Location: Modena
Top Things to do in Modena
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10 Things to Do in Modena That You Shouldn't Miss
Known for its medieval history, its auto-making prowess (as home base of both Ferrari and Maserati) and its famous balsamic vinegar, Modena is a treat for visitors of all ages. The 12th-century Romanesque Cathedral of Modena, with its spectacular Ghirlandina bell tower (under restoration until the end of 2010), is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Just outside of town (and next to the car maker’s factory) in Maranello is Galleria Ferrari, dedicated to the brand and Italian motor racing industry.
Restaurants in Modena
1. Acetaia Villa San Donnino
Overall Ratings
5 based on 460 reviews
Production of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena and Balsamic Condiment. The Villa of Vinegar in Modena On March 14th 1910 the project of the Villa was submitted on behalf of Lieutenant Claudio San Donnino. It was later to become an exquisite example of Emilia Romagna "liberty". Frescoes and decorations by Aroldo Bonzaghi (1887-1918) with evocative and voluptuous "dannunzian" allegories generate a magical atmosphere. In that extraordinary place, Davide and Cristina invite you to taste special products of Villa San Donnino.
Reviewed By NoSpin - Weston, Massachusetts
We approached the driveway to the estate and the iron gates were closed. We knew they were supposed to be open, and in fact saw a tour bus parked past the gates. I saw a call box next to the gate and got out of the car and pressed the button. As soon as I did the gates started to open. I quickly jumped in my car and drove in.
A guide was there to greet us at the end of the driveway. She brought us in to one of the barrel storage rooms and proceeded to tell us all about the process. Afterwards we were treated to a tasting of several different balsamic vinegars. You can purchase their products on site.
2. Acetaia Giuseppe Giusti
Overall Ratings
5 based on 270 reviews
Giusti is the oldest and most prestigious company of Balsamic Vinegar of Modena. Founded in 1605 and at the 17th generation, this family company was awarded with quality recognitions since 1800's, when 14 gold medals were granted in Exhibitions like Florence 1861, Paris 1889 and 1900. Also, Giusti was bestowed with the Patent of the King of Italy as sole balsamic vinegar supplier.
Reviewed By HeinBloed - Lindenfels, Germany
For someone who loves food this stop is a must. When you are lucky you can participate to a complimentary tour and learn how Balsamic Vinegar is made. Best is later the tasting. We bought after that much more than originally planned but this is the best part: extending the tour by using their products at home.
3. Duomo di Modena
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By JoJoYoga73 - Sydney, Australia
We absolutely loved our tour of Modena!! It’s a must if you’re travelling in Northern Italy! We were with a small tour group and visited: Ferrari Museum in Maranello, the original Balsamic Vinyard( like no other Balsamic I’ve ever tasted!!), the Ferrari Museum in Modena, the House of Pavarotti ❤️ and we finished up at the Lambrusco Vinyard. It was the best priced tour of Modena and the Ferrari Museums by far.
WE LOVED IT!!
4. Panini Motor Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 178 reviews
Reviewed By DavidIanL
Wanted to visit the car collection and the cheese production was an added bonus. We emailed ahead, problem with phoning, and arranged the shorter aging room information talk and a small tasting. €5 entry which was reasonable. Martine, the guide, was an excellent guide and answered all questions. We were then left to visit the car collection on our own. Masserrati and others, along with tractors and motorbikes. A good place if you are a car nerd. A good afternoon spent at Hombres.
5. 4 Madonne Caseificio dell'Emilia
Overall Ratings
5 based on 183 reviews
Visiting our cheese factory,you can witness all the different phases of Parmigiano Reggiano processing first-hand:from the milk Delivery to the finished wheels,following all the production phases,the warehouse containing around 33570wheels,the cutting room and the factory shop,where you can taste a range of aged cheeses.
Reviewed By AussieFZ - Melbourne, Australia
Our family (kids aged 5, 8 and 11) all thoroughly enjoyed this tour. Our guide, Deborah was very helpful and informative. The tour was just the right length and perfect for the whole family. The spread at the end (we went for the 15€ option) was magnificent. You tell that they are all really proud of their produce! Highly recommended.
6. Casa Museo Luciano Pavarotti
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 314 reviews
On occasion of EXPO 2015, Luciano Pavarotti Foundation opens extraordinarily the doors of Casa Pavarotti, transformed into House Museum through the set-up of a path that will allow to know the man and the artist Luciano Pavarotti.
Reviewed By physicsgeek - Beavercreek, Ohio
Well laid out tour of Pavarotti's home he built for himself and his family upon his retirement and prior to his death. Three floors of interesting information about the man and his art plus his wine cellar. There are costumes from the roles he played in his operas, music fills the house, and the tour provides a nice perspective of the man. Audio guide is included in the price. Definitely worth a visit!
7. Mercato Albinelli
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 250 reviews
The Albinelli Market keeps alive the tradition and heritage of the ancient market that since the Middle Ages has spiced up the streets and squares of Modena, safeguarding the city cultural and nutritional values and the personal and close customer relationship that has always characterized the retail sale. With the October 28th, 1931 new Market inauguration, Modena retail trade left piazza Grande, the original location which hosted it for centuries. The vendors who moved in became stable retailers, leaving behind their previous experience as street vendors for good.Now it is the beating heart of the city of Modena, appreciated by citizens and by visitors the possibility to identify and sample the Modena traditional culinary ingredients and dishes
Reviewed By pookala - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
A small manageable market, filled with terrific vendors selling excellent products. Perfect for gathering a casual lunch for yourself while absorbing local customs and culture.
A lovely Fountain in the center, be advised this place can be packed on Saturdays so you may want to try and do a weekday excursion here.
8. Piazza Grande
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 778 reviews
Reviewed By cyclejam - Bedizzole, Italy
The tower (Ghirladina) is very dear to me, and Piazza Grande is a nice place for a variety of things. Stop for a coffee (or a glass of wine) at one of the bars, sit on the steps of the Duomo and people watch, or attend one of the many activities hosted here on special occasions. The cobblestones, the views, the energy - are all good things to take in. And don't forget to stand away far enough to notice the character- the tower and the back side of the Duomo both lean, in different directions! Just don't bother if you're in a hurry or expect some grand sort of entertainment. This is the kind of place where you go to soak in the atmosphere, the culture, and to just be. Have fun and enjoy!
9. Galleria Estense
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 202 reviews
Reviewed By Sandy S - Albuquerque, New Mexico
Sharing the Palazzo Estense with the Biblioteca and the archeological museum is the Estense Art Collection, which was heavy on pre- and early Renaissance religious art and uneven in quality. It contained some nice Roman figurines and ceramics from the 10th Century BCE. In the main collection, one whole gallery was devoted to 15th Century renditions of the Madonna and Child. A Pesaro John the Baptist from 1478 had a compelling quality, as did a charming 11th or 12th Century marble carving of Madonna and Child by Wiligelmo. There were lots of large 15th Century religious paintings by Franceso Bianchi Ferrari, with rich colors and elaborate background landscapes. In an almost whimsically anachronistic “Annunciation,” what appears to be an open hatbox sits on a shelf in Mary’s prié-dieu, and partial bas-reliefs are depicted on either side of the central arch. The Corregio looks murky and unfinished, as if it were perhaps a study for a more polished work. The Velazquez portrait of Duke Francis I d’Este had a certain vibrancy, but the famous Tintorettos seemed to have been executed from a curious angle. These14 square paintings depicting Ovid’s Metamorpheses, once decorated a palace ceiling, which may explain the strange perspective. My husband dubbed one “The Flying Nun.” Carlo Cignani’s “Flora” (c. 1680), which is reproduced in the DK guidebook to Italy, is pretty in a sweetly sad way.
10. Ghirlandina
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 774 reviews
Reviewed By XpertTravel2 - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Pay the entry fee and go up 200 steps only if you are bored, or desperate for exercise. The view at the top is only good on one of the four sides and it is not so good (see photo). If you really want to see the famous "bucket", you can see the original for free at the Palazzo Comunale
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