The Ghirlandina, the bell tower at Modena Cathedral Photo: stock.adobe.com/dudlajzov
Modena, in the centre of the Emilia-Romagna is a city of quiet superlatives.
Famous for Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale, legendary sports cars and great voices such as Luciano Pavarotti, it combines culture, technology, history and enjoyment in a very small space. If you stroll through the old town, past markets, palazzi and trattorias, you will realise: Modena lives between world cultural heritage and motor racing, opera and aperitivo - and does so in an unagitated way.
Photo: stock.adobe.com/ Massimo Parisi
World-class historical trio
Since 1997, the historic ensemble of the Romanesque cathedral of San Geminiano, the striking bell tower Torre Ghirlandina and the Piazza Grande has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 86 metre high tower is still the city's landmark today and offers a panoramic view over the rooftops of Modena. At the foot of the tower is the Piazza, a place for markets, conversations and espresso breaks.
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The most famous vinegar in the world
Modena enjoys international fame for its Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale, one of the finest vinegars in the world. It is produced according to a centuries-old recipe, matures in small wooden barrels and can only come from Modena in order to bear the protected "Tradizionale" label. Anyone who visits one of the vinegar cellars will learn that balsamic vinegar is not a condiment in Modena, but a cultural asset.
Photo: stock.adobe.com/Max
Modena is a culinary heavyweight. In addition to the famous balsamic vinegar, Parmigiano Reggiano, Lambrusco, tortellini and many other specialities come from the area. On the menus of the osterias, you will find honest, regional cuisine - often with a modern twist.
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More InformationHome of Enzo Ferrari
Modena's role as a centre for Italian luxury cars is also legendary. The region surrounding the city is home to the production facilities of Ferrari, Maserati, Pagani and Lamborghini. Ferrari fans in particular are in for a treat: the Museo Ferrari in Maranello and the Museo Enzo Ferrari right in Modena not only exhibit vehicles, but also tell of the passion of a man who was born here in 1898: Enzo Ferrari. His birthplace is now part of the museum - a tribute to a legend on four wheels.
University and military academy
The city's university was founded in 1175 and is one of the oldest in Italy. With it and the many students, young life comes into the alleyways, cafés and bookshops. One particularly splendid building is the Palazzo Ducale, the former seat of the Este dukes. Today it houses the Accademia Militare, one of the most prestigious military academies in Europe.
Not to forget: Modena is the birthplace of the great tenor Luciano Pavarotti. His birthplace can be visited today, as can the Teatro Comunale named after him, which regularly hosts opera performances. Music lives on here - in a city that itself seems like a composed masterpiece.
P.S. Modena is also the home of the world's most famous collector's cards. Panini has its headquarters here. In the Umberto Panini Museum you will find the most exclusive Maserati collection.
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