Things to do near Country of Modena Italy – what to see attractions and activities

Sassuolo - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Montegibbio

The Castle Of Montegibbio was built in the tenth century by the canons of the Cathedral of Parma with defensive function. In 1501, due to a strong earthquake, the Castle was seriously damaged. In 1851 it was purchased by Giuseppe Borsari, who restored it with a new medieval style. Since 1972 it has become the property of the Municipality of Sassuolo.

Sassuolo - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Ducale

The ducal palace of Sassuolo was built in 1458, at the behest of the Marquis of Ferrara Borso d'Este. In 1599 it passed to the Este, who carried out a series of restorations, transforming it into a summer residence. Of particular charm is the main floor of the building, which is furnished in Emilian Baroque style.

Modena - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Ducale

The Doge's Palace dates back to 1634 wanted by Francesco I d'Este on a project by Bartolomeo Avanzini. Inside you can admire the beautiful ballroom, the throne room and the golden sitting room. Today it is home to the Military Academy.

Formigine - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Formigine

The Castle of Formigine was built in the twelfth century in a strategic position and to defend the territory. Historical information on the existence of the Castle is starting from 1201, the year in which it is mentioned as a fortress built by the Municipality of Modena. The current form of the building is due to the restoration work carried out in 1405.

Vignola - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello Vignola

The Castle of Vignola, also known as the Fortress, was built in 1963 but there is no certain information. Today it is considered one of the identifying symbols of the Vignolese. The castle can be visited today according to set times.

Zocca - Walls, towers and gates

Torre Rangoni

The Rangoni Tower dates back to the thirteenth-century, and is also the oldest building in the village of Zocca. It was recently donated to the City Council by the Marquises Rangoni, after being restored. The Tower is part of the ancient Fortress that preserves traces of the drawbridge and the perimeter walls of the time.

Modena - Churches and places of worship

Monastero dei Benedettini

The current structure is the work of an extension, which occurred during 1500, of a previous structure dating from the late tenth century. The facade has a seventeenth-century portal inside and you can see the cloister of the Levant.

Modena - Churches and places of worship

Duomo

Erected in memory of the fallen of the First World War. In the crypt on the pillars and on the walls are carved the names of 7,300 fallen Modenese during the First World War.

Modena - Monuments

La Ghirlandina

The Ghirlandina tower, protected by Unesco as an artistic heritage of humanity, dates back to 1261. In Gothic style it is so called for the double round of railings that they surround it as garlands.

Formigine - Parks and nature reserves

Parco Villa Gandini

The Park of Villa Gandini extends over an area of 106,266 square meters. The area is closely linked to the history and events of the Villa. The Park was built in the years between 1871 and 1978, by Count Luigi Alberto Gandini according to the style of English gardens.

Modena - Theaters

Teatro Storchi

The theater which retains its original structure, was named after Gaetano Storchi, from Modena a merchant who financed its construction. It has a rich program from the theater season, and many initiatives offered to the public.

Modena - Theaters

Teatro delle Passioni

This theater is dedicated to prose. It is part together with Teatro Storchi of ERT Emilia Romagna Teatro Fondazione, Public Regional Teatro Stabile.

Spilamberto - Museums

Museo del Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena

The Museum of Traditional Balsamic of Modena was built on 24 November 2002 by the Association “Consorteria of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar”. It aims to promote tradition and everything that has to do with this traditional product. All the items on display can be touched by hand and are characterized by the aroma of vinegar.

Modena - Museums

Galleria Estense

Here are exposed works of art of property of the Dukes of Este and a collection of works that has been acquired later. Among the most precious art collections in Europe, many collections are works from the Emilian school of the XIV-XVIII century.

Modena - Churches and places of worship

Chiesa di San Carlo

Built in 1664 by the ducal architect Bartolomeo Avanzini, today used as an auditorium. Inside there are paintings from the most important artists of the '600 Modena.

Modena - Churches and places of worship

Chiesa di San Giorgio

The design of the present church built in the seventeenth is attributed to Gaspare Vigarani. The interior has a Greek cross with a a central dome and the high altar of 1666 in polychrome marbles by Antonio Loraghi.

Modena - Churches and places of worship

Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista

It rises on the western side of Piazza Matteotti, and was originally dedicated to St. Michael. It was rebuilt in the sixteenth century and in accordance with the present appearance in 1723 and designed by Gerolamo Frigamelica Roberti.

Modena - Streets and Squares

Piazza Grande

The main square which UNESCO included as a World heritage site and includes most of the important buildings and monuments. Few of the most important buildings in Italy can be founded here such as the University, founded in 1175, which houses over 3000 manuscripts and other historical volumes, 25 libraries and 16 cinemas among others.

Modena - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Comunale

Modena - Museums

Museo dell'auto e moto d'epoca Umberto Panini

Modena - Theaters

Teatro Comunale Luciano Pavarotti

Opened in 1841 as " Teatro dell’Illustrissima Comunità". In 2007, one month from the death of the great tenor from Modena, it was known as "Teatro Comunale Luciano Pavarotti. " It hosts concerts, operas and ballets.

Modena - Museums

Museo Astronomico e Geofisico

The Astronomical and Geophysical Museum of Modena was founded in 1826, by decree of Duke Francesco IV d'Este. The Museum represents an example of scientific study from the period from 1820 to 1920, hosting ancient astronomical, meteorological and geophysical instruments. Newtonian telescopes from the nineteenth century were used in the same premises. Currently, the museum is closed for restoration.

Modena - Museums

Museo Civico d'Arte

The Civic Museum of Art was established in 1962, after the division of the Civic Museum of the 800, into an archaeological-ethnological museum and a historical-artistic museum. Inside, it preserves works that testify and document the culture of the city from the Xll to the twentieth century.All the material collected is the result of private donations, including paintings, sculptures, instruments musical, scientific instruments, ceramics and glass. Of great interest, is the Giuseppe Graziosi Gipsoteca, which preserves a collection of plastic and graphic works.

Modena - Museums

Museo Civico Archeologico Etnologico

The museum was founded in 1871. The ethnological section preserves the collections of Carlo Boni from New Guinea, Pre-Columbian Peru, South America, Africa and Asia. Later, other materials were pooled, donations of scholars and travelers in Modena.

Modena - Museums

Museo Civico del Risorgimento

The Civic Museum of the Risorgimento was built in 1893 and was transferred several times. Only in 1924, it was permanently placed in the Palazzo dei Musei. The collection supports many works that belong to the Risorgimento. The works that stand out most are those concerning the wars of the twentieth century, in particular the Italian-Turkish War and the First World War. In the 90s, the Museum was closed and the materials were transferred to the Civic Museum of Art.

Modena - Museums

Museo Muratoriano

Pavullo Nel Frignano - Museums

Museo Naturalistico del Frignano

The Frignano Naturalistic Museum was established in 1982 thanks to the great commitment of the then commander of the Forestry Corps of Modena, Dr. Ferrucio Minghelli. Since 2006, the Museum has been located in the internal floors of the Castle of Montecuccolo. It is divided into three floors that welcome sections dedicated to Earth Sciences, Botany and Zoology.

Maranello - Museums

Galleria "Ferrari"

The Museum is divided into several areas: the Hall of Victories where all the Ferrari World Champions are exhibited from 1999 to today, the Trophies and the history of the World Champions Drivers. It is the area dedicated to Formula 1 with historical models. The museum's exhibition space is spread over 6 main rooms and is enriched by various services, including the Ferrari Store, the Cafeteria, a professional driving simulator and the photo point. From May a new wing will be opened with a large convention room and a new exhibition room, the muzzle also becomes a congress center capable of hosting

Marano sul Panaro - Museums

Museo Civico di Ecologia e Storia Naturale

The Civic Museum of Ecology and Natural History was opened in 1994 inside the ancient mill of the feudal lords Montecuccoli. The exhibition is divided into seven rooms, where mineralogical, paleontological and zoological collections of the territory of Marano sul Panaro are exhibited.

Modena - Libraries and archives

Biblioteca Estense

The Estense Library was established around the 14th century, by the lords of Ferrara and preserves a great heritage of volumes, illuminated codes and musical manuscripts of considerable value. Among them the Bible of Borso D'Este, which comes from the refinement of the school of Ferrara and its art of miniature. There are also documents related to geographical maps, such as the Catalan Charter of the 15th century.

Modena - Museums

Museo Lapidario e del Tesoro del Duomo

The Duomo Museum of Modena supports special works that show the life of the Modena church over the centuries. For its great importance, the museum has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. In the museum there are four rooms that present different works by important and famous artists.

Modena - Museums

Museo della Figurina

Modena - Museums

Museo del Presepe

The Museum of the Nativity Scene in Modena was built in 1972 by the parish priest Don Sesto Serri. A large number of cribs belonging to different eras are exposed to the public. The ones that stand out most are those of the Neapolitan tradition of the eighteenth century. Of particular interest are also the various terracotta sculptures of the Spanish production of Modena.

Modena - Museums

Museo Universitario di Storia Naturale e Strumentazione Scientifica

The Museum of Natural History and Scientific Instrumentation of the University of Modena was built in 1990. In 1997 it became an Interdepartmental Center where research and studies of scientific museology could be carried out. The building supports collections of different university museums. Currently, the Museum is under reconstruction.

Modena - Museums

Raccolta d'Arte della Provincia

In the Palace of the Province there are works of great importance. There is a collection with works from the nineteenth century to the Second World War. In the building there are post-impressionistic paintings by great artists.

Modena - Museums

Museo del Combattente

The Combatant Museum was built in 1995. Inside, 1,200 objects are exhibited that testify to the period of the two world wars. The collected items were donated by citizens. Among the objects on display are gas masks, photographic prints and imprisonment diaries. Of particular interest is a Bersagliere bicycle from 1912 and the equipment of a ski soldier.

Montefiorino - Museums

Museo della Repubblica Partigiana

The Museum of the Partisan Republic is dedicated to the history of the first Italian partisan republic, established between June and August 1944. The exhibition focuses on the military and political aspects related to the Resistance in the mountains. You can admire different uniforms, weapons and everyday objects of the great protagonists of the Partisan Republic of Montefiorino.

Vignola - Museums

Museo Civico di Vignola

The Civic Museum of Vignola consists of two exhibition sections articulated in the collections of Paleontology and Geomineralogy. The collection of fossils donated in 1991 by the Bertarelli collection, composes together with the fossils found on site, the Paleontology section. The Geomineralogy section exhibits minerals and rocks of the Val Samoggia, the Panaro valleys and the Modena Apennines.

Modena - Theaters

Cinema Teatro Michelangelo

The Cinema Teatro Michelangeo has a capacity of 480 seats. It hosts a full program of opera, cinema and theater for schools.

Modena - Museums

Museo del Duomo

The Cathedral Museum is set up since 2000 and exhibits forms of artistic expression and culture built around the Cathedral of Modena and testimonies related to the cult of St. Geminiano.

Modena - Museums

Museo Lapidario del Duomo

It was established at the end of '800, next to the complex of the Cathedral and the Piazza Grande. It belongs to the world heritage site, which was conferred by UNESCO. The Lapidary is a masterpiece of Roman culture.

Castelfranco Emilia - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello Malvasia di Panzano

Castello Malvasia di Panzano was built at the behest of Monsignor Innocenzo, who transformed it into a typical Renaissance building, taking away its medieval features. Because of World War II, it was particularly damaged. Today it maintains its structure and is in a good state of preservation, especially the inner courts.

Castelfranco Emilia - Castles, palaces and mansions

Forte Urbano

Forte Urbano was built on commission of Pope Urban VIII in 1626. Over the years it has been used for various purposes, such as prison or lazaretto, during a strong cholera epidemic. Since 2005 it has been used to welcome drug detainees, thanks to the collaboration of the community of San Patrignano.

Finale Emilia - Walls, towers and gates

Torre dei Modenesi

The Torre dei Modenesi also known as the Clock Tower was built in 1213. On 21 March 2013, due to a strong earthquake, much of the building was destroyed. Currently, projects are underway for the renovation of the tower, symbol of the city.

Finale Emilia - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello delle Rocche

The Castle of the Rocche di Finale Emilia, in the province of Modena, is among the most beautiful and ancient castles in the resort. This building, of Lombard origin, was rebuilt by the Estensi in the Middle Ages, more precisely in 1402. It was built for military and war purposes. Unfortunately, due to the strong earthquake that touched the Emilia area, part has fallen and today is temporarily closed to tourists, because it is undergoing renovation.

Modena - Museums

Galleria Civica

Modena - Churches and places of worship

Fonte Sacra di S.Geminiano

The Sacred Source of St. Geminiano and its temple were built in 1800, by the architect Mignoni. For its construction, the Diocese participated with great interest. The structure presents the statue of faith on the dome, and under it is the statue of St. Geminiano, while he blesses the source.

Modena - Museums

Deposito Museo Civico

In the Civic Museum of Art of Modena there are works acquired through the Poletti Prize banned by the Municipality of Modena between 1871 and 1943. The works awarded and produced by young artists are exhibited in the gallery.

Modena - Churches and places of worship

Madonna Pellegrina

The establishment of the parish of Madonna Pellegrina dates back to 1958. The first wooden church was built on a soccer field. The structure has grown and developed over the years thanks to the contribution provided by the children and families of the communities. Beautiful works of art are kept inside the parish.

Modena - Churches and places of worship

Chiesa di San Lazzaro

The building is all that remains of the leper colony built in the late twelfth century.

Modena - Churches and places of worship

Chiesa di San Paolo

The original structure in the late Romanesque style was much larger than today. The present church was built in the seventeenth century on an earlier building, dating back to 1100, and renovated in last century.

Pavullo Nel Frignano - WWF Oasis

Oasi Prato Stagno di Sassoguidano

The Prato Stagno di Sassoguidano Oasis covers an area of 0.3 hectares and is a Special Protection Zone. In this area there are several amphibians, including the common newt, crested and Apuan, as well as the green frog and Dalmatin. Near the lake of the Oasis we can observe different species of ferns and orchids. Particular interest, it attracts a very rare plant known by the name Hottonia palustris.

Zocca - Adventure Parks

Parco Avventura Esploraria

Modena - Churches and places of worship

Santuario della Madonna del Murazzo

The facade is in Lombard-Gothic style . The interior is composed of five altars and maintains various sculptures, paintings and statues of the nineteenth and twentieth century.

Modena - Churches and places of worship

Chiesa Beata Vergine delle Grazie

Built at the beginning of '700 it has a simple facade with a single main door. The interior has a nave with a semicircular apse, 4 side chapels, and 2 small chapels.

Modena - Churches and places of worship

Seminario Metropolitano

The ex-convent of San Francesco and now Metropolitan Seminary. The current building was erected in 1699. Inside of considerable interest is the seventeenth-century cloister of rectangular shape with in the center a marble statue of the Immaculate Con

Zocca - Castles, palaces and mansions

Villa e Corte Fortificata Caula

Villa and Fortified Court Caula was built in the mountains, in the town of Zocca. It is a large building enclosed in a city wall. It dates back to the 17th century and has a simple and linear structure, typical of the eighteenth century villas. It is currently open to the public and is in excellent condition.

Zocca - Walls, towers and gates

Torre del Castello di Monteombraro

The Tower of the Castle of Montombraro is located in the town of Zocca, in the province of Modena. As for the date of construction of the castle and the tower, which is part of it, there is no precise date, but it is assumed to date back to 1110, in the Middle Ages. Unfortunately, it was then destroyed in the expedition of the Bolognese. Over the centuries it was restructured and modified again. Today, both the castle and the tower are accessible and are still in good condition.

Zocca - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Montetortore

Spilamberto - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello Rangone

The Rangone Castle was built during the XIII by the Municipality of Modena. The building has a defensive structure, consisting of a large tower. The castle belonged to the Spilamberto family, who gave it to the Rangoni family, from which it also took its name. In the twentieth century the castle was abandoned and in 2005 it passed to the Municipality of Spilamberto.

Vignola - Walls, towers and gates

Torre Galvani

The Galvani Tower was built by the Galvani family from which it also took its name. It is the only one of the four towers named after the families who had them in custody. Currently, the building is privately owned.

Vignola - Walls, towers and gates

Torre Campiglio

The Campiglio Tower of Vignola was built in 1605 using irregular granite basins. It has a truncated conical shape and is 12 meters high. In the last century, part of the Tower was destroyed. In the nineteenth century, however, it underwent some restorations.

Vignola - Castles, palaces and mansions

Villa Martuzzi trasformato

Villa Martuzzi was built in the sixteenth century by the Marquises Rangoni. In the nineteenth century the building was purchased by Counts Martuzzi and Ripandelli and restored in a seventeenth-century style. During World War II, a Nazi department was introduced in the villa.

Modena - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzina dei Giardini

The Palazzina dei Giardini was built in the 7th century, at the behest of Francesco I d'Este and was located in the gardens of the Doge's Palace in Modena. The original role of the building was that of a fun place for the court as well as Casinos. The property has a large area and spaces of extraordinary beauty, which is why it is considered an ideal place for art exhibitions.

Montefiorino - Castles, palaces and mansions

Rocca di Montecuccoli

The Fortress of Montecuccoli dates back to the second half of the twelfth century. Work on its construction started between 1235 and 1238 and ended in 1239. Initially, only the tower was built and later the rest of the plant was added. In the middle of the thirteenth century it was destroyed by the Modenesi, and only in the fourteenth century it was rebuilt. Today this beautiful fortress is in excellent condition and houses inside the Museum of the Partisan Republic.

Pavullo Nel Frignano - Walls, towers and gates

Torre di Gaiato

The Tower of Gaiato dates back to 1200 but according to historical sources it could even be from Roman times. It was built on a mountain with a conical shape that represents the highest point of the Pavullese territory. The Tower is part of the fascinating and rich heritage of the province of Modena.

Pavullo Nel Frignano - Walls, towers and gates

Torre Lavacchio

Torre Lavacchio probably dates back to the 11th century. It is characterized by a slender profile and in the past had a function of lookout and defence of the nearby town. The Tower overlooks the Pavullese basin and represents the best preserved structure of the Middle Ages of Frignano.

Pavullo Nel Frignano - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Semese

The Castle of Semese dates back to the late thirteenth century and was erected on a pre-existing Lombard watchtower. The fortress was initially owned by the Da Verica family and later passed to the Montecuccoli family, who fortified and strengthened its walls. The structure consists of a feudal dwelling, a tower and walls that made the Castle a defensive system with a radial dominant over the entire area.

Pavullo Nel Frignano - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello Montecucolo

Historical news of the Castle of Montecuccolo dates back to 1027 when it was occupied by a family of German feudal lords. History has it that the famous general Raimondo Montecuccoli was born here, from which the fortress also takes its name. The fortress stands on a rocky relief not far from Pavullo, in Frignano. Its peculiarity lies in the position of the tower, erected slightly away from the buildings where the owners and guests resided. There is also the guard body located inside the third belt.

Pavullo Nel Frignano - Monumental Trees

Cedro nel Parco Ducale

The Cedar of Parco Ducale is known as the Cedar of Lebanon or 'Pinone' said by the Pavullesi. It was planted by Carlo Huller who built the park for Francesco IV, Duke of Modena. The species is native to the Middle East and like many other trees it was introduced in Europe in 1683. The cedar has a powerful trunk and is a strong and durable wood. It is said that the Egyptians distilled oil from the cedar wood for embalming the dead. In the bible, on the other hand, it is told that it was used for the construction of temples and palaces.