- Modena Cathedral, the Ghirlandina tower and Piazza Grande are a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Visit an acetaia to taste traditional balsamic vinegar
- The Enzo Ferrari Museum is near the station, with the Ferrari Museum in Maranello nearby
- Modena is around 25 minutes from Bologna by train
- Airports
- Bologna (BLQ)
- Best time to go
- April-June and September-October
- Type
- Province
Modena is a prosperous, compact city in Emilia-Romagna, with a centre of porticoed streets around one of Italy's finest Romanesque cathedrals. It is the home of traditional balsamic vinegar, a key part of the Parmigiano Reggiano heartland and a city of supercars, with Ferrari, Maserati and Pagani all associated with the area. Opera fans also know it as the hometown of Luciano Pavarotti.
For UK travellers, Modena is perfect for a food-focused day trip from Bologna or a slower stay. It is relaxed, easy to walk around and full of excellent places to eat, from simple trattorias to some of Italy's most celebrated restaurants. For the rest of the country, see our Italy guide.
Things to do in Modena
- Modena Cathedral – a Romanesque masterpiece with carved reliefs by the sculptor Wiligelmo.
- Torre della Ghirlandina – the cathedral's bell tower and the city's symbol, open for climbs at certain times.
- Piazza Grande – the square beside the cathedral, with the town hall.
- Mercato Albinelli – a covered market with stalls of fresh produce, cheese and cured meats.
- Traditional balsamic vinegar – visit an acetaia to see barrels ageing in attics and taste the real thing.
- Parmigiano Reggiano dairies – early-morning tours show how wheels are made.
- Enzo Ferrari Museum – a short walk from the station, with cars and the house where Enzo Ferrari was born.
- Ferrari Museum in Maranello – around 30 minutes away, with shuttle buses usually linking the two museums.
The Palazzo Ducale, now a military academy, and Pavarotti's house museum are also worth a visit.
Where to stay
| Area | Why stay there |
|---|---|
| Centro storico | Walk to the cathedral, market and restaurants |
| Near the station | Practical for trains and the Enzo Ferrari Museum |
| Maranello | For Ferrari enthusiasts and the factory area |
| Modena hills | Agriturismi among vineyards and acetaie |
| Sestola | Apennine base for walking and skiing |
Getting there
Fly to Bologna, then take the train from Bologna Centrale to Modena, which takes around 25 minutes. The airport is roughly 40 minutes away by road. Milan is about 1 hour 30 minutes away by train, and Parma around 30 minutes.
Best time to visit
Spring and autumn are best. Autumn brings grape harvests and food festivals, including events around balsamic vinegar and Lambrusco. Summer is hot and humid, and winter can be foggy but cosy.
Traditional balsamic vinegar of Modena (DOP) is aged for at least 12 years and sold in small, distinctive bottles. It is very different from everyday supermarket balsamic.
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Modena on the map
Frequently asked questions
Is Modena worth visiting?
Yes, especially for food lovers and car enthusiasts. The cathedral alone makes it worthwhile.
Can I visit Modena as a day trip from Bologna?
Yes. Trains take around 25 minutes, and a day covers the centre plus a food visit or museum.
How do I visit Ferrari in Maranello?
Take a bus or the museum shuttle from Modena, or drive about 30 minutes. Book guided tours or driving experiences ahead, as places can be limited.
What is Lambrusco?
A sparkling red wine from the area around Modena and Reggio Emilia, usually served chilled with local food.
Written by
Thomas Ski, mountains & expeditions editor
Thomas is happiest above the tree line or below the Antarctic Circle. He writes our ski, mountain and polar expedition guides.
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