The historic centre of Modena
Unesco world heritage site
Piazza Grande and the cathedral of Modena
Modena, in the heart of Emilia, is a city in which history, art and religion have always played an important role and even today you can still appreciate the churches, buildings and places that are rich in symbolism and allure. Piazza Grande or Piazza Duomo are must-sees, the beating heart of the city of Modena and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997 together with the Cathedral, Ghirlandina tower and the Palazzo Comunale.
Take a tour of the city with the tips from RMH Modena Raffaello, a Hotel & Residence that is a reference point for the city.
Constructed in the 12th century, Piazza Grande is a historical site of political and religious importance: it is here we find the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta in Cielo, the Cathedral of Modena and the mother church of the archdiocese, a genuine masterpiece of Romanesque art. The Cathedral of Modena, built by the architect Lanfranco in 1099 on the site of the tomb of San Giminiano, is distinguished by its richly symbolic sculptural apparatus created by the Modenese sculptor Wiligelmo.
Take a tour of the city with the tips from RMH Modena Raffaello, a Hotel & Residence that is a reference point for the city.
Constructed in the 12th century, Piazza Grande is a historical site of political and religious importance: it is here we find the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta in Cielo, the Cathedral of Modena and the mother church of the archdiocese, a genuine masterpiece of Romanesque art. The Cathedral of Modena, built by the architect Lanfranco in 1099 on the site of the tomb of San Giminiano, is distinguished by its richly symbolic sculptural apparatus created by the Modenese sculptor Wiligelmo.
Modena’s Ghirlandina tower and the Estense gallery
The Ghirlandina Tower is the symbol of Modena and one of its most popular tourist spots.
From the tower's lantern you can enjoy a privileged view over the city’s red-tiled rooftops, a unique experience that gives you a chance to appreciate Modena's charm to the fullest from above.
Not far from the Cathedral we find the Palazzo Comunale, which is today the headquarters of the Modena City Council. Inside you can take in the frescoes housed in the historical rooms of the palazzo.
Modena is a city with a vast artistic and cultural heritage. If you happen to be in the city for just a few days, the Estense Gallery is definitely worth a visit. Established in 1854 by Francis V of Austria-Este, this is a museum complex in which numerous collections of decorative art, sculptures, musical instruments and objets d'art are on display. Some of the most famous and enchanting works housed in the Estense Gallery include: A portrait of Francis I d'Este, the Triptych of El Greco, the marble bust of Francis I d'Este by Bernini and the Crucifixion of Guido Reni.
From the tower's lantern you can enjoy a privileged view over the city’s red-tiled rooftops, a unique experience that gives you a chance to appreciate Modena's charm to the fullest from above.
Not far from the Cathedral we find the Palazzo Comunale, which is today the headquarters of the Modena City Council. Inside you can take in the frescoes housed in the historical rooms of the palazzo.
Modena is a city with a vast artistic and cultural heritage. If you happen to be in the city for just a few days, the Estense Gallery is definitely worth a visit. Established in 1854 by Francis V of Austria-Este, this is a museum complex in which numerous collections of decorative art, sculptures, musical instruments and objets d'art are on display. Some of the most famous and enchanting works housed in the Estense Gallery include: A portrait of Francis I d'Este, the Triptych of El Greco, the marble bust of Francis I d'Este by Bernini and the Crucifixion of Guido Reni.
The musical heart of Modena
Pavarotti and theatres
Modena is the capital of “Italian-originated bel canto” and the city is also famous for being the birthplace of Luciano Pavarotti. In fact, Modena holds the “Luciano Pavarotti Home Museum”: the home in which the Modenese tenor lived during the last few years of his life and where numerous objects belonging to Maestro Pavarotti can be found, such as awards, prizes, letters and signed mementos from dear friends (Frank Sinatra, Bono and Princess Diana).
A deep-rooted tradition, a special relationship, and a lasting coupling between Modena and music. Today the opera tradition is carried on through the rich programming of the “Pavarotti - Freni” Municipal Theatre. Not just opera and classical music, Modena is also the city of pop artists, such as Equipe84, Caterina Caselli, Nomadi, Vasco Rossi, Francesco Guccini, the Modena City Ramblers and Nek.
A deep-rooted tradition, a special relationship, and a lasting coupling between Modena and music. Today the opera tradition is carried on through the rich programming of the “Pavarotti - Freni” Municipal Theatre. Not just opera and classical music, Modena is also the city of pop artists, such as Equipe84, Caterina Caselli, Nomadi, Vasco Rossi, Francesco Guccini, the Modena City Ramblers and Nek.
