Modena is a town of the Emilia-Romagna Region, in the middle of northern Italy.
The town is well-known all over the world, especially for some famous people who were born and lived here such as Enzo Ferrari and Luciano Pavarotti, and for some of its gastronomical products, such as tortellini, Lambrusco wine, balsamic vinegar, and Parmesan cheese.
It is a town that, since the 1970s, has become one of the richest and most socially advanced in Italy: 77 km of cycling paths, 16 cinemas, 25 libraries, and one of the oldest universities in Europe. It sits at the crossroads between the Brenner motorway and the Autostrada del Sole, 40 km from the important railway and airport node of Bologna. Tourists from all over the world visit the art treasures in Modena: the 12th-century cathedral and masterpieces of Italian Romanesque art, that together with the Piazza Grande and the Ghirlandina tower, create a complex of unique beauty, included by UNESCO in the "World Heritage list".
- IAT Modena, Piazza Grande, 14, +39 059 203 2660. M 14:30-18:00, Tu-Su 9:00-13:30, 14:30-18:00, Su 9:30-13:30,14:30-18:00.
IAT Modena, Piazza Grande, 14, +39 059 203 2660. M 14:30-18:00, Tu-Su 9:00-13:30, 14:30-18:00, Su 9:30-13:30,14:30-18:00.
A UNESCO heritage site. It is the centre of life of the city. It is a festive, crowded place on Saint's Day (31 January) in honour of the local patron saint, San Geminiano, and on the Thursday before Lent. In front, in the apse of the cathedral, the pole, tile, brick, and fathom units of measure are engraved, to assure honest trading in the piazza. This bears witness to the fact that the piazza was a place of great economic importance and the heart of the city.
- Cathedral. Audioguides can be useful to discover the cathedral, the cathedral museums, Piazza Grande, and the town hall. They are available in Italian, English, French, German, and Spanish. You can rent them, accompanied by a folding leaflet with maps of the monuments, at the museums of the cathedral and Tourist Information Office in Piazza Grande 14 for €4, plus entrance to the museums or monuments.
- Cathedral Museums, Via Lanfranco, 6. €4 (€6 — combined ticket to: Ghirlandina bell tower, the historic rooms in Palazzo Comunale, Municipal Vinegar Factory, Cathedral Museums).
- Torre Ghirlandina, Piazza Torre. Su & public holidays from Apr-Oct & 31 Jan, 09:30-12:30, 15:00-19:00. Closed in Aug and on Easter Su. 86 m high and the symbol of the city. UNESCO has added the Ghirlandina, together with the cathedral and Piazza Grande, to its list of heritage sites. €3.00 (also see Cathedral Museums).
Cathedral. Audioguides can be useful to discover the cathedral, the cathedral museums, Piazza Grande, and the town hall. They are available in Italian, English, French, German, and Spanish. You can rent them, accompanied by a folding leaflet with maps of the monuments, at the museums of the cathedral and Tourist Information Office in Piazza Grande 14 for €4, plus entrance to the museums or monuments.
Cathedral Museums, Via Lanfranco, 6. €4 (€6 — combined ticket to: Ghirlandina bell tower, the historic rooms in Palazzo Comunale, Municipal Vinegar Factory, Cathedral Museums).
Torre Ghirlandina, Piazza Torre. Su & public holidays from Apr-Oct & 31 Jan, 09:30-12:30, 15:00-19:00. Closed in Aug and on Easter Su. 86 m high and the symbol of the city. UNESCO has added the Ghirlandina, together with the cathedral and Piazza Grande, to its list of heritage sites. €3.00 (also see Cathedral Museums).
- Palazzo Comunale, Piazza Grande, 16. M-Sa 08:00-19:00, Su and public holidays 15:00-19:00. M-Sa free, Su and public holidays €2 (also see Cathedral Museums).
- Palazzo dei Musei, Viale Vittorio Veneto, 5, +39 059 203 3125. Daily 08:00-19:30. The Museum Building, built in the 18th century, was converted in 1881 into a museum housing the paintings and books of the Este family.
- Palazzo Ducale di Modena, Piazza Roma, 15. The former palace of the Duke, who ruled Modena until 1859. Today the palace is the headquarters of the Military Academy. The museum of the military academy displays weapons, memorabilia, and military items (flags, uniforms, drums, etc.
- Palazzo Santa Margherita.
- Giardini Pubblici. The former gardens of the Ducal palace.
* Palazzina dei Giardini, Corso Canalgrande, 103, +39 059 203 2940. It was built as a greenhouse, and now hosts Galleria Civica.
* Botanical Gardens.
- Cimitero San Cataldo.
Palazzo Comunale, Piazza Grande, 16. M-Sa 08:00-19:00, Su and public holidays 15:00-19:00. M-Sa free, Su and public holidays €2 (also see Cathedral Museums).
Palazzo dei Musei, Viale Vittorio Veneto, 5, +39 059 203 3125. Daily 08:00-19:30. The Museum Building, built in the 18th century, was converted in 1881 into a museum housing the paintings and books of the Este family.
Palazzo Ducale di Modena, Piazza Roma, 15. The former palace of the Duke, who ruled Modena until 1859. Today the palace is the headquarters of the Military Academy. The museum of the military academy displays weapons, memorabilia, and military items (flags, uniforms, drums, etc.
Palazzo Santa Margherita.
Giardini Pubblici. The former gardens of the Ducal palace.
* Palazzina dei Giardini, Corso Canalgrande, 103, +39 059 203 2940. It was built as a greenhouse, and now hosts Galleria Civica.
* Botanical Gardens.
Cimitero San Cataldo.
- Sant'Agostino, Via Emilia (next to Palazzo dei Musei. A pantheon for the Estense family.
- Chiesa di Santa Maria della Pomposa. One of the oldest chureches in Modena — it was mentioned 1st in 1153.
- Chiesa di San Francesco, Rua Frati Minori 19. Next to the former St. Francis convent.
- Chiesa di San Biagio del Carmine. Built in 1319, reconstructed in 1649.
- Chiesa di San Bartolomeo. A Jesuit church built in the 17th century.
- Abbazia dei padri Benedettini di San Pietro. Daily 06:15-12:00, 14:45-19:30.
Sant'Agostino, Via Emilia (next to Palazzo dei Musei. A pantheon for the Estense family.
Chiesa di Santa Maria della Pomposa. One of the oldest chureches in Modena — it was mentioned 1st in 1153.
Chiesa di San Francesco, Rua Frati Minori 19. Next to the former St. Francis convent.
Chiesa di San Biagio del Carmine. Built in 1319, reconstructed in 1649.
Chiesa di San Bartolomeo. A Jesuit church built in the 17th century.
Abbazia dei padri Benedettini di San Pietro. Daily 06:15-12:00, 14:45-19:30.
- Automobili Pagani. Guided tours of the factory are available only by reservation M-F, or on Saturday morning but without workers. The guided tour lasts approximately 45 minutes.
- Enzo Ferrari Home Museum, Via Paolo Ferrari, 85. The house in which Enzo Ferrari was born in 1898. Its ultramodern external structure in yellow aluminium suggests the bonnet of a car. The museum's mission is to acquaint the public with Modena's dedication to the automobile and racing, as well as with the story of this great figure in the history of car design and manufacturing. Exhibits include multimedia installations and displays.
- Ferrari Museum, Via Dino Ferrari, 43 (Maranello, a short distance from the Ferrari plant. Traces the history of the Ferrari firm and of its car. The Ferrari Museum in Maranello also offers its visitors a guided bus tour inside the Fiorano test-track proving grounds and Viale Enzo Ferrari, an avenue which runs through the cluster of new production and other buildings making up the Ferrari "cittadella". Visitors may not leave the bus or take photographs or videos during the tour. Booking in advance is recommended.
- Righini Private Collection of Vintage Cars. Open on request.
- Stanguellini Vintage Car Museum, Via Emilia Est, 756, +39 059 2032660. Reservation only. Opened in 1996.
- Umberto Panini Vintage Car and Motorcycle Museum. Displays a variety of classic cars and motorcycles, including an exquisite group of Maseratis.
Automobili Pagani. Guided tours of the factory are available only by reservation M-F, or on Saturday morning but without workers. The guided tour lasts approximately 45 minutes.
Enzo Ferrari Home Museum, Via Paolo Ferrari, 85. The house in which Enzo Ferrari was born in 1898. Its ultramodern external structure in yellow aluminium suggests the bonnet of a car. The museum's mission is to acquaint the public with Modena's dedication to the automobile and racing, as well as with the story of this great figure in the history of car design and manufacturing. Exhibits include multimedia installations and displays.
Ferrari Museum, Via Dino Ferrari, 43 (Maranello, a short distance from the Ferrari plant. Traces the history of the Ferrari firm and of its car. The Ferrari Museum in Maranello also offers its visitors a guided bus tour inside the Fiorano test-track proving grounds and Viale Enzo Ferrari, an avenue which runs through the cluster of new production and other buildings making up the Ferrari "cittadella". Visitors may not leave the bus or take photographs or videos during the tour. Booking in advance is recommended.
Righini Private Collection of Vintage Cars. Open on request.
Stanguellini Vintage Car Museum, Via Emilia Est, 756, +39 059 2032660. Reservation only. Opened in 1996.
Umberto Panini Vintage Car and Motorcycle Museum. Displays a variety of classic cars and motorcycles, including an exquisite group of Maseratis.
- Balsamic Vinegar Factory Tour, +39 059 203 2660. To visit a balsamic vinegar production "acetaia", you can contact the Modena tourist office. They'll book a tour for you in one of the factories on the day you request. Free.
Balsamic Vinegar Factory Tour, +39 059 203 2660. To visit a balsamic vinegar production "acetaia", you can contact the Modena tourist office. They'll book a tour for you in one of the factories on the day you request. Free.
- International Festival of Military Bands, +39 059 203 3020. First half of Jul. Modena international military tattoo. Musicians from militaries around the world parade, give concerts, and great performances.
- Modena World of Motors. 1st-2nd week of Apr. Exhibition of luxury vehicles in the historic centre. Exhibition and show of cars and motorcycles by Ferrari, Maserati, et al.
- Philosophy Festival, Largo Porta Sant' Agostino 337 (Modena, Carpi, Sassuolo, +39 059 203 3382. Mid-Sep. For 3 days Modena, Carpi, and Sassuolo offer meetings with the greats of contemporary thought with philosophic dinners, films, shows, and exhibitions.
International Festival of Military Bands, +39 059 203 3020. First half of Jul. Modena international military tattoo. Musicians from militaries around the world parade, give concerts, and great performances.
Modena World of Motors. 1st-2nd week of Apr. Exhibition of luxury vehicles in the historic centre. Exhibition and show of cars and motorcycles by Ferrari, Maserati, et al.
Philosophy Festival, Largo Porta Sant' Agostino 337 (Modena, Carpi, Sassuolo, +39 059 203 3382. Mid-Sep. For 3 days Modena, Carpi, and Sassuolo offer meetings with the greats of contemporary thought with philosophic dinners, films, shows, and exhibitions.
- Cinema Teatro Michelangelo, Via Giardini, 257, +39 059 343662.
- Luciano Pavarotti Municipal Theatre, Corso Canalgrande, 85, +39 059 203 3010.
- Teatro delle Passioni, Viale Carlo Sigonio, 382, +39 059 301880, +39 059 2136021 (to book).
- Teatro Storchi, Largo Garibaldi, 15, +39 059 213 6011, +39 059 213 6021 (to book).
Cinema Teatro Michelangelo, Via Giardini, 257, +39 059 343662.
Luciano Pavarotti Municipal Theatre, Corso Canalgrande, 85, +39 059 203 3010.
Teatro delle Passioni, Viale Carlo Sigonio, 382, +39 059 301880, +39 059 2136021 (to book).
Teatro Storchi, Largo Garibaldi, 15, +39 059 213 6011, +39 059 213 6021 (to book).
- Trattoria Aldina, Via Luigi Albinelli 40, +39 059 236106. M-Sa 12:00-14:30, F Sa also 20:00-22:30. Specialities: tortellini, veal escalope in balsamico sauce, brassato (beef in red wine sauce).
- Antica Pasticceria S. Biagio, Via Emilia Centro 77, +39 059 217284. M-Sa 09:30-13:00, 15:30-19:30. Speciailties are 'barozzi (chocolate cake) and rosine.
- La Messicana Torrefazione, Via Farini 37, +39 059 211204. M-Sa 08:00-23:00. Coffee tasting at its best.
- Caffeteria Giusti, Via Farini 71, +39 059 219132. Daily 07:30-22:00.
- Osteria Francescana, Via Stella 22, +39 59 210 118. M-F 12:00-21:30, Sa 06:00-21:30. Constantly voted as one of the world's best restaurants, Osteria Francescana under the guidance of head chef Massimo Bottura elevates Italian cuisine to it's finest. Prices starts at €130 excluding wine.
Osteria Francescana, Via Stella 22, +39 59 210 118. M-F 12:00-21:30, Sa 06:00-21:30. Constantly voted as one of the world's best restaurants, Osteria Francescana under the guidance of head chef Massimo Bottura elevates Italian cuisine to it's finest. Prices starts at €130 excluding wine.
Trattoria Aldina, Via Luigi Albinelli 40, +39 059 236106. M-Sa 12:00-14:30, F Sa also 20:00-22:30. Specialities: tortellini, veal escalope in balsamico sauce, brassato (beef in red wine sauce).
Antica Pasticceria S. Biagio, Via Emilia Centro 77, +39 059 217284. M-Sa 09:30-13:00, 15:30-19:30. Speciailties are 'barozzi (chocolate cake) and rosine.
La Messicana Torrefazione, Via Farini 37, +39 059 211204. M-Sa 08:00-23:00. Coffee tasting at its best.
Caffeteria Giusti, Via Farini 71, +39 059 219132. Daily 07:30-22:00.
On Via Taglio, Via Gallucci, and Piazza della Pomposa there are many cafés and pubs, wine bars, and brunch-cafés.
- Baluardo della Cittadella, +39 059 244 309.
- Caffè Concerto, Piazza Grande, 26, +39 059 222 232. Daily 08:00-03:00.
Baluardo della Cittadella, +39 059 244 309.
Caffè Concerto, Piazza Grande, 26, +39 059 222 232. Daily 08:00-03:00.
- Mercato Albinelli, Via Luigi Albinelli 13. Daily 06:30-14:30, Sa also 16:30-19:30. Art nouveau market hall with lots of pasta, vegetables, fruits, cheese and sausage specialities.
- Enogastronomia Giusti, Via Farini 74, +39 059 222533. M-Sa 09:30-13:00, 15:30-19:30. All types of regional specialities, great selection of wines
- Azienda Pedroni, Via Risala 4, +39 059 549019. M-Sa 12:00-15:00, F Sa also 20:00-00:00. Great choice of balsamico vinegar.
Mercato Albinelli, Via Luigi Albinelli 13. Daily 06:30-14:30, Sa also 16:30-19:30. Art nouveau market hall with lots of pasta, vegetables, fruits, cheese and sausage specialities.
Enogastronomia Giusti, Via Farini 74, +39 059 222533. M-Sa 09:30-13:00, 15:30-19:30. All types of regional specialities, great selection of wines
Azienda Pedroni, Via Risala 4, +39 059 549019. M-Sa 12:00-15:00, F Sa also 20:00-00:00. Great choice of balsamico vinegar.
- Main Post Office, via Emilia Centro, 86, +39 059 2053337. M-F 08:00-18:30, Sa 08:00-12:30. Thirty other post offices in town.
- Municipal Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi is available in many areas of the town. For the service you must ask the municipality for an account. A deposit is required. Apply here:
* Antonio Delfini Municipal Library, Corso Canalgrande, 103, +39 059 203 2940.
* Information at Palazzo dei Musei, Viale Vittorio Veneto, 5, +39 059 203 3125.
* Public Relations Office, Piazza Grande, 17, +39 059 20312.
Main Post Office, via Emilia Centro, 86, +39 059 2053337. M-F 08:00-18:30, Sa 08:00-12:30. Thirty other post offices in town.
Municipal Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi is available in many areas of the town. For the service you must ask the municipality for an account. A deposit is required. Apply here: