What to see in Modena in 2 days: between the UNESCO Cathedral, secret balsamic cellars and motors

Modena in 2 days: art, flavours and speed in the heart of Emilia

Modena is a city to be savoured like its balsamic vinegar: slowly, layer after layer. Behind the discreet facade of an average Emilian city lie an extraordinary UNESCO heritage, an unparalleled gastronomic tradition and a motor culture that gave the world Ferrari, Maserati and Pagani.

Day 1: The UNESCO historic centre

Morning

Start from Piazza Grande, heart of the city and UNESCO World Heritage Site together with the Duomo and Ghirlandina. The Romanesque Cathedral by Wiligelmo (12th century) is a masterpiece of medieval sculpture: the facade bas-reliefs narrating Genesis are uniquely vivid. Enter to admire the rood screen with the Last Supper and the crypt with the tomb of San Geminiano.

The Ghirlandina Tower, 86 metres of elegance in white marble, can be climbed: the view over Modena and the plain to the Apennines rewards the effort of the steps.

Afternoon

Visit the Palazzo dei Musei, a complex housing the Galleria Estense (with works by Velázquez, El Greco, Correggio and the celebrated Bible of Borso d'Este, a Renaissance miniature masterpiece) and the Biblioteca Estense.

Hidden gem: the Mercato Albinelli, steps from Piazza Grande, is Modena's belly. Under Liberty vaults you'll find stalls of aged Parmigiano Reggiano, freshly sliced mortadella, hot tigelle and draught Lambrusco. Lunching here is a ritual.

Then stroll through the Jewish quarter (Via Blasia, Via Coltellini): narrow streets with ancient doorways and a contemplative atmosphere.

Evening

Dine at a trattoria in the centre trying tortellini in brodo (the sacred dish), zampone with lentils or borlenghi. Lambrusco di Sorbara, fresh and sparkling, accompanies everything.

Day 2: Balsamic cellars, motors and surroundings

Morning

Book a visit to a traditional acetaia. Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena DOP has nothing to do with supermarket versions: it ages a minimum of 12 years (up to 25 and beyond) in batteries of barrels of different woods. Acetaia di Giorgio, Acetaia Giusti (the oldest, since 1605) or Acetaia Leonardi offer guided tastings. It is a profound sensory experience.

Afternoon

For motor enthusiasts, the Museo Enzo Ferrari (in Modena, architecture by Jan Kaplicky) tells the story of the founder and the legend. The Ferrari Museum at Maranello (15 minutes) completes the experience with racing cars and an F1 simulator.

Hidden gem: the Ducal Park, former garden of the Este dukes, is a quiet green oasis. The Military Academy in the Ducal Palace (open weekends) amazes with its magnificent interiors.

As an alternative to motors, reach Nonantola (15 km): the eighth-century Romanesque abbey, with its carved portal by Wiligelmo and crypt, is a virtually unknown jewel.

Evening

For your last evening, head to Castelvetro di Modena (20 minutes), a hilltop village: medieval square, endless Lambrusco Grasparossa vineyards and unforgettable Emilian sunsets.

Recommended walking routes

• UNESCO centre: Piazza Grande → Cathedral → Ghirlandina → Via Emilia → Palazzo dei Musei → Mercato Albinelli (1.5 km, 3 hours with visits)
• Ducal walk: Corso Canalgrande → Ducal Palace → Ducal Park → Chiesa del Voto (2 km)
• Working-class Modena: Mercato Albinelli → Jewish quarter → Via Gallucci → Piazza Roma (1 km)

Practical tips

• Acetaie require booking: plan at least a week ahead
• Monday museums are closed; Mercato Albinelli is open every morning except Sunday
• The Modena Card includes municipal museums and acetaia discounts

Further reading

For your stay, see where to stay in Modena, where to eat in Modena and how to get to Modena.