Modena: what to see and do
Modena occupies part of the Po Plain between the rivers Secchia and Panaro, which both flow into the Po. The Roman colony of Mutina was established in 183 BC on a site previously settled by the Etruscans and later the Gauls.
Things to do in Modena
UNESCO added Modena Cathedral, Piazza Grande and the Torre Civica, also called the Ghirlandina, to its World Heritage List in 1997. Construction of the Romanesque cathedral started on 9 June 1099. Its twelfth-century architecture was the work of Lanfranco, while Wiligelmo provided the sculptural decoration.
Beside the cathedral apse, the Ghirlandina rises to 89.32 metres; its octagonal pinnacle completed the tower in 1319. Construction of the Ducal Palace began in 1634, largely to designs by Bartolomeo Avanzini, an architect called from Rome. It housed the Este Court for over 200 years.
Ferrari museums and Pavarotti
Enzo Ferrari was born in Modena, and Ferrari museums are located in both Modena and nearby Maranello. Stefano Pierotti's bronze sculpture of Luciano Pavarotti stands beside the Teatro Comunale and was dedicated in October 2017.
The Ferrari museums guided tour combining Maranello and Modena lasts 3 hours and includes access to permanent and temporary exhibitions at both museums, the restored workshop of Enzo Ferrari's father and a cinema showing films about Enzo Ferrari.
The Ferrari and Pavarotti museum combo guided tour in Modena has a duration of 3 hours.
Balsamic vinegar in Modena
Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena can only be produced within the province of Modena. It begins with cooked grape must, which ages as natural fermentation develops acidity. The PDO vinegar has two versions: Affinato, aged for a minimum of 12 years, and Extravecchio, aged for a minimum of 25 years.
The balsamic vinegar guided tour and tasting in Modena lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes, with a guided vineyard walk, commentary, a visit to the historic acetaia and barrel ageing rooms, a vinegar tasting, vintage car museum access and a professional guide throughout.
The Modena guided tour with a balsamic vinegar cellar and cooking class lasts 5 hours and includes a guided visit to La Vedetta vinegar cellar, an explanation of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena production, a vinegar tasting, cooking with local hosts and a Modenese dinner featuring the dishes prepared, local products and accompaniments.
Parmesan, wine and Modenese food
Modenese tortellini are pasta squares folded around a filling of pork loin, prosciutto, mortadella and Parmigiano Reggiano. Lambrusco is made from a family of about 12 black grape varieties grown across the Modena plain and hills. Dark sour cherries grown in and around Modena are used for the preserves associated with the city.
The guided Parmesan, balsamic vinegar and wine tour in Emilia lasts 7 hours, including guided visits to a Parmigiano Reggiano factory, a traditional acetaia and a winery, cheese, vinegar and wine tastings, a three-course winery lunch and a professional guide throughout.
The guided Parmigiano Reggiano factory tour near Modena lasts 1 hour and includes a local guide, access to production, salting and ageing areas, three aged cheese varieties to taste, locally produced wine, freshly baked tigelle and regional cold cuts.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Modena located?
The city lies on the Po Plain between the Secchia and Panaro, both tributaries of the Po.
Which Modena landmarks have UNESCO status?
The cathedral, Piazza Grande and the Torre Civica, or Ghirlandina, received World Heritage status in 1997.
Where are the Ferrari museums?
There is a Ferrari museum in Modena and another in nearby Maranello.
How long does Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PDO age?
Affinato ages for at least 12 years, while Extravecchio ages for at least 25 years.
What is inside Modenese tortellini?
Modenese tortellini are pasta squares folded around a filling of pork loin, prosciutto, mortadella and Parmigiano Reggiano.
