What to See and Do in Modena in One Day

18/01/2023 Indrani Ghose

Who would have thought that Modena Italy, a city with history dating back to 180 BC would become world famous for its automobile industry in the 20^th century! Are you planning to spend a day in Modena and looking for best things to do? Clueless what you will get to see in Modena tourist attractions? I was, when I planned to visit Modena. I have this 1 day Modena itinerary that will help you plan well before visiting Modena.

Brief history of Modena Italy – Just to give an idea of the timeline let me tell you how it all started. History notes state that Modena was first mentioned in 2^nd BC. Modena was Mutina of the Boii, a Celtic people. It was subdued by the Romans in 218 BC and was founded as a Roman colony in 183 BC. The city was the capital of the Dutchy of Modena until 1868 and ruled by the Estensi family.

Italy Modena in One Day

Is Modena worth visiting?

Before I set foot in Modena I wondered how the city accommodates the contrast of static heritage buildings and fast moving modern vehicles. On the culinary front too, Modena has produced some amazing dishes that have attracted foodies from around the world.

In short, Modena is famous
for its monuments that have earned it a place in UNESCO Heritage sites,
for its automobile industry, for its traditional food,
for its museums that has treasured Modena’s glorious past and
last but not the least for the traditions of Opera.

With such a varied mix of tourist attractions in Modena it would be unfair to give it a miss. Modena figured in my itinerary of a road trip through Italy.

How to Reach Modena in Italy

Before I get you organized on what to see in Modena, let me help you chalk out your path to Modena.

Where is Modena in Italy – Modena, the city, is located on the south side of the Po Valley, in the Province of Modena in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy. The city flourished since ancient times in the region between the Secchia and Panaro rivers, northwest of Bologna.

By road: We had hired a car in Venice, so the road trip suited us the best. We drove from Milan to Modena, a distance of 178 km via A1. It took us around two hours.
Distance from Bologna to Modena is 48 km, and takes 50 min. Modena makes a wonderful destination as a day trip from Bologna.
Distance from Verona to Modena is 105 km, takes 1 hr 39 min.

Modena road trip

By train: The Modena train station is in Piazza Dante Alighieri and serves the Milan-Bologna line. It is well connected to other cities of Italy.

By air: The closest airport is Bologna Guglielmo Marconi (BLQ). You can hire a taxi, bus or take a train to Modena from here.

Best Things to Do in Modena Italy

If you are unsure what to do in Modena, I will say – start with the UNESCO sites of Modena. Modena’s World Heritage Site includes the Ghirlandina Tower, Piazza Grande, and Modena’s Cathedral. Being a diehard fan of UNESCO sites I had these places to visit in Modena first in my list.

Modena’s Cathedral

Modena went through a long period of famine and degradation. When it was restored, as a mark of gratitude the Cathedral was constructed. Designed by the architect Lanfranco, the cathedral was begun in 9^th June 1099, on the foundations of an early Christian basilica. The cathedral is the home of the mortal remains of Saint Geminiano, the patron saint of Modena (4th century). Even today the cathedral is studied as a supreme example of early Romanesque art.

Noteworthy sights inside Cathedral of Modena: the nativity scenes by two great Modenese artist Antonio Begarelli and Guido Mazzoni. Modena’s Cathedral tops the list of free things to do in Modena Italy.

Modena Cathedral’s Tickets and timings:
Tickets – Admission to the cathedral is free.
Timings – Daily 8 AM to 7 PM

Ghirlandina Tower Modena

At 86.14 m tall, the Torre della Ghirlandina or simply Ghirlandina is the bell tower of the Cathedral of Modena, in Emilia-Romagna, Italy. Symbol of Modena, it is located next to the apse of the Cathedral. The spire is impressive, the interior fascinating. The ringing of its bells marked the time; it played an important civic function from the time of its origins. Since 1997 it’s been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Audio guides are available in Italian, English, French, German and Spanish.

Timings: Weekdays – 9.30 AM to 1 PM, 2.30 PM to 5.30 PM. Weekends – 9.30 AM to 6.30 PM
Tickets: 3 EUR

Piazza Grande

Modena’s Piazza Grande is a huge square with a beautiful cathedral around which the public life of this Emilian city has revolved for centuries. Also known as the Piazza del Duomo (‘Cathedral Square’), it was founded in the 12th century. Historic monuments with medieval architecture, beautiful murals on some of the walls all around; it is an interesting place to walk. The square is surrounded by several restaurants and shops. The kind of place where you go to soak in the atmosphere, the culture, and to just have fun and enjoy! This is also a free sight in Modena.

One Day in Modena Itinerary

Visit Modena Cathedral – 1.5 hours
Ghirlandina Tower Modena – 1.5 hours
Café stop and stroll around Piazza Grande – 1 hour
(if you complete the above three activities ahead of time, you can squeeze in a visit to a castle in the travel plan)
Balsamic Vinegar Museum – 2 hours
Lunch – 1 hour
Any one automobile museum – 2 hours.

Museums of Modena

There are many museums in Modena exhibiting a variety of interesting themes and objects. It is a matter of personal choice which one of these museums in Modena Italy you would want to visit. If you are planning just a one day trip to Modena from Milan, you can surely fit in a couple of these.

The Ferrari Museums in Modena and Maranello are among the best car museums in Italy. Maranello is 16.9 km south of Modena.

Enzo Ferrari Museum – Museo Casa Enzo Ferrari is a museum in Modena focused on the life and work of Enzo Ferrari, the founder of the Ferrari sports car marque. Book a seat on the tour to visit the Ferrari factory through the Ferrari Museum site.

You can drive a Ferrari at the Ferrari Museum if you have a driver’s license. Be prepared for the costs though. Ticket costs for driving experiences start at €350 and for the “Ferrari Red Experience” it is €650 at Autodromo di Modena.

Cars of Modena

Galleria Estense – The Galleria Estense is an art gallery in the heart of Modena, centered around the collection of the d’Este family: rulers of Modena, Ferrara and Reggio from 1289 to 1796.

Museo della Figurina – The Museo della figurina is a museum dedicated to collectible cards. Opened on December 15, 2006, it is located inside Palazzo Santa Margherita, in Modena, Italy.

Palazzo dei Musei – The Palazzo dei Musei, built in the mid-18th century has the Estensi Gallery on the first floor. There are paintings, drawings, medals, an impressively sculpted bust of Francis I by Bernini, the portrait of the Duke of Velasquez, the triptych of El Greco, and more.

Timings: Tuesday to Saturday from 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM and on Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM Tickets: €5.00

Civic Gallery of Modena – The Palazzo Santa Margherita is a Neoclassical-style palace located on Corso Canalgrande #103 in the central Modena region. A convent had been present at the site, dedicated to Santa Margherita of Cortona. It is on the floor beneath the Este Gallery. Entry to this museum is free. So, add this to the list of free things to do in Modena.

Galleria Civica Modena Italy

Musei dei Duomo – The museum exhibits an important artistic-liturgical apparatus dating from the Romanesque period to the 19th century. It focuses on religious artefacts belonging to San Geminianus, the patron saint of Modena, including his portable altar dating to 1106.

Museo Lapidario – This museum displays captivating stonework by famed 12th-century sculptor Wiligelmo, as well as eight monstrous metopes by an unidentified sculptor who probably worked in Wiligelmo’s workshop, which graced the duomo’s rooftop until 1948. Located in an alley along the left side of the cathedral

Museo Lapidario Timings: 9.30 AM – 2.30 PM and 3.30 to 6.30 PM Tue to Sun Apr-Sep,
9.30am-12.30pm & 3-6pm Tue-Sun Oct-Mar
Tickets: Adult – €4, Child €3

Balsamic Vinegar Museum – This museum is dedicated to one of Modena’s prime products – Balsamic Vinegar. Here you can learn how the delicious flavour is obtained through a long and laborious process. An introductory video shows how the grapes are crushed, cooked in copper kettles and then aged in a series of barrels of different woods and sizes until the final nectar is achieved. Displays of the equipment, bottles and labels for each grade of balsamic vinegar are explained.

The Museo del Balsamico Tradizionale is located about 17 km from Modena along the Via Modenese. For balsamic vinegar tasting experience, you have to reserve for that in advance of your visit.

Timings of Balsamic Vinegar Museum: 9.30 AM to 7 PM. Closed from 1 PM to 3 PM for lunch. Closed on Mondays.

Castles in Modena Italy

How about adding historic castles to this Modena day trip itinerary! Modena has castles belonging to the medieval era which can interest history buffs and architecture lovers. Here are a couple of castles that you can choose to include while you are visiting Modena.

Calcagnini Fortress Formigine – The ravishing Rocca Calcagnini Fortress has been the stage for several attacks including one murderous bombing during World War II in which the entire resident Calcagnini family was lost. After the damaged fortress was taken over by the town government in 1946, it was rebuilt and transformed for use as the city hall. The castle hosts music and theater events.

Today the castle is put to several uses. It has municipal offices, city council chambers, and wedding reception halls. The innovative multimedia displays in the Multimedia Museum of Archaeology tell the story of the fortress and of the Calcagnini nobility. There is a restaurant and a wine cellar inside the castle.

Located 11.3 km southwest of Modena.
Timings – Sundays 10 AM to 1 PM.
Tickets – 4 EUR

Calcagnini Fortress Formigine Modena Italy

Palazzo Pio in Carpi – The palace with impressive fortifications, towers, courtyards was constructed between the 14^th and 17th centuries. Palazzo Pio was the residence of the Pio family. The fortress was remodelled into a stunning Renaissance palace with rooms decorated with frescoes by court painters. Today it houses the Palazzo Pio Museum, the Municipal Museum and the Museum of the Deported.

Timings: Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to 1 PM and from 3 PM to 7 PM. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 AM to 1 PM
Location: 19.1 km north of Modena.

Spezzano Castle – This castle dates back to the Middle Ages. The castle was transformed into a noble family residence by the Pios of Savoia in 1529.

Vignola Fortress – The abbot of Nonantola built the Vignola Fortress in 8^th century to defend the abbey’s lands. In 1401 it was ceded by the Este family of Ferrara to Uguccione Contrari who took the initiative of remodelling it into a sumptuous noble home. The residence had frescoes and precious objects d’art. More info –> Vignola Fortress

The Ducal Palace of Modena is today a part of the Italian Military Academy. Between 1452 and 1859 this Baroque palace was the residence of the Este Dukes of Modena. Since it is a part of the Italian Military it can be visited only with a guided tour upon reservation. Be aware that the guided tour is available in Italian only. You can do this at the Tourist Information and Reception Office (IAT) at Piazza Grande 14. I really enjoyed clicking the tulips in the garden of Ducal Palace.

What to eat in Modena

With all this walking around this medieval gem of Italy, Modena, it would do well to satiate your hunger pangs. Try out the local food of Modena.

Check out any food guide of Italy and you will find in bold – The three traditional food of Modena worth trying are: parmigiano reggiano cheese, traditional balsamic vinegar, and prosciutto ham. We don’t consume ham and my kids whose taste buds weren’t keen to experiment found comfort in other traditional food of Italy like the Pizza, Pasta, Risotto, Lasagna, Focaccia and of course lots of Italian cheese.

Places to Stay in Modena

Are you planning a two day itinerary in Modena? You can check these hotels in Modena Italy.

Vittorio Veneto 25 – Laid-back hotel in an early 20th-century villa offering understated quarters & free parking, with 4.6 Google rating

B&B Hotel Modena – Casual budget hotel offering breakfast & parking, plus compact rooms with Wi-Fi, with 4.3 Google rating

Hostel Modena San Filippo Neri – Basic dorms & private rooms in a relaxed hostel with a communal kitchen, a bar & a courtyard, with 3.9 Google rating

Where to buy Food Souvenirs in Modena

After having tasted the culinary delights of Modena, the next logical step would be to get back some food souvenirs for your near and dear ones back home.

The Albinelli market is the oldest covered market of Modena and is considered to be among the most beautiful in Italy. Albinelli market has preserved the tradition and heritage of the ancient market since the Middle Ages. It is one place that has spiced up the streets and squares of Modena.

Albinelli market Timings: Monday to Friday from 6:30 AM to 2:30 PM. Saturday 6:30 AM to 2:30 PM and from 2:30 PM to 7:00 PM. You can plan to reach here at lunchtime; when many vendors have tables dedicated to serve lunch. On Fridays and Saturdays, the Albinelli market is also open for dinner.

Antica Pasticceria San Bia – Visit Modena’s oldest pasticceria, a shop selling local pastries and cakes – Antica Pasticceria San Bia. The shop opened towards the latter part of the 19th century. Family run, this pasticceria is a popular destination for locals. When something is appreciated by locals you know it is a must visit for tourists too!

Balsamic Vinegar

Sample 2-day itinerary in Modena

Stroll to Piazza XX Settembre striking for the colorful facades of the houses that surround it. The Piazza has Palazzo Tagliazucchi on its longest side. Worth stopping for a while to see this 16th century building, which is the seat of a bank today.
Visit the Albinelli Historical Market in this Piazza, a beautiful covered market. Shop for fresh and genuine quality products, and also for traditional Modenese cuisine.
Walk the Via Emilia, the shopping street; also indulge in some cool street photography in Modena. It is the most popular street in the historic centre and cuts the city from east to west, from Piazza Sant’Agostino to Largo Garibaldi.
Include a visit to a museum and a castle to this second day itinerary.

What language is spoken in Modena Italy?

Modenese is spoken in the centre of the Province of Modena, although Bolognese is more widespread in the Castelfranco area.

Is one day enough for Italy Modena?

Frankly speaking, the major UNESCO sites are clustered together, so they can be done in a matter of hours. It is the museums and castles that are spread across and around Modena. If you really want to explore the automobile factories and soak in the castle ambiance, then a night in Modena and 2 days itinerary for Modena is advisable.

Planning Italy Trip?

Check these city guides of Italy – Things to Do in Turin, Tourist Attractions in Verona

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Indrani Ghose is an Indian Travel Writer and Blogger based in Bangalore, India. She has written for numerous publications across the globe – including Lonely Planet, The National UAE, Whetstone Asia, Deccan Herald. You can follow her on her social media handles Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook to see the wonderful destinations, beautiful offbeat places and get instant updates about them.