Discover Modena: Markets, Opera and History

Modena brings together a historic market, architectural and collecting history, and an annual programme of opera, concerts and ballet. If you’re looking for a hotel in Modena, these themes can shape your travel plans: would you like to explore architectural history, attend a performance or learn about Ferrari history? The city offers a range of cultural points of interest.

Mercato Albinelli: Market and Architecture

The Mercato Coperto di via Albinelli opened on 28 October 1931. Its lightweight structure is in the Liberty style, and much of the original ironwork and masonry detail has been preserved. So if you’re interested in architecture, you can pay attention to the market’s construction during your visit, as well as to its goods and offerings.

Aperitifs and evening tasting events are also offered at Mercato Albinelli. As these visitor offerings may change, check in advance which options suit your plans.

Duomo and Palazzo Ducale: Two Eras

The Duomo is a Romanesque building associated with the architect Lanfranco and the sculptor Wilgelmo. The Palazzo Ducale represents a different architectural and court history: commissioned by Duke Francesco I d’Este and designed by Bartolomeo Avanzini, it was built from 1634 and served as the residence of the Este court until 1859. Comparing the two brings Modena’s different historical influences to life: a Romanesque building on the one hand and a Baroque residence of the Este court on the other.

The Sala Museale dell’Accademia Militare and the Appartamento di Stato are associated with the Palazzo Ducale. The visitor route may be adjusted for institutional or security reasons. Bear this possibility in mind when planning your visit.

The Este Collections

The Este collections include paintings, sculptures, drawings, bronzes, maiolica, medals, ivory works and musical instruments. Their range extends from paintings and three-dimensional works to decorative arts and instruments. For planning purposes, it helps to distinguish between the buildings and the collections: you can focus on architecture, art or both.

The Stage and Ferrari History

The Teatro comunale Pavarotti - Freni presents an extensive programme of opera performances, concerts and ballets each year. If attending a performance is important to your stay, check the dates for your planned travel period.

Another cultural highlight is the Museo dei Motori Ferrari. It is housed in the restored historic workshop of Enzo Ferrari’s father. Modena therefore brings together different interests: its performing arts programme on the one hand, and the history of a workshop and the Ferrari museum on the other.

Tastings and Getting Around

At the Acetaia comunale di Modena, pre-booked guided tours explain the history of this world-renowned speciality, and tastings are also offered. If you’d like to include this visit in your travel plans, check tour availability in advance.

Modena’s UNESCO site is located in the historic centre, in a traffic-restricted zone. Take this location into account when planning your journey and check the applicable traffic regulations. This will help you plan your stay around the places you actually intend to visit, without combining the market, buildings, collections and events into a single sightseeing itinerary.

Discover more destinations: San Prospero, Casa Marchetti, Fanano, Panzano, Palagano, Querciagrossa, Fontanaluccia, San Felice Sul Panaro

For the overview of the wider area: Modena.