{"id":2443,"date":"2019-08-31T11:06:54","date_gmt":"2019-08-31T11:06:54","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.mymodenadiary.it\/?p=2443"},"modified":"2019-08-31T17:03:43","modified_gmt":"2019-08-31T17:03:43","slug":"what-to-see-in-modena-in-a-day","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mymodenadiary.it\/en\/what-to-see-in-modena-in-a-day\/","title":{"rendered":"What to see in Modena in a day: the centre, the museums, where to eat and other local tips"},"content":{"rendered":"

Every time\u00a0I visit a new city I always start from its centre. <\/strong><\/em>If you have\u00a0limits of time, you have to choose from where to begin and I think that starting from the “heart” of the urban realities is always a good idea. It’s the best way to keep in touch with\u00a0their spirit.<\/strong>
\nPeople who don’t know my city probably will ask themselves:\u00a0“what to see in Modena in a day?”
\n<\/strong><\/span>Therefore, if you decide to come to Modena for a day, I suggest you to focus on the historical centre:<\/strong> savoring its atmosphere and enjoying the authenticity of the\u00a0everyday life.<\/p>\n

This article collects some good ideas to organize your perfect tour around the centre of Modena. In this post, then, you will find links to deepen the different subjects. My goal is to update regularly this mini-guide\u00a0<\/strong>with all the possible suggestions that come to my mind in order to make your visit become special.<\/span><\/p>\n

What to see in Modena:\u00a0a walk around the city centre<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Cosa<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Walking along the\u00a0streets of the centre is one of my favorite pastimes in all the seasons of the year. During the summer is obviously more pleasant but I like doing that also in winter. Perhaps not everybody knowns that Modena has many porticos, beautiful pastel colored,<\/strong>\u00a0that protect you from the sun in the warmer seasons and from the rain during the colder ones. Start your morning, then, with a walk, but first… we need a good breakfast!<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Cosa<\/a><\/p>\n

A rich and energetic breakfast is always a good advice to follow… better if it’s an authentic “Modenese” breakfast<\/strong> \ud83d\ude09 I anticipate you that this experience is not for everyone: if you like keep yourself light it will not definitely be your first choice! But for the lovers of “strong” experiences, starting the day with a piece of “gnocco fritto”<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0<\/strong>dipped in your cappuccino will be the best \ud83d\ude09 It’s Modena style!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The best place to try this is “Caff\u00e8 del Collegio”<\/strong>, <\/em>in via San Carlo 30<\/em> (y<\/strong>ou can find all the address that I suggest you in this article in the Modena’s map<\/a> at the end of \u00a0the post)<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

If you don’t know what Gnocco Fritto<\/a> <\/strong>is, you have to read this article where I explain you how to prepare it.<\/p>\n

READ ALSO: \"Gnocco fritto: a great passion! What it is and how you can prepare it!<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n

The Modenese breakfast is not\u00a0an obligation is just a curiosity \ud83d\ude09
\nThen, there are other nice places where to have your breakfast! Here I suggest you 3 that I like: “Latteria 21″,<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0in via Sant’Eufemia 78<\/em> (pastries are great and the atmosphere is nice), “Pasticceria Remondini”,<\/strong><\/em> in Largo San Giorgio,<\/em> a great classic (the view of Piazza Roma<\/em> from the outside tables is fantastic) and “MenoMoka”<\/strong><\/em> in C.so Canalchiaro<\/em>, famous for its coffee blends and its characteristic walls full of designs of famous faces with some inspirational quotes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Satisfied your basic needs, it’s time to go and explore the city!<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

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What to see in Modena: the Cathedral, Ghirlandina and <\/strong>Piazza Grande, t<\/strong>he heart of the city<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Begin your tour from here, from the Cathedral<\/strong>,\u00a0Ghirlandina tower and\u00a0Piazza Grande, the main square.
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Declared by UNESCO in 1997 World Heritage Site,<\/strong> <\/em>after nearly 900 years from its foundation (which took place on 9th of June 1099), Modena Cathedral is a complex and truly unique architecture.<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Modena Cathedral,<\/strong> a splendid example of Romanesque art, was projected by the<\/strong> architect Lanfranco,<\/strong> who designed the structure, together with the famous sculptor Wiligelmo<\/strong> and other sculptures, that are the authors of the marble decorations that still surprise with their extraordinary beauty.
\n<\/span>Observe the beautiful details, both inside and outside the building: fantastic creatures, exotic animals and natural forms populate the capitals of columns, the doors and the perimeter of the entire church. If you want to know more about this incredible building I recommend you not only to visit it but also to read my post dedicated to\u00a0Modena Cathedral<\/a><\/strong> here in the blog.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

READ ALSO:\"Modena Cathedral: what strikes me of this unique architecture\"<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n
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Every time I walk in front of this beauty I continue to surprise myself despite it is just part of my DNA \ud83d\ude42<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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In order to better understand the context in which Modena Cathedral was built, but also to deepen its story, I recommend you\u00a0a visit also to the Cathedral Museums<\/a><\/strong>, whose entrance is on the right next to the cathedral, in via Lanfranco.<\/em><\/span>\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Next to the the Cathedral stands the Ghirlandina tower, the city's symbol<\/strong>. This tower represents for Modenese people a sort of \"lighthouse\", a reference point that accompanies us throughout our lives. Founded as the bell tower of the Cathedral, whose bells marked the rhythms of the city life, during the centuries it had\u00a0various functions: civil, religious and defensive.
\n<\/span>Like all the people of Modena, I am deeply in love with it. When I get the chance, I go on its the top: I love to see Modena\u00a0from here! <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Beautifully framed by Ghirlandina,<\/em> the Town Hall (Palazzo Ducale)<\/em> and the Cathedral, there is Piazza Grande (the main square), the real heart of the city since the times of the times<\/strong> when it was used as a market and when it was the meeting place for all the citizens.
\nIf you look on the side of the Town Hall, you can see the \"P<\/strong>ietra Ringadora\", a great stone\u00a0<\/i><\/strong>used for different purposes: such as stage for popular\u00a0speakers but also for death sentences.
\nIf you want to stop to enjoy\u00a0the square, sit on the steps of \"Porta Regia\", one of the doors of the Cathedral,<\/strong> in the company of its two lions: it will be a very special moment \ud83d\ude42<\/span><\/p>\n

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Then, continue your visit going inside\u00a0Palazzo Comunale<\/a>\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>to discover its beautiful historical rooms.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

READ ALSO: \"Visiting the beautiful rooms of Palazzo Comunale in Modena\"<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n
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If, by chance, it happened to you to be in the city in the fourth weekend of the month, you can see the square invaded by the colorful stalls of the beautiful\u00a0Modena's\u00a0vintage market<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0that crowd Piazza Grande during those days: an unmissable event for all vintage lovers, like me \ud83d\ude42<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

READ ALSO: \"Vintage in Piazza Grande\"<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n
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What to see in Modena: Piazza XX Settembre and Albinelli Market, two\u00a0<\/strong>obligatory stops of our tour<\/span><\/h2>\n

Once you have visited these places, go to Piazza XX Settembre<\/strong> and to the Historical Albinelli Market.<\/strong>
\nPiazza XX Settembre<\/em>, opened in the early '900, impresses for the colorful facades of the houses that surround it. It is dominated in its longest side from Tagliazucchi's Palace,<\/em> a brick building dating back to the sixteenth century, which now is the site of a bank. Animated by lovely bars and caf\u00e9 that during the summer season are full of life, it is a characteristic place where to stop for\u00a0few minutes of relax.<\/span><\/p>\n

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At number 29 it is located one of the entrances of the market, the \"bread gallery\". The main entrance is, however, on via Albinelli.<\/em>
\nThe Albinelli Market is absolutely one of the visits that you have to do if you come in town.<\/strong> It is one of my favorite places in Modena that I\u00a0usually visit on Saturday morning both to do some shopping and to enjoy the magic atmosphere that you can breathe here. This market is \"the place\" of the cultural and culinary tradition of Modena<\/strong>. Here I tell you more about the Albinelli Market.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

READ ALSO: \"A day at the Albinelli Market: the historical market of Modena\"<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n

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Where to eat in Modena <\/span><\/h2>\n

It is time for lunch! What do you like to eat?<\/strong>
\n<\/span>At the market you can have some gourmet shopping and sit to eat something.
\nOut of here, there are other different possibilities for your lunch.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you are planning your visit in the city during the spring or summer season, I suggest you to stop in Piazza XX Settembre<\/strong>\u00a0for a lunch in the open air sitting at one of the tables of the different cafes and pubs of the square.
\nIn the same area, I recommend you to try the delicious sandwiches of the small but famous Bar Schiavoni<\/strong><\/em>, in via Albinelli 13, or decide to go for a traditional Modenese lunch at \u00a0Trattoria Aldina<\/strong><\/em>, also in via Albinelli. These are two of the Historical Shops of Modena<\/a>.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

READ ALSO: \"The Historical Shops of Modena: a lovely tour between culture, values \u200b\u200band traditions\"<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n

Again, you can also have a brunch at\u00a0Caf\u00e9 Concerto,<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0the beautiful and prestigious restaurant that overlooks Piazza Grande.\u00a0<\/span>Having you lunch sitting at one of its tables viewing Ghirlandina<\/em> tower it will be great!<\/span><\/p>\n

If you are street food lovers, then, you can go to \"Or-Ma\",<\/strong>\u00a0in via Gallucci 25<\/em>, for eating a good crescentina or \"tigella\" <\/strong><\/em>[I told about that here: Modena Street food: the crescentina (tigella) by or-Ma<\/strong>]<\/a> or you can go to have your cup of tortellini at Tortellino Boutique<\/strong> [I discussed here: Modena Steer Food: the Tortellino Boutique<\/strong><\/a>].<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Alternatively, you can continue to walk along the streets of the center \u00a0just snooping here and there, until you will find a place that inspires you: there are so many places to recommend to try, it's \u00a0impossible to list all of them!<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, enjoy the many colors and glimpses that my beautiful city offers<\/strong>, listen to the voices of the people and if you are lucky you might even hear some people that speak in Modenese dialect. When I travel, I like to observe, but above all to imagine... the daily life of the people I meet.<\/p>\n

After lunch, the tour continues...<\/strong>
\nReady to start? Yes?! No? Do you need a cup of coffee to recharge your batteries? \ud83d\ude09
\nHere we are! In this post you can find 5 places where to drink a good coffee \ud83d\ude42<\/a><\/p>\n

READ ALSO: \"Coffee time? Here there are 5 places where to drink a coffee in Modena center\"<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n

Now, you are ready to restart!<\/p>\n

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What to see in Modena:\u00a0we start together the afternoon tour<\/h2>\n

Walking through Via Emilia<\/span><\/h3>\n

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Via Emilia center goes from S.Augustine Square<\/strong>\u00a0<\/em>to\u00a0Largo Garibaldi\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>and is not only a must for shopping but it is certainly also one of the points of interest of\u00a0the city. It is a beautiful walk that will take you to admire the squares that open on its sides as Piazza Matteotti, Piazza Mazzini<\/strong> and the small Piazza Torre<\/strong> where stands the statue dedicated to Tassoni.<\/em>
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\nOnce again, I recommend you to explore what you like, following your instinct.
\nIf you like to stop and admiring the beautiful architecture, do it! But if you are attracted by the shop windows and you can't resist to the shopping call, don't try to do it! \ud83d\ude09<\/span><\/p>\n

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What to see in Modena: via Farini, Piazza Roma, Palazzo Ducale<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Walk along\u00a0via Farini<\/strong><\/em>, a lateral street of Via Emilia<\/em>, which begins in front of the historic \"Caff\u00e8 Molinari\".<\/em><\/strong>
\nSince from the beginning of the street you can see the splendid Ducal Palace<\/strong><\/em>, the historical residence of the House of Este for more than two centuries, now headquarters of the Military Academy<\/strong>. This beautiful building overlooks the magnificent Piazza Roma,<\/strong> the square that has been recently restored and returned to the city life. With its 9,400 square meters, its fountains, water features and its beautiful marble benches it has become one of the most charming places of the city.
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If you want to go through\u00a0an alternative route, I suggest you to start from here the tour of \"Former Modena Waterways\"<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0through which you will make a fascinating dive into the past.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Fontanella_Oste_Modema_dei_Canali\"<\/a><\/p>\n

READ ALSO: \"Modena and its waterways: a charming blast from the past\"<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n
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Modena's Museums and Galleries: the ones to visit in the center of the city
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If you have enough time or you want to visit even some museums or exhibitions, you will find many of them here in the center. Both in summer and in winter, a cultural break helps to regenerate the mind \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n

A great classic is the visit to the\u00a0Museum Palace<\/a><\/strong>, a large museum complex including different attractions such as the Roman and Estense Lapidary Museum<\/strong>, the Historical Archives<\/strong>, the Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology,\u00a0<\/strong>the Municipal Museum of Art<\/strong> and the beautiful Estense Gallery<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

READ ALSO: \"Estense Gallery: visiting one of the most important Italian National Galleries\"<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n

\"weekend_modena_GalleriaCivica_MyModenadiary_StefaniaFregni\"<\/a><\/p>\n

For the little ones (but not only \ud83d\ude42 ) there is also the Cards and Stickers Museum<\/strong><\/a>, in C.so Canalgrande<\/em>, a magical place that will take you back to your childhood \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n

Other initiatives to keep monitored are those organized by Galleria Civica<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>that\u00a0realizes\u00a0in its venues various temporary exhibitions dedicated to contemporary art and photography. <\/span><\/p>\n

For photography lovers, it's recommended a visit to the expositions of\u00a0Photography Foundation\u00a0<\/a><\/strong>organized inside\u00a0MATA<\/a><\/strong>, located in the former Tobacco Factory\u00a0area. This is lovely\u00a0urban area of the city that is constantly in evolution and which I also wrote an article about.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

READ ALSO: \"Mata: a space in Modena dedicated to culture\"<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n

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Then, as I told before, if you want to deepen your knowledge about Modena Cathedral, you can visit the Cathedral Museums<\/strong>, divided into two sections, the Lapidary Museum<\/em>, which contains the finds belonging to both the Cathedral construction site and\u00a0buildings of previous eras, and the Cathedral Museum<\/em>, which exhibits decorations and sacred vessels, part of the true \"treasure of the Cathedral\". <\/em><\/p>\n

All these museums and attractions are in the center of the city and they are easily reachable\u00a0by foot.
\nThen, not too far from the center and always within a walking distance, there is the famous MEF - the Home Museum of\u00a0Enzo Ferrari.
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I should finally make an exception and recommend you other 3 museums that you have to see but that they are not in the center of the city: the Luciano Pavarotti's Home Museum<\/strong><\/a>, the Ferrari Museum in Maranello<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>and the Museum of Traditional Balsamic Viniger<\/strong> <\/a>in Spilamberto.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

READ ALSO: \"Luciano Pavarotti's Home Museum: visiting Big Luciano's home, the great maestro of Modena\"<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n
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Where to have a true Italian \"aperitivo\" in\u00a0Modena<\/strong><\/h2>\n

It\u00a0has now arrived the happy hour time. I love this moment! It puts me in a good mood \ud83d\ude42
\nThe Modenese vibrant nightlife starts right from the aperitif. There are two areas of the city where people meets to begin their evening:\u00a0via del Taglio <\/strong>and\u00a0<\/strong>Piazza della Pomposa, <\/strong><\/em>here I recommend you Juta Caf\u00e8<\/strong><\/em><\/a>,\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>and via Gallucci<\/strong><\/em>, where\u00a0I suggest you 2 places to try that you surely will notice because they are very popular and always full of people: the Irish Pub and \"I Picari\"<\/strong>. <\/em><\/p>\n

Indeed, the places where to have a drink are not all here.
\nThere are 4 places, which I love, that I immediately think about when I go out for a drink: \"Caffetteria Giusti\", \"Mon Caf\u00e8\", \"Archer\" and \"Lo Spaccio delle Carceri\".<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

READ ALSO: \"Where to have an Italian aperitif in Modena center: 4 places that I love\"<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n

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\"Modena_aperitivo_MyModenadiary\"<\/a><\/p>\n

If you love Lambrusco wine,<\/strong><\/em> like me, then I suggest you a little aperitif all based on this red Emilian wine at \"Lambruscheria\" shop,<\/strong> <\/em>in via Calle di Luca,<\/em> where you can also buy some very \"sparkling purchases\" \ud83d\ude09<\/p>\n

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Where to have a dinner\u00a0in Modena<\/h2>\n

And now... where do we go for dinner?<\/strong>
\nIn the center of Modena you have really a great choice!
\nIf you came to Modena to savor all its authenticity then I surely would recommend you a dinner in a traditional restaurant.<\/strong> It is not always easy to choose one, but in this article I've tried to address you.<\/p>\n

READ ALSO: \"Modena center: 6 traditional restaurant where to eat at least once in your life\"<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n

Of course, if you opt for this type of dinner, you have to try a dish of tortellini <\/strong>(strictly with broth \ud83d\ude09 )<\/p>\n

READ ALSO: \"Grandma's Tortellini\"<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n

and the famous crescentine (or Tigelle),<\/strong> which here in Modena are \"a state of mind\",\u00a0<\/em>as Francesca well explains in this article: \"The tigella is a state of mind\"<\/a><\/strong><\/em>. One of the best places to try them is the \"Trattoria Il Fantino\"<\/strong><\/em>, right downtown.<\/p>\n

Again,\u00a0there are restaurants known for meat as \"Maxela\",\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>\"Osteria della Senape\" <\/strong><\/em>and \"Churrasco\",<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0or those known for fish as \"Iodio Puro\",<\/strong>\u00a0\"Quinto Quarto\" and \"Selmi 22\".<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

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Then, it's impossible\u00a0that you don't know \"Osteria Francescana\" by Chef Massimo Bottura<\/strong>, recognized in 2016 the first of\u00a0the 50 best restaurants in the world. With its three Michelin stars since 2011, this place can definitely be called the \"temple of the Cuisine\"<\/em>, a real proud throughout Italy. The eating experience that you can live here is sublime and modern, without\u00a0leaving out the roots of the Modenese tradition.
\nThe waiting list is very long, so if you desire to try this\u00a0unforgettable experience you can not improvise.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Finally, I suggest you other 4 restaurants<\/strong>\u00a0very famous<\/strong>\u00a0where your taste experience will be on the top: \"Erba del Re\"<\/em>, <\/strong>\"Cucina del Museo\", \"Zelmira\"\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>and\"Hosteria Giusti\"<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

After the dinner,\u00a0it's time to drink something and to relax.<\/strong>
\n<\/span>A really unique place<\/strong>, that no one expects to find in a city like Modena, is Cotton Club: <\/strong>a\u00a0speakeasy thought for jazz and blues lovers. To enter you have to ring the doorbell of a large door in C.so Canalgrande\u00a0<\/em>and\u00a0<\/em>to be\u00a0<\/em>an\u00a0ARCI members (buying the ARCI card).
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Other 2 places good for cocktails<\/strong> are \"Mon Caf\u00e9\"<\/strong><\/em> and \"Spaccio delle Carceri\"<\/strong><\/em>.
\nFinally, if you want to enjoy a good glass of wine<\/strong>, you can go\u00a0to\u00a0\"Compagnia<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0del Taglio\",\u00a0<\/strong>to the\u00a0\"Ristretto\"\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>or to \"Archivio\"<\/strong><\/em>, next to the Cathedral.<\/span><\/p>\n

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And in a blink of an eye your 24 hours in Modena ends here.<\/strong><\/p>\n

I would like to continue my long list of recommendations, but perhaps your time may not be enough! \ud83d\ude09
\nI have prepared this map with all the places mentioned in the article, so that you can better find all the things I spoke about.<\/p>\n