Modena, Historic city in Emilia-Romagna, Italy
Modena is a city in the province of Modena in Emilia-Romagna, northern Italy, lying between two rivers and threaded with streets that follow the old fortification belt. The streets open onto wide squares where churches, palaces and public buildings rise in brick and pale stone.
Roman founders established a colony here in the 2nd century BCE, which later became the capital of a noble family who moved from another city. The family ruled for several centuries and left art collections and buildings that remain visible today.
The cathedral carries the name of the city patron Saint Geminianus, whose relics rest in the crypt below. Visitors often notice the lively scenes from biblical stories carved into the stone reliefs on the facade.
A visit to the center works well on foot, as most sights lie close together. Parking areas sit outside the old walls, from where you can reach the center quickly.
The city houses the tombs of several members of the family who ruled here for centuries. Their sarcophagi stand in a chapel that visitors can enter during certain opening hours.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
