To the discovery of Modena: a Journey through History, Culture, and Gastronomic Excellences
Introduction
Modena, city of ancient origins undergoing a brilliant evolution, is a true gem located in the heart of the Emilia-Romagna region. Its thousand-year-old history, rich culture, and remarkable excellences make it a unique and fascinating destination.
In this article, we will take you on a quick tour to discover the wonders of Modena through its iconic places.
Via Emilia: the beating heart of the historic center
Modena’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the city's vibrant core, is essential for discovering all the beauties the city has to offer, from architectural to culinary treasures. Like every noteworthy Emilian city, Modena’s historic centre is traversed by via Emilia, a thousand-year-old paved street commissioned by the ancient Romans to connect Rimini with Piacenza. In its Modenese section, via Emilia serves as the main artery of the city center, boasting elegant shops, trendy pubs, and historic boutiques, all sheltered at intervals by evocative porticos.
Bustling with activity and a lively shopping atmosphere, Via Emilia is the main junction for reaching all the points of interest in the old town center.
Piazza Grande and the Ghirlandina tower
The symbol of Modena, a masterpiece of Romanesque art, and triumph of white marble: Piazza Grande will leave you breathless with its magnificence and the beauty of the buildings that surround it.
Among them stands the symbol of Modena: the bell tower called Ghirlandina, which overlooks and dominates the roofs and streets of the old town with its 86 meters of height. Open to visitors, it offers an amazing view of the historic center and the Modenese skyline from its 200-step spiral staircase.
Dedicated to Saint Geminianus and constructed in the Romanesque-Gothic style by Campionesi masters Lanfranco and Wiligelmo in the early 11th century, the Duomo of Modena enchants visitors with the richness of details that embellish its façade and interiors.
On the opposite side of the square is the Giusti Boutique of Piazza Grande, protected by porticos and offering a view of the Duomo in an exclusive and romantic location. As a reference point in the city center for Balsamic Vinegar of Modena, Acetaia Giusti’s Boutique offers tastings of the renowned black gold in an elegant store where the authentic vinegar-making tradition can be felt, and products from the Giusti Collections can be purchased.
The Albinelli Market and Modenese specialties
For those who love good food and wish to immerse themselves in the culinary culture of Modena, the Albinelli Market is a must-see stop on the itinerary. This historical covered market, inaugurated in 1931, holds significant historical and cultural value.
Designed in liberty style, the Albinelli Market is filled with voices, aromas, and smiles, evoking the ancient and eternal charm of the marketplace, welcoming thousands of Modenese people and tourists every day.
Walking through the market stalls, one embarks on a true taste journey among Modenese flavors par excellence, especially Parmigiano Reggiano, cold cuts, and Lambrusco wine. The Albinelli Market also offers the possibility to enjoy an authentic Modenese aperitivo in its evocative market atmosphere.
The gastronomic experience in Modena continues in the numerous trattorias, easy-going restaurants offering typical local cuisine and genuine Modenese hospitality. Among the many culinary offerings are tagliatelle and filled pasta, especially tortellini and tortelloni, passatelli, boiled meat, and the indispensable gnocco fritto and tigelle, all paired with a good bottle of Lambrusco wine.
Via Farini and Piazza Roma
Our tour of Modena's old town continues with another emblematic stop: Piazza Roma and its Ducal Palace. To reach it, we traverse Via Farini, one of the most historic and popular streets in town. Among the old shops sheltered by the porticos of Via Farini is the “Premiata Salumeria Giuseppe Giusti,” the very first commercial activity of the Giusti family, inaugurated at the end of the 16th century. From the deli shop’s attic, the Giusti family began aging their first barrels of Balsamic Vinegar of Modena, which would make them famous worldwide as vinegar makers.
The Giusti's charcuterie shop in 1940s.
At the end of Via Farini, we reach the beautiful Piazza Roma, a wide rectangular space dominated by the Ducal Palace, an enchanting Baroque building that currently houses the Military Academy of Modena, the most prestigious in Italy.
Beyond the City Center: The Richness of the Modenese Countryside
Modena's beauties are not confined to the old town center. The city is part of the so-called “motor valley”, boasting renowned names like Ferrari, which opens the doors of its Galleria in Maranello and Casa Museo Enzo Ferrari in Modena, and Maserati.
Moreover, Modena is the birthplace of the renowned tenor Luciano Pavarotti, whose Casa Museo is open to visitors just outside the city.
Beyond the city borders, the bountiful Modenese countryside offers its best fruits, especially grapes, which are expertly transformed into two symbols of Modenese food and wine excellence: Balsamic Vinegar of Modena and Lambrusco wine.
To discover the local activities and their excellent products, visitors can tour the numerous wineries in the area, as well as immerse themselves in the centuries-old tradition of Balsamic Vinegar of Modena at Casa Giusti. Here, visitors can experience the authentic Giusti tradition through a museum tour, a visit to the ancient aging rooms, and a final tasting of the best Giusti Balsamic Vinegars of Modena.
Modena and its treasures await you!