Discover what to see in Modena: the Cathedral, Ghirlandina Tower, Ducal Palace, Enzo Ferrari Museum and Piazza Grande. Five unmissable sights in the city.

What to See in Modena: 5 Unmissable Sights

Modena is a city to be discovered at a leisurely pace, strolling through historic squares, elegant palaces and landmarks that tell the story of centuries of history. Its historic centre is home to an extraordinary artistic heritage recognised by UNESCO, while its deep connection with motoring has made the city famous around the world.

From the Romanesque architecture of the Cathedral to the panoramic views from the Ghirlandina Tower, via the elegance of the Ducal Palace and the legend of Enzo Ferrari, here are 5 places to see in Modena during your stay.

1. Modena Cathedral

Modena Cathedral, officially the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta in Cielo and San Geminiano, is one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in Europe. Together with the Ghirlandina Tower and Piazza Grande, it has formed part of Modena’s UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997.

Construction began in 1099 to a design by the architect Lanfranco, while Wiligelmo created some of the remarkable sculptures that decorate the building, including the famous reliefs depicting scenes from Genesis.

The interior is equally worth exploring. In the central nave stands the pulpit by Enrico da Campione; the presbytery features the inlaid wooden choir stalls by the Lendinara brothers, while the crypt houses the tomb of Saint Geminianus, the patron saint of Modena.

The Cathedral is therefore not only one of the city’s most important monuments, but also an ideal starting point for discovering the history and identity of Modena.

2. Ghirlandina Tower

Standing beside the Cathedral is the Ghirlandina Tower, the unmistakable symbol of Modena. Its distinctive silhouette dominates the historic centre and, together with the Cathedral and Piazza Grande, forms part of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Site.

For those wishing to see Modena from a different perspective, the climb is well worth the effort: around 200 steps lead to the Sala dei Torresani, from where visitors can enjoy impressive panoramic views over the rooftops and historic centre.

Access to the tower is regulated, so it is advisable to check the latest opening times, admission arrangements and availability before planning your visit.

3. Ducal Palace of Modena

Overlooking the elegant Piazza Roma, the Ducal Palace of Modena tells another important chapter in the city’s history: that of the House of Este.

Construction of the present palace began in the 17th century, and for more than two centuries it served as the residence of the Este court. Today it is home to the Military Academy of Modena and is considered one of Europe’s most important Baroque residences.

The interiors are not freely accessible, but the Palace can be visited through guided tours by reservation, offering the opportunity to discover some of the historic rooms of the Military Academy and the State Apartments.

Even without entering the building, the view from Piazza Roma makes the Ducal Palace an unmissable stop on any walk through the centre of Modena.

4. Enzo Ferrari Museum

Modena is not only about art and architecture. The city is also inseparably linked to the history of Italian motoring and to one of its most famous names: Enzo Ferrari.

The Enzo Ferrari Museum in Modena stands on the site associated with the birthplace of Ferrari’s founder. The complex brings together the historic building and a striking contemporary exhibition space, telling the story of Enzo Ferrari, the evolution of the brand and Modena’s motoring culture through cars, engines and exhibitions dedicated to the Prancing Horse.

It is a fascinating visit not only for motoring enthusiasts, but also for anyone interested in discovering one of the entrepreneurial and industrial stories that helped make Modena famous throughout the world.

5. Piazza Grande

At the heart of the historic centre lies Piazza Grande, which has been a focal point of Modena’s civic and religious life for centuries.

The square is framed by some of the city’s most iconic landmarks: the Cathedral, the Ghirlandina Tower and the Town Hall. Over the centuries, it has also been one of the main centres of Modena’s market and public life.

Today, it remains one of the best places to appreciate the relationship between architecture, history and everyday life that characterises the city. Together, Modena Cathedral, the Ghirlandina Tower and Piazza Grande form the complex that was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.

Exploring Modena from the Heart of the City

One of the most enjoyable aspects of Modena is how easily much of its historic centre can be explored on foot. Squares, monuments, traditional shops and places connected with the city’s local culture are all found within a compact urban setting, making it easy to combine sightseeing with time spent simply enjoying the atmosphere of Modena.

Located in Modena’s historic centre and housed within the historic Palazzo Schedoni, Phi Hotel Canalgrande is an ideal starting point for exploring the city’s main attractions on foot.

From UNESCO-listed heritage and Este history to world-famous motoring traditions, these five sights are only the beginning. Modena is a city that invites you to continue exploring, discovering its streets, flavours and the stories hidden behind its historic façades.