A classic historic center melds with a modern city in the heart of Emilia Romagna’s Modena. A vibrant place with architectural gems and culinary highlights, Modena is a city that pleases.
It is the birthplace of Pavarotti and Maserati; it is home to fine art and Ferrari. Here the sounds of opera arias mingle with the pitch of high-speed engines. Medieval piazzas are the modern scene of nightlife and mingling. It is, in short, a city for everyone.
Located on the Po River plain, it lies halfway between Bologna and Parma, and is only 90 miles north of Florence.
It shares similarities to those cities, yet it has its own distinct identity.
This is where prized balsamic vinegar is produced, so visit an “acetaia” while you’re in the area to see how it is made and taste the real thing. The delicacies of the region are found here in abundance, like prosciutto, parmigiano cheese and rich meat sauce on delicate filled pastas.
The city’s center is one of the most fascinating places in Italy, complete with a 12th-century duomo (cathedral), Torre della Ghirlandina, the cathedral’s gothic bell tower, and Piazza Grande, the main square that makes up a UNESCO World Heritage site.