Modena is a beautiful city, rich in history and culture, and we know it well! It has always fascinated its visitors with three irresistible protagonists: art, food, and engines. Do you agree? With this premise, today we want to talk to you about some of the wonders of our territory: what to visit in Modena? From squares to museums, from palaces to unique gastronomic traditions, we will take you to discover some secrets of our city and the most beautiful places to admire.
Piazza Grande: the artistic heart of Modena
In 1997, Piazza Grande was awarded the title of World Heritage by UNESCO, confirming its unparalleled beauty. The Cathedral, the Ghirlandina Tower, and the Town Hall create a spectacular setting, making this square one of the most fascinating in the world.
The history of Modena intertwines with this square, where markets, festivals, and other popular events took place. Even today, but obviously with the characteristics of another era, this location often hosts events of various calibers. Therefore, if you want to know what to visit in Modena, Piazza Grande is one of the stops to mark on your itinerary. Works of art like the Pietra Ringadora add further unique value to this interesting square.
The Cathedral of Modena, a masterpiece in Romanesque style
The architect Lanfranco, in 1099, created a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture: the Cathedral of Modena. Its sculptures and reliefs tell biblical stories, while the crypt houses the body of Saint Geminianus, the patron saint of Modena. The Cathedral is an extraordinary testimony of medieval art and spirituality in the city, offering visitors a true immersive experience in history.
The Ghirlandina Tower and the Town Hall
Next to the Cathedral stands the majestic Ghirlandina Tower, a symbol of Modena. This imposing structure was built between 1160 and 1319, and the tower houses treasures such as the Torresani Room and the Cathedral Museum. Its architecture and the history it encloses make it a must-see for those who want to know what to see in Modena.
Speaking of what to visit in Modena, it is worth mentioning that the Town Hall is a true 17th-century masterpiece. Besides its imposing facade, its internal rooms, such as the Fire Room and the Tapestry Room, narrate the history and culture of Modena. The Town Hall is certainly another unmissable place for those who want to deeply understand our city.
A visit to the Estense Galleries
The Estense Galleries, with their three collections, house a vast artistic heritage from Modena, Sassuolo, and Ferrara. Inside, they host works by artists such as Raphael, Correggio, and Velázquez. This extraordinary collection offers a journey through art across the centuries and allows visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of Italian art and beyond.
What to visit in Modena? The Benedictine Abbey of San Pietro
A short distance from the Cathedral, the Benedictine Abbey of San Pietro rises as a Renaissance jewel. The artworks inside, such as the frescoes by Girolamo da Vignola, and the Spezieria narrate the rich artistic and cultural history of the city. A visit to this abbey is practically a must for anyone coming to Modena: it allows visitors to take a step back in time and appreciate the magnificence of Renaissance art.
All the elegance of the Ducal Palace
Anyone wondering what to visit in Modena surely has another stop to add to their list: the Ducal Palace of Modena. This historic residence stands out for its elegant facade and the Courtyard of Honor. The internal rooms, such as the Gallery of Bronzes and the Throne Room, convey the opulence and history of the Este Court. It was indeed the seat of the Duchy of Modena and Reggio, between the 17th and 19th centuries. Since the unification of Italy, the Palace has hosted the Military Academy of Modena and the Geophysical Observatory of Modena. Visiting the Ducal Palace is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the life of the dukes of Modena of the past and more.
Enzo Ferrari Museum: the myth of Italian cars
As you well know, Modena is renowned for being the cradle of prestigious automotive brands, and the Enzo Ferrari Museum celebrates this heritage. In addition to legendary cars, the museum tells the personal story of Enzo Ferrari, the founder of Ferrari. The interactive exhibits and vintage cars make this museum a paradise for motor enthusiasts and a recommended stop for everyone. Indeed, it is very interesting to discover the story of the fiery car known worldwide and its creator. Isn’t it? This museum is certainly a place not to be missed for those wanting to know what to visit in Modena.
The Modenese cuisine and its unforgettable flavors
In addition to the historical and cultural stops, it is important to also consider the Modenese cuisine that offers a burst of authentic flavors and unique sensory experiences. From fresh pasta, such as tortellini and tagliatelle, to the typical cured meats of the area, each dish reflects the culinary tradition of the region. Cheeses, such as Parmigiano Reggiano, and desserts, such as Barozzi cake, complete the culinary experience within the territory, making it absolutely unforgettable. Therefore, our advice is this: do not leave Modena without stopping at one of the restaurants that offer typical dishes… Otherwise, it won’t be a complete visit!
The authentic taste of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena DOP
Of course, we haven’t forgotten about balsamic vinegar, especially since it is very interesting for those wanting to know what to visit in Modena. We have included it last, but not least: just because we will conclude this little journey of discovery of Modena by recommending the best way to learn how balsamic vinegar is produced and taste it just a few steps from the barrel where it rested before being bottled…
The production of balsamic vinegar
The culinary tradition of Modena is renowned for its Traditional Balsamic Vinegar. This Black Gold, jealously guarded by expert local producers, is the result of an artisanal process that has been passed down through generations, woven with passion, patience, and skill. The production begins with the very essence of the Emilian land: the grape. Two grape varieties, Trebbiano and Lambrusco, are carefully selected and harvested when they reach perfect ripeness. These precious fruits are the foundation of a product that requires time and dedication.
The cooking of the must
The must obtained from pressing the grapes is the main ingredient of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena DOP. This must is cooked slowly and for a long time in wooden boilers until it reaches a high density and syrupy consistency. During this delicate cooking phase, the must releases its deepest and most intense aromas, giving the future balsamic vinegar its characteristic profile of sweetness and complexity.
The acetification and aging
After cooking, the must is transferred to fine wooden barrels, traditionally made of oak, where the acetification process begins. It is here that the mother of vinegar, a culture of acetic bacteria, works its magic, slowly transforming the must into vinegar. This process occurs thanks to the oxygen that penetrates through the pores of the wood of the barrels, allowing the bacteria to perform their transformation task.
But balsamic vinegar is not just the result of fermentation; it is also the fruit of long aging. The barrels, carefully arranged in attics or cellars, are essential resources in this maturation process that can last from twelve to over twenty-four years for Traditional Balsamic. During this time, the balsamic vinegar slowly absorbs the flavors and aromas of the wood, developing a unique complexity and depth of flavor that make it a true gastronomic jewel. Visiting a local acetaia is the best way to discover the production process and taste the authentic Balsamic Vinegar of Modena.
What to visit in Modena: the guided tour in the acetaia
In summary, Modena enchants its visitors with its extraordinary artistic beauty, rich history, and excellent culinary tradition. The city is a true gem that combines art, food, and engines in a unique experience, and just a short distance from the historic center, you can also find our acetaia, where you can see how we produce balsamic vinegar. So, if you wanted to know what to visit in Modena, now you have a good itinerary at hand, and all that’s left to do is to book a guided tour in the acetaia! You can find more information about our guided tours by clicking HERE.
