In this blogpost we are visiting Modena in Italy, located in the central parts of Italy, only 40 km from Bologna.
The easiest way to get to Modena is by flying into Bologna Airport. An airport that is well connected with the rest of Europe. All the major European airlines fly here.
Modena is a charming city in Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region and known for its rich history, great food, and automotive heritage. Home to legendary car brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Pagani, it is a paradise for car lovers. The city is home to the UNESCO-listed Modena Cathedral, a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture. Food lovers flock to Modena for its balsamic vinegar and Michelin-starred restaurants, including Osteria Francescana. With elegant piazzas, historic streets, and world-class museums, Modena offers a perfect blend of culture, innovation, and gastronomy.
1. Parmesan Guided Tour
You can’t miss to try the excellent cheese called Parmigiano Reggiano. We visited the bio-organic farm Bio Reggiano. A 1 hour tour took us through the whole process – from milk to matured cheese. Afterwards we got to try a 12, 24 and 60 months old parmesan cheese. Quite the difference between them. Our guide was very knowledgeable and friendly, answering all our questions. This is a great thing to do if you are in and around Modena.
2. Eat Traditional Pasta
When you are in Modena, you have to try the traditional pasta dishes like Tagliatelle al Ragu, Tortellini in chicken broth and gnocco fritto. Go to an Osteria or Trattoria for an authentic experience. We visited Trattoria Tagliatella and Trattoria Aldina. They were both very good. At Trattoria Aldina payment is cash only so keep that in mind. Prices are very reasonable and a pasta dish is around 10-13 euro and a glass of wine 2.50 – 4.00 euros.
3. Modena Cathedral
In Italian the Modena Cathedral is called Duomo di Modena and it’s a stunning Romanesque masterpiece built in the 12th century. It showcases intricate sculptures and architectural brilliance by Lanfranco and Wiligelmo.
The cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring a magnificent rose window and the iconic Ghirlandina Tower, standing at 86 meters. Inside, its vaulted ceilings and intricate artwork highlight its historical and religious significance. A symbol of Modena’s heritage, it remains a popular cultural and architectural landmark.
4. Mercato Albinelli
Mercato Albinelli, in the heart of Modena, has been a hub of local life since 1931. With its elegant iron and glass structure, it blends history with daily bustle. Stalls overflow with fresh produce, handmade pasta, Parmigiano Reggiano, and traditional balsamic vinegar. Vendors call out their specials, and the air is filled with rich aromas. Whether grabbing a quick bite or shopping for the finest ingredients, this market offers a true taste of Modena’s culinary heritage.
5. Car Museums
The area around Modena is called “The Motor Valley” due to its very high density of italian sports car makers. Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati and Pagani, just to name a few. We visited the car museums of Ferrari, Lamborghini and Pagani. My favourite was Pagani as it felt like the most geniune and friendly. All hand built in the Atelier, which you can visit for the price of 60 euros.
You can’t miss to get a good look at rare Ferrari cars like the F50 and the Ferarri GTO at the Ferrari Museum in Maranello outside Modena. So visit them all if you have the chance. The museums are all located within 30 minutes of each other.
That’s all from Modena, I hope you got some inspiration and enjoyed this blogpost!
See our YouTube video from Modena here:
