What to do and see in Modena, Emilia-Romagna: The Best Things to do

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.

Acetaia giusti is the oldest producer of Balsamic Vinegar of Modena, founded in 1605. Nowadays, the company is run by the 17th generation of the Giusti family. A history of more than 400 years full of awards received during the World Exhibitions of the late ‘800s. Among them: the 14 gold medals and the Coat of Arms of the Royal House of Savoia that now characterize the labels of our bottles. The Giusti Balsamic Vinegar collections are available in the most exclusive restaurants and shops in Italy and worldwide.

Explore the private home Pavarotti built in his beloved hometown, transformed by the Pavarotti Foundation into a museum housing his exceptional collection of personal items, unseen memorabilia, costumes and awards gathered throughout his artistic career.

La Galleria Estense espone la straordinaria collezione d’arte dei duchi d’Este, all’interno del settecentesco Palazzo dei Musei di Modena. Venti sale dedicate al vasto patrimonio estense con opere di pittura, scultura, arte applicata e molto altro. Tra tutti spicca il busto marmoreo di Francesco I d’Este del Bernini, oltre al Crocefisso di Guido Reni, la Madonna col Bambino del Correggio, il Ritratto di Francesco I d'Este del Velázquez, il Trittico di El Greco e La Pietà di Cima da Conegliano.

Alongside the apse of the cathedral, standing 89.32 metres tall, is the Ghirlandina belltower, the symbol of the city of Modena. The Ghirlandina was given this nickname by the city's inhabitants due to the double ring of parapets that crown its steeple, "as light as garlands", ghirlanda in Italian. Built as the belltower for the cathedral, this tower has however played an important civic function since its origins: the ringing of its bells marked the time for life in the city, it announced the opening of the gates in the city walls and acting as a warning for the people in situations of alarm and danger. Its mighty walls guarded the so-called “Sacristy" of the Municipality, which was home to the strongboxes, public documents and objects of great symbolic value like the famous fourteenth-century “Secchia rapita” or Stolen Bucket (a copy is currently on display).

Museo Casa Ezno Ferrari (Enzo Ferrari's Birthplace Museum) includes the restored house where he was born and a new futuristic automotive design gallery with a yellow cover, designed by the architect Jan Kaplický. It is located in Modena; the Birthplace hosts a permanent exhibition on the life of Ferrari's founder Enzo, while the gallery houses temporary exhibitions of vintage cars. The Museum opened 10th March 2012.

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