Things to do in Modena
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Trattoria da Omer
The stereotypical family-run trattoria, Omer's sets a lovely atmosphere for a meal of classic Modenese and Ferrarese food. Try the ossibuchi Estense, a regional take on the more traditional osso bucco (a veal stew) served with veggies and chopped almonds.
Like Bologna and Parma, Modena is an important gastronomic town. Its most famous product is aceto balsamico, considered the best in Italy by gourmets, but the centre also produces an excellent prosciutto crudo and zampone (stuffed pig's trotter). Tortellini is another speciality, as is Lambrusco, a lively, sparkling red, to be drunk chilled and with everything.
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Cathedral
One of the finest Romanesque churches in Italy, Modena’s Unesco World Heritage–listed cathedral is a thrilling example of 12th-century architecture. Dedicated to the city’s patron saint, St Geminianus, it was consecrated in 1184, 85 years after construction had begun. The facade is dominated by a huge Gothic rose window, actually a 13th-century addition, under which stands the main portal; to the sides, a series of vivid bas-reliefs depict scenes from Genesis. These are the work of the 12th-century sculptor Wiligelmo, who actually autographed his work, as did the building’s architect, Lanfranco (signing off in the main apse). Among Wiligelmo’s many vigorous carvings,…
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Ristorante Pizzeria Uva d'Oro
A bright, bustling restaurant-cum-pizzeria, this cheerful spot serves plate-sized pizzas and uncomplicated pasta dishes. The complimentary glass of prosecco ensures a good mood, as does the tempting antipasto buffet and kitsch fruit 'n' veg décor.
Like Bologna and Parma, Modena is an important gastronomic town. Its most famous product is aceto balsamico, considered the best in Italy by gourmets, but the centre also produces an excellent prosciutto crudo and zampone (stuffed pig's trotter). Tortellini is another speciality, as is Lambrusco, a lively, sparkling red, to be drunk chilled and with everything.
reviewed
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Al Grottino
Informal and popular, this is a good bet for a filling bowl of spaghetti or a delicious pizza. If undecided between pasta and pizza, go for the pizza - it'll be big, well cooked and full of bubbling, creamy cheese.
Like Bologna and Parma, Modena is an important gastronomic town. Its most famous product is aceto balsamico, considered the best in Italy by gourmets, but the centre also produces an excellent prosciutto crudo and zampone (stuffed pig's trotter). Tortellini is another speciality, as is Lambrusco, a lively, sparkling red, to be drunk chilled and with everything.
reviewed
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fresh-produce market
Modena's fresh-produce market has its main entrance on Via Albinelli.
Like Bologna and Parma, Modena is an important gastronomic town. Its most famous product is aceto balsamico, considered the best in Italy by gourmets, but the centre also produces an excellent prosciutto crudo and zampone (stuffed pig's trotter). Tortellini is another speciality, as is Lambrusco, a lively, sparkling red, to be drunk chilled and with everything.
reviewed
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Hostaria Giusti
Accessed via its attached deli, which dates to the 1600s, this unassuming-looking hostaria at the far end of a back alley is one of Modena’s most beloved eateries. It hosts only private parties at dinnertime, but at lunch you can sit on the back patio and savour regional specialities like cotechino fritto con zabaglione al lambrusco (fried Modena sausage with wine-flavoured egg custard).
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Ristorante da Danilo
Traditional food served in a warm, old-fashioned dining room is what you pay for at Danilo’s. Tuck into an antipasto of salami, pecorino cheese and fig marmalade before moving on to the house speciality – bollito misto (mixed boiled meat). Vegetarians can opt for risotto al radicchio trevigiano (with red chicory) or ai funghi (with mushrooms).
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Museum Palace
There are several galleries within the vast palace (Palazzo dei Musei). The Galleria Estense features most of the Este family collection. The Biblioteca Estense, essentially a research library, has a valuable collection of books, letters and manuscripts. Other displays include local finds from Palaeolithic times and medieval stonework including sarcophagi.
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Ducal Palace
Started in 1634 for the Este family, this heavy Baroque edifice is now Modena's military academy. Its scrubbed, fresh-faced, heel-clicking cadets in their trim hats and multicoloured uniforms look as if they've marched right off a chocolate box. Fancy-dress apart, they're considered Italy's best soldiers. Admire from the outside - not open to the public.
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Trattoria Ermes
Here’s a fabulous, affordable little lunch spot, tucked into a single wood-panelled room at the northern edge of downtown Modena. An older couple runs the place – she cooks, he juggles plates and orders while keeping up a nonstop stream of banter with the customers. The menu changes daily depending on what’s fresh at the market.
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Trattoria Aldina
Where do locals head for lunch after a morning shopping at the produce market? Straight across the street and upstairs to this sweet, affordable trattoria, which serves the kind of no-nonsense homemade food you’d expect from a mid-1950s Italian mamma. There’s no menu; just ask what they’re serving today and take your pick.
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Galleria Estense
The most interesting gallery in Palazzo dei Musei, the Galleria Estense features the Este family’s collection of northern Italian paintings from late medieval times to the 18th century. There are also some fine Flemish works and a canvas or two by Velázquez, Correggio and El Greco.
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Ristorante da Enzo
This highly regarded restaurant is known for its classic, regional cooking, which translates to dishes such as scaloppina all’aceto balsamico (cutlets in balsamic vinegar) and tortelli di zucca al burro e salvia (pumpkin tortelli with butter and sage).
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Palazzo Ducale
Dominating Piazza Roma, this heavy baroque edifice is home to one of Italy’s top military academies. It was started in 1634 and was the Este family residence for two centuries. Admission is only by guided tour. Contact ModenaTur to book.
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Biblioteca Estense
The Biblioteca Estense holds one of Italy’s most valuable collections of books, letters and manuscripts, including the celebrated Bibbia di Borso d’Este, a masterpiece of medieval illustration.
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Serate Estensi
The summer season features the Serate Estensi festival in late June and early July. A celebration of all things medieval, it involves banquets, jousts, and plenty of dressing up.
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Museo Archeologico Etnologico
Museo Archeologico Etnologico has some well-displayed local finds from Palaeolithic to medieval eras, as well as exhibits from Africa, Asia, Peru and New Guinea.
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Teatro Comunale
During July and August, outdoor concerts and ballet are staged on Piazza Grande. Modena’s main opera venue is Teatro Comunale.
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Palazzo dei Musei
Modena’s main museums and galleries are housed in the Palazzo dei Musei on the western fringes of the historic centre.
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Enoteca Ducale
Load up on local wine, grappa and Modena’s famous vinegar – aged anywhere from three to 100 years – at Enoteca Ducale.
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Museo Civico d’Arte
The Museo Civico d’Arte’s eclectic collection are the sections devoted to traditional paper-making, textiles and musical instruments.
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Modena Terra di Motori
Vintage cars and snazzy Ferraris take to Modena's historic streets in the annual car fest, Modena Terra di Motori, in April and May.
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Antiques Fair
On the fourth Saturday and Sunday of every month, except for July and December, a giant antiques fair is held in Parco Novi Sad.
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Balsamico è
Balsamic vinegar is celebrated in Balsamico È, a series of exhibitions, events and tastings from mid-May to early June.
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Torre Ghirlandina
Rising above the cathedral, the early 13th-century Torre Ghirlandina rises to 87m, culminating in a slender Gothic spire.
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