Modena

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Introducing Modena

Get past the unsightly factories that ring this affluent city and you’ll find a lively medieval centre, thick with market stalls, vibrant piazzas and impressive palazzi. The highlight, and reason enough for a visit, is the stunning Unesco World Heritage–listed cathedral.

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Some 40km northwest of Bologna, Modena was one of a series of Roman garrison towns established along the Via Emilia in the 2nd century BC. It became a free city in the 12th century and then passed to the Este family late in the following century. Prosperity came when it was chosen to be the capital of a much-reduced Este duchy in 1598, after the family lost Ferrara to the Papal States. Apart from a brief Napoleonic interlude, the Este family ran the town until Italian unification in the 19th century.

Last updated: Mar 2, 2009

Thorn Tree forum discussion

Recent posts

  1. sushi75 avatar
    RE: Milan, Florence and where else at Christmas??

    by sushi75 04 September 2011

    On/near the line Florence-Milan, you may consider one of the following: Prato, Pistoia, Modena, Parma, Piacenza or Cremona. If interested,…
  2. MTL avatar
    RE: Bologna, Parma and Modena - public transport or rental car?

    by MTL 15 August 2011

    As #1 says, it depends on what you want to do. If all you do is visiting larger population centers, stick to public transport. If you…
  3. mike9 avatar
    RE: Bologna, Parma and Modena - public transport or rental car?

    by mike9 15 August 2011

    If you are just visiting the 3 cities, a car will just be a nuisance, stick to buses and trains. Public transport is both quite good and…

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