Discover Nonantola

Nonantola combines a long abbey history with museums, medieval buildings and a strong balsamic tradition. The wetlands of the Oasi Torrazzuolo and a cycling route offer further points of interest. When planning your stay, you can therefore focus on a range of themes: the history of the abbey, historical collections, local production, or the landscape and cycling.

Abbey and Romanesque architecture

The Abbey of Nonantola was founded in 752. It was preceded by a grant of land from Astolfo to his brother-in-law Anselm; the land was referred to as “locum Nonantulae.” The Abbey of San Silvestro is a major and representative example of Romanesque architecture in the Po Valley. The story of its foundation and the building itself offer two different starting points if you are interested in the town’s early history or its architecture.

Museums and medieval towers

The Benedictine and Diocesan Museum houses the abbey treasury, illuminated codices and particularly well-known parchments from the abbey archive. The collections also include two rare samite textiles, discovered in the abbey in 2002. The collection brings together objects and written records relating to the abbey, broadening the perspective on the building to include its treasures and documents passed down through the centuries.

The Museo di Nonantola is located in the Torre dei Bolognesi. Across four floors, it traces Nonantola’s history from the present day back to prehistoric times. The tower still visibly retains traces of its former defensive functions, highlighting its historical importance over the centuries. Together with the Torre dei Modenesi, built in 1261, the Torre dei Bolognesi was an essential part of the medieval defence system. The two towers thus represent both the town’s history and its former defences.

History and remembrance

The Pieve di San Michele Arcangelo was built between 870 and 887 outside Nonantola’s walls for the rural population. Its location beyond the town’s walls at the time and its stated purpose are part of its historical context.

Villa Emma housed a total of 73 Jewish refugee children between 1942 and 1943. An exhibition on Villa Emma reconstructs the escape of 73 Jewish young people and their companions through a Europe marked by war and persecution. It uses photographs, documents and objects. The interior of the villa is not open to visitors.

The history of the Partecipanza Agraria also goes back a long way: the institution traces its origins to a charter issued by Abbot Gotescalco in 1058. Its permanent exhibition in the Sala dei Giuristi tells the story of the Partecipanza from the Middle Ages to the present day. Its origins in a medieval charter and an exhibition spanning the period through to the present offer two perspectives on this local institution.

Balsamic tradition and visits

Making Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena is a deeply rooted family tradition in Nonantola. More than 50 years ago, at least 20 local families were already taking part in the Palio di San Giovanni in Spilamberto with their products; the Palio was established in 1967. The connection between local families and their products gives the tradition a tangible local character.

The educational and certified Acetaia of the Partecipanza Agraria is open to visitors and offers tastings of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena. Visits must be arranged in advance. If you are interested in how the product is made and in tasting it, you can plan a visit with a tasting rather than learning about the tradition through its history alone.

Wetlands and cycling route

The Torrazzuolo Ecological Oasis encompasses woodlands, wetlands, hedgerows and a dense network of canals. The wetlands are freely accessible, provided visitors follow the rules of conduct. A wildlife observation point at the Barchessa della Pantera is also accessible to people with reduced mobility. This information applies to the observation point, not necessarily to every area of the oasis.

For a bike ride, the Via Romea Nonantolana starts in front of the abbey. After setting off in Nonantola, the route follows the Canal Torbido for about 1.5 kilometres. The approximate length of this section and its course along the canal are useful details if you would like to include a bike ride in your travel plans.

A glimpse of local life

The 31st Nonantola Agriculture and Livestock Fair took place from 25 to 27 July 2026. Its programme included demonstrations of traditional crafts, local products, a farmers’ market, street food and museums open to the public. This edition shows how agricultural themes, regional produce and cultural activities came together in one event programme. The activities listed refer to this edition.

Whether you want to focus your stay on abbey history, museum collections, regional food culture or nature, Nonantola offers a variety of ways to explore the area.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Solignano Nuovo, Sassuolo, Campogalliano, Montecreto, Pavullo Nel Frignano, Formigine, San Cesario Sul Panaro, Modena.

For the overview of the wider area: Modena.