Reasons why you should visit Modena
After a soul satisfying tour of Mantua, we continued our road trip and our next halt was at Modena. This was one of the highly debated destination – to include or not – in our itinerary. But after I read up on this magical medieval town I was sure I have to visit Modena.
Italy has 48 + 5 (culture + nature) UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the highest that any country has in the world. Cathedral of Modena is one of them. Besides Cathedral, other reasons to visit are mentioned below. Read on.
Facade Duomo di Modena
Reasons why you should visit Modena
- One of the reasons why we chose to halt at Modena is it is a very small town and you can make a quick tour.
- The primary reason of course was the fact that Cathedral of Modena along with Torre Civica and Piazza Grande is included in UNESCO World Heritage site list since 1997.
- Belfry behind cathedral of Modena is said to be tilted a bit.
- If you admire medieval architecture then Modena is definitely a must visit among the various other cities of Italy.
Stones seemed twisted like ropes – medieval architecture
- Modena is also is known for its automotive industry. The factories of the famous Italian sports car makers Ferrari, De Tomaso, Pagani and Maserati are located here.
- While Modena is famous for traditional balsamic vinegar, other food souvenirs you can pick up from Modena are: cheese and ham.
- Modena is also known for its Military academy housed in Ducal Palace.
- We indulged in tulip photography in the gardens of Ducal Palace.
- Since the town still has plenty of medieval structures, a walking tour for street photography is enjoyable.
- If you have time enough, Museums of Modena are worth visiting. Some are: Museo Enzo Ferrari, Museum of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar, Panini Motor Museum
The two lions near the entrance to the cathedral date back to the Roman Age. It is believed these statues were discovered while the foundations of the cathedral were being laid.
Cathedral of Modena
The cathedral has a pleasant rose color, the lightest shade of rose.
A 12th century architectural wonder, dedicated to city’s patron saint, St. Geminianus, this cathedral of Modena was consecrated in 1184.
The cathedral has 3 naves. A marble parapet between the crypt and the central nave displays the Passion of the Christ and the Last Supper. Wooden crucifix in the pulpit dates back to the 14th century.
Duomo di Modena Interior
Sculpted work in the exteriors and interiors tell stories of medieval times. The details are impressive and attention arresting.
The facade has the autograph of Wiligelmo and Lanfranco, the sculptors of the cathedral. Who doesn’t like to be famous and well known!
The marble lions supporting the porticoes reminded me of the ones I have seen in the temples of India.
Lions at entrance – Cathedral Modena Reasons to Visit
Portraits of prophets and Biblical stories, created by Wiligelmus.
Torre della Ghirlandina or simply Ghirlandina
The belfry behind cathedral of Modena is believed to be tilted at an angle.
It was covered for renovation work and we couldn’t note this interesting aspect of the belfry. May be you can notice this feature during your visit there in future.
This is the bell tower of the Cathedral of Modena. 90m high, it is the symbol of the city. The tower is called Ghirlandina (little garland) because of the double railings that are at the base crown, the cusp and the spire.
Yet another reason why it is named so is that it was called Giraldina (from Giralda of Seville) by Spanish Jews that had reached Modena in 16th century.
Construction of this belfry began along with cathedral. The 5 floors of the buildings, which have a square section, were completed in 1179. The round part contains the relics of the patron saint.
Facade of Cathedral of Modena Italy
Piazza Grande of Modena
First mention of Piazza Grande is in the first half of 13th century. Some other documents mention that it existed in second half of 12th century. It is indicated in the opening of the grandiose Royal Door that began in 1175.
On the east side of the piazza you will find the Town Hall. This was built on the existing buildings at the end of 16th century. The Town Hall was embellished with clock tower in 17th century. It still ticks!
At the southern edge you will find 13th century sculpture of Bonissima. It represents the allegory of Buona Estima – the office that regulated trade.
Newest among all these buildings is the building of Cassa di Risparmio bank (1960s). The only modern note in the piazza.
Piazza Grande in Modena
Town Hall with Clock Tower
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(This post was first published on September 20th 2010.)
The cathedral is captivating.
Really beautiful sequence of pictures about The Cathedral of Modena. Thanks for sharing!
I love the flower medallion window on the front of the church.
Italy has always had really very beautiful buildings! The were always the first to introduce a new style.Have a great Friday!
Great pictures! Looks like you are on an art tour 🙂
Happy Travels!
Beautiful. Lovely composition of the Second picture
very fantastic building
nice post as well
hey , nice blog , like it ,
won't be nice if i u can clickover to my blog page too ,
& post some suggestion
Such a beautiful place and captures!
Regards.
Nice pictures.
Please see my blog
http://heightsofpassion.blogspot.com/
Regards
Santhosh
Medieval churches are awe inspiring always. The coloumns that look like knotted ropes and those resting on lion's backs are great artistic ideas.
Bella!
Aloha from Honolulu
Comfort Spiral
Thanks for sharing this beautiful building with us. I like the color of the cathedral stone. The sculptures are exquisite.
Beautiful architecture. So well maintained too.
That is a beautiful, delicate colour! And what a gorgeous portico!
i love the color of the marble! this cathedral must glow at sunset. marvelous photos and thanks again, for taking us to Italy.
Beautiful shots of the cathedral. The carvings are amazing.
impressive!
I love the second photo. Lovely color
Kay
Alberta, Canada
I've heard/seen Italy is filled with beautiful architecture… Lovely Pictures!!
Interesting to see those little patches of color on the tower next to the cathedral[1st pic]
What a gorgeous piece of architecture! So beautiful.
Great pics! Love the arch shot.
-milepebbles
These are gorgeous. Thanks for sharing the wealth of your experience!
That's a beautiful cathedral. You got some great shots of it.
Beautiful buildings and those designs are very lovely. Glad that these buildings are preserved.
BEautiful old Cathedrals alwasy such a prescence about them.
Indrani, your photos of the cathedral are beautiful. Amazing details. Thanks for sharing your world.
what a unique blush color for a church. so pleasant to look at. didn't know italy has the most unesco heritage sites – i'm not the least bit surprised.
Amazing photo with very informative description rich in details
Amazing photo with very informative description rich in details
Amazing photo with very informative description rich in details
Superb captures as always, Indrani! And another fantastic cathedral! Love the pink color! And thanks as always for the interesting history. Hope you have a great week!
Sylvia
These medieval churches are wonders. The intricacies of the construction in an age where there was no power tools are just astouding. «Louis» continues to be amazed that modern builders, with abundant power tools of every description, cannot create buildings as beautiful as these (literally) hand-tooled buildings of the middle age.
Very nice pictures….I like this.
greetings, Joop