena's diverse cultural heritage.
Visitor information
  • Location: Modena is located in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy, approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) north of Bologna.
  • Access: The nearest major airport is Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ), which is well-connected to major Italian and European cities. From the airport, you can reach Modena by train, bus, or rental car. The train journey takes around 30-40 minutes.
  • Accommodation: Modena offers a range of accommodation options, including hotels, boutique guesthouses, and bed-and-breakfasts. Staying in the historic center allows easy access to the town's attractions.
  • Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Modena is during the spring and autumn when the weather is mild, and outdoor activities are enjoyable. Summers can be hot, while winters can be chilly, so plan your visit based on your preferences.
  • Local Tips: To fully experience Modena's culinary heritage, consider booking a guided tour of a traditional balsamic vinegar producer or Parmesan cheese dairy.​
Comune di Modena
Province: Modena

Region: Emilia Romagna

Population: 184,971 (source: ISTAT 1 January 2023)

​​Total size: 183 km²​​

Elevation: 34 metres

Top sights: Modena Cathedral, Torre Ghirlandina

Close by: ​Maranello, Carpi, Sassuolo, Reggio Emilia, Vignola

​Recommended accommodation: Hotel Castello
UNESCO World Heritage Site

Cathedral, Torre Civica and Piazza Grande, Modena

​Year: 1997

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

Modena  Gallery

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