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
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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,…
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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…
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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…
