Modena nestles in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy and is renowned for its famous balsamic vinegar and fine cuisine. However, it is also known for its opera heritage and its 18th-century Palace of Museums. On a far different note, the city hosts the futuristic Enzo Ferrari Museum, outlining the history of luxury vehicles. Of course, Modena is also close to the homes of Maserati, Lamborghini and Pagani cars. Read on for more information for a luxurious vacation in this beautiful Italian city.
Experience the cuisine of Modena, Italy
Modena is a major attraction for foodies and those looking for gourmet delights. This is mainly due to the fact that the city is the birthplace of “real” balsamic vinegar. Meanwhile, some typical Modenese cuisine forms part of the culture of the region of Emilia-Romagna, while others are unique to Modena itself.
Starters include delicious tortellini, a pastry case filled with sausage, cured ham, or pork and served with rich beef stock. Meanwhile, the larger version is known as tortelloni, a larger pastry dish filled with spinach and ricotta cheese.
Imagine a dish of lasagna, made with fresh, handmade pasta and baked in the oven with béchamel and meat sauce. Moreover, the local cuisine features rich sausage, including cotechino, served with mashed potatoes and lentils. However, rural menus feature stewed game meat, with a side of sautéed vegetables. Naturally, Modena’s cuisine must be washed down with the best Lambrusco wines.
Visit the Enzo Ferrari Museum
Anyone with a love for luxury cars can enjoy a visit to the futuristic Enzo Ferrari Museum in the village of Maranello close by. During a visit, travelers can learn about the history of luxurious cars. Moreover, a visit to the Pagani Museum reveals more high-tech vehicles.
But that’s not all, as Museo Lamborghini is located in nearby Sant’Agata Bolognese. Also, not to be forgotten is the Maserati Private Collection Museum. Here, visitors can stroll among some of the most renowned vehicles hosted in a beautiful Art Nouveau building.
Art, culture and history of Modena
While the city hosts several museums and art galleries, one tends to stand out – The Museums Palace (Palazzo dei Musei). The impressive palace has had quite a varied past, and was built in the mid-18th century to house the military arsenal. However, when Duke Francesco III d’Este first designed the building, it was intended to accommodate the General House of the Poor. Meanwhile, more changes happened in 1769 when it was renovated by Pietro Termanini as the House of Crafts.
Fast forward to now and the Palace of Museums houses a number of key cultural institutions, including artworks, sculpture, illuminated manuscripts and other objects of artistic beauty the city has to offer.
Meanwhile, visitors can explore the Modena Civic Museum, the Historical Archives, the Estense Library and Gallery and the Luigi Poletta Library of Art. A visit can truly offer a feel for the city of Modena and its amazing historic and cultural past. Moreover, just outside of the city, those who love the work of the late Italian opera singer, Pavarotti can visit his former home which has been turned into a museum.
Visit the unique and fascinating city Modena on an Italian vacation to learn more about the cuisine, history and art of the Italian city.