Modena is a historic city whose cathedral and the square surrounding it are included in the UNESCO list. In the past, it was one of the seats of the aristocratic d'Este family, thanks to which the city gained many valuable buildings. It is now also known as the birthplace of Enzo Ferrari and Luciano Pavarotti.
Although the origins of the city date back to Etruscan times, there are relatively few monuments from the ancient era. The most important discoveries from this period found their place in two museums located in the Palace of Museums, the Roman Lapidarium and the Ethnological Archaeological Museum.
In the early Middle Ages, Modena was owned by bishops, and in 1288 it passed into the hands of the d'Este family, where it remained until 1860. It was thanks to them that the city gained splendor and many magnificent buildings were erected here, such as the Baroque Ducal Palace, which today houses numerous museums, The Doge's Palace, where the Military Academy operates, and numerous churches such as the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, Church of St. Joseph, Church of San Giorgio, Church of San Domenico, Church of St. Augustine and many others.
The most valuable monument in the city is the Romanesque Cathedral of Modena, built of white marble, with a magnificent bell tower towering over it. There is a crypt with the tomb of St. Gemianina, patron saint of the city, and medieval mosaics. The Cathedral Museum - the Lapidaria Museum operates at the temple. An interesting monument of Modena is also the Ghirlandina Tower, from which you can admire the panorama of the city.
Despite its many famous monuments, Modena's biggest attraction today is the Enzo Ferrari Museum in his former family home. Behind the house is a huge hall where you can admire vintage and contemporary Ferrari cars.
Modena also offers tourists the opportunity to visit other interesting and unusual museums. There is, for example, the Vinegar Museum, referring to the tradition of producing wine vinegar in the area, and the Museum of Collector's Cards. The Luciano Pavarotti House-Museum is very popular. There is also the Astronomical and Geophysical Museum, the Museum of Zoology and Comparative Anatomy, the Stanguellini Museum on automotive history, and the Hombre Museum showcasing Hombre's cheese-making traditions.
