MODENA WALKING TOUR

Modena is a rich city with strong tourist growth that knows how to maintain the simple aspect of the small province that it is. Many centuries of history  combining the splendor of the Roman period, the charm of the medieval times up to the baroque elegance when it was the capital of the Estense duchy . Walking through the historic center we will discover something unique, the Romanesque style of the Po Valley, created in the forms of the Duomo, the Ghirlandina and Piazza Grande recognized as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.

We will start our tour by visiting the rooms of the Palazzo Comunale which overlooks Piazza Grande. Here we will discover the most important historical moments for the city told through the prestigious frescoes.

I will also tell you the story of the famous bucket kidnapped to the city of Bologna during the battle of Zappolino in 1325.

Crossing Piazza Grande , we will reach the Duomo and, alongside, we will see the bell tower of the Ghirlandina , extraordinary works started by Wiligelmo and Lanfranco, two of the greatest exponents of Romanesque in Europe, and finished with Gothic lines at the beginning of the fourteenth century by the Masters Campionesi. Here are also preserved the precious remains of San Geminiano, patron of the city.

Along a small urban stretch of the ancient Via Emilia, we will arrive at the Doge's Palace . The palace was built on the remains of a medieval fortress by the Estense family as soon as Modena became the new capital of the duchy at the beginning of the 17th century; today seat of the Military Academy for Official Students.

Passing through the Jewish ghetto established by Francesco I d'Este in 1638 we will talk about the history of the Modenese Jewish community still active today in the synagogue, a monumental nineteenth-century building.

We will end our half-day tour in the characteristic Albinelli covered market , inaugurated in 1931, where we will talk about the typical products of the area, known all over the world, including Lambrusco wine, traditional balsamic vinegar of Modena and Parmesan cheese.

If you want, we can stop for a lunch break right at the market.

 

The tour above refers to a half day in the center of Modena, if you want to extend the experience to a full day I could suggest some very interesting places outside the city, to be reached by means of transport. An extension could be for example at the House Museum of the famous Tenor Luciano Pavarotti, and discover some more curiosities about his life; or we could reach Maranello to visit the Ferrari Museum or a vinegar factory that produces Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena.

If you are looking for an idea for your private tour in Emilia Romagna or around Bologna, do not hesitate to contact me for information, suggestions and ideas for your tour!