Discover the excellence of Modena
The city of Modena is located in Emilia Romagna and is famous worldwide for its gastronomic excellence. Every year there are many visitors who reach these territories to discover the traditional local products.
In addition to the renowned cuisine, Modena offers much more to see as its historic buildings and religious buildings. Modena is also located in the area of Italy with the highest concentration of luxury car manufacturers.
Within a few kilometres, the Lamborghini, Ferrari, Pagani and Maserati factories are located here. The area is nicknamed Motor Valley.
dal web
The history of Modena
The first reliable information about the existence of the city of Modena dates back to the second century A. C. in the period of the expansion of the Roman Empire. Probably, however, the origin dates back to the Etruscan period. One of the most important historical figures of the city was that of San Geminiano bishop and then Patron of Modena.
Later in the year 1000 it passed under the control of Ferrara and in particular of the Estensi family that ruled the city until 1796. Modena also became the capital of the Duchy in 1598 when Cesare d’Este decided to move it here from Ferrara. In this period Modena was at the center of national political events and was enriched with the construction of important buildings both religious and civil.
In the late ‘800 and early ‘900 the urban aspect of the city underwent a remarkable change. The walls were demolished to create a tree-lined ring road. In the years following the Second World War Modena saw unprecedented economic growth.
dal web
What to see in Modena?
Modena has many things to offer to those who decide to visit it as the Duomo is one of the most important monuments of Romanesque culture in Europe. Next to it is the Ghilardina tower, which is the symbol of the city. The beating heart of Modena is Piazza Grande on which overlook the Duomo and the town hall.
Inside the Palazzo dei Musei is the Estense Gallery, which was placed here in 1894. This building includes four large halls and sixteen smaller rooms dedicated to the exhibition of the important artistic heritage of the Dukes of Este family. Another important building is the Ducal Palace, seat of the Este court.
dal web
Today it is home to the Military Academy of Modena. One of the obligatory stages for motoring enthusiasts but not only is the Enzo Ferrari Museum opened in 2012. In this futuristic building it is possible to visit a setting that traces the history of Modena motoring, which conquered the world from Maranello. One of the places to visit in Modena is the Luciano Pavarotti Theatre dedicated to the memory of the most famous Italian tenor of the post-war period.
It is an opera house designed by the architect Francesco Vandelli. Here there are great performances including opera, ballet and concerts. In the surroundings of Modena there are places rich in beauty such as the beautiful village of Rossena where the famous castle is located.
Modena: typical products and traditional recipes
Modena is undoubtedly the Italian city queen of gastronomy. Here are born many typical products of excellent quality and is considered as one of the cities where you eat best in Italy. Here you can taste the most famous Emilian specialties such as tigelle and fried dumplings. these are types of pasta that are stuffed with the typical salami of these territories.
dal web
Among the most famous are culatello, coppa and prosciutto. One of the highlights of Modena’s gastronomy is pork such as cotechino and zampone. Among the recipes of the first dishes one of the best known is that of tortellini stuffed with pork and Parmesan. Another local specialty is borlengo.
It is a thin and crunchy waffle typical of the hilly area. The city of Modena is famous worldwide for the production of Lambrusco one of the most important wines of the region. Another excellent product of the area of Modena is undoubtedly the balsamic vinegar of Modena.
Modena, where is it?
Modena is a city located in the heart of Emilia Romagna, not far from Bologna and Reggio Emilia. Its historic center of Roman origin has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.It is located in the heart of the Po Valley, in that part of the territory between the river Secchia and the Panaro.
Its position is particularly advantageous for production and trade. the city of Bologna is only 40 kilometers away while Reggio Emilia is even closer. The hinterland of Modena is rich in natural beauty and parks.
Not too far away are the Cerreto Lakes and the Tuscan-Emilian Apennine National Park. It can be easily reached by highway A1 or by train.
