The former capital of the Duchy of Modena and Reggio is now a modern industrial city with a historic centre (Centro Storico). It is situated in the Emilia-Romagna region, in the province of Modena.
The history of Modena is closely linked to the figure of Saint Geminianus. He was a bishop in the second half of the 4th century and is the city’s patron saint. Several legends are dedicated to him. One of them tells how he saved the city from Attila’s Huns in 451 by concealing it beneath a thick blanket of fog.
The Cathedral of Modena, a masterpiece of the Romanesque style, is well worth a visit.
Modena is also associated with Italy’s most renowned car manufacturers. Ferrari, Maserati and Pagani (luxury sports cars) have their headquarters or production facilities here, making the city a true paradise for car enthusiasts.
Piazza Grande
Piazza Grande lies at the heart of the historic old town. It is home to the Cathedral of San Geminiano, the Archbishop’s Palace and the Town Hall. This complex was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.
Modena’s Palazzo Comunale (Town Hall) dates back to the 12th century. However, it acquired its present appearance in the 16th century.
Cathedral of San Geminiano
Construction of the Romanesque cathedral began in 1099 under the supervision of the Lombard Lanfranco. It was consecrated in 1184, but the cathedral was not completed until 1322.
The work on the façade was carried out by the sculptor Wiligelmus.
As is customary in Italy, a free-standing campanile was erected. The 86-metre-high bell tower is commonly known as the Torre Ghirlandina. It owes this name to the marble balustrades that encircle the top of the tower like a garland. The upper storeys of the tower, completed in 1319, already show a clear Gothic influence.
Around the cathedral
In the cathedral
Palazzo Ducale
Between the 17th and 19th centuries, the Ducal Palace was the seat of the Este family. Following the unification of Italy, the palace housed the renowned Military Academy and the Geophysical Observatory of Modena.
Adjacent to the Palazzo Ducale are the former ducal gardens, a park featuring a botanical garden (Parco Giardino Ducale Estense) and a small art museum, the
Palazzina Vigarani
The garden palace is a historic building dating from 1634.
This is what Palazzo Vigarani looks like.
Click here if the house in the background is getting in the way!
The Synagogue of Modena on Piazza Mazzini
Piazza Giuseppe Mazzini is located not far from the famous Via Emilia. It was created in the early 20th century as part of an urban regeneration project on the site of the old Jewish ghetto.
The synagogue was built between 1869 and 1873 in the Neoclassical style and is notable for its imposing façade.
The square features a historic bronze bust of Giuseppe Mazzini, created in 1874 by the sculptor Giuseppe Grandi.
Giuseppe Mazzini was an Italian philosopher, journalist, politician and freedom fighter of the Risorgimento, who campaigned for the unity, independence and freedom of Italy.
Chiesa di San Giorgio
The Church of San Giorgio was built in the mid-17th century in the Baroque style, based on a design by the ducal architect, Gaspare Vigarani.
The high altar features a painting of the Virgin Mary, created in 1617 by Pietro Paolo dell'Abbot, which is modelled on the Virgin in the Church of Santa Maria della Vita in
Bologna.
Aceto Balsamico
Modena is the home of balsamic vinegar, which, in its traditional form, is made from the Lambrusco grapes grown here. We visited the Acetaia Marchi factory.
More photos of Modena
