Things to Do and See in Modena

Modena, the capital of the province of the same name, is located along the historic Roman Via Emilia, near the Po River plain, on a small hill. For two and a half centuries, it was the capital of the Duchy of Este, a period during which it underwent a major urban and architectural transformation. The main monuments include the Romanesque cathedral in Piazza Grande, in the heart of the city, built entirely of white marble. It has been inscribed by UNESCO on the list of World Heritage Sites, along with the square itself and the Ghirlandina, a bell tower whose name derives from the marble balustrades—as light as garlands—surrounding the spire. The Town Hall is also located on the square, as is the Civic Tower. Not far away are the College and the Church of St. Charles, featuring the College’s grand portico, the entrance, and the grand staircase, as well as frescoes and enchanting halls. Also worth noting are the Palazzo dei Musei, which houses the Lapidary Museum and the Estense Gallery—home to numerous works of art—as well as the Civic Museums, the Municipal Historical Archive, and the Estense Library. Along one of the most picturesque streets crossed by the Via Emilia—Corso Canal Grande—you’ll find the Church of St. Vincent, the Municipal Theater, and the Ducal Palace, home to the prestigious Military Academy of Modena. Elsewhere in the province, we recommend Nonantola, home to the Benedictine abbey founded in the mid-eighth century by Abbot Anselmo, which houses unique artifacts such as documents that once belonged to Charlemagne, Matilda of Canossa, and Frederick Barbarossa. In Sassuolo, be sure to visit the Ducal Palace, the summer residence of Francesco I d’Este, with its splendid apartments and the frescoes that adorn them; while in Carpi, the imposing castle known as the Palazzo dei Pio is well worth a visit. Finally, for car enthusiasts, the Ferrari Gallery in Maranello is a must-see, housing the legendary cars, images, and trophies of the world’s most famous “prancing horse.”