Modena is a town of 184,361 inhabitants in the province of Modena, in Emilia-Romagna, Italy. It is the capital of its province.
The municipality covers 183.23 km², with a density of 1,006 inhabitants per km².
The nearest airport is Bologna (BLQ), about 31 km away as the crow flies. Read our guide to the airport.
Why visit
Traditional balsamic vinegar. More: Food & wine
Things to see in Modena
- Traditional balsamic vinegarFood & wine
- Modena Cathedral and the GhirlandinaFaith
Balsamic, Ferrari and Pavarotti
Modena is the city of traditional balsamic vinegar, of Ferrari and Maserati, and of Luciano Pavarotti. Its Romanesque cathedral, the Ghirlandina tower and Piazza Grande are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What to see
The cathedral, begun in 1099, is a masterpiece of Romanesque sculpture by Wiligelmo, and the Ghirlandina bell tower is the symbol of the city. Piazza Grande joins them to the town hall. The Palazzo Ducale, home to the Military Academy, and the Estense Gallery, with works by Velázquez and Correggio, recall the court of the Este dukes. The Enzo Ferrari Museum is in the house where the founder was born, and the Albinelli market is a feast for food lovers.
Food
Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale, tortellini, zampone and cotechino, gnocco fritto with tigelle and Lambrusco di Sorbara.
Around Modena
The Ferrari Museum in Maranello, Carpi with its huge square, Sassuolo and the ducal palace, Vignola and its cherries, and the balsamic vinegar lofts in the hills. Bologna airport is 40 minutes away.
Modena on the map
Nearby towns
Where to stay in and around Modena
Tours and activities nearby
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