Getting around in Modena
What to do in Modena and around
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The weekend before the School Modena is hosting the famous Philosophy Festival. The theme of this edition of the Festival is “Parola” (“Word”). Lectures will be also in English. It is a funny weekend and we advise to book in advance for those days.
Modena is also a UNESCO site and its World Heritage Site includes the Ghirlandina Tower, Piazza Grande, and Modena’s Cathedral, a masterpiece of human creative genius and one of the best examples of Romanesque style in the world. The Gallerie Estensi is house one of Italy’s most important collections of art and stands as a testament to the passion for collecting shared by the Estense Dukes.
Modena is also the birthplace of Enzo Ferrari, and automobile manufacturing and legends of speed are an integral part of local culture. A talent for business, a passion for high-performance machines, a devotion to the possibilities of mythical speed—those ingredients have made Modena the car capital of Italy and the world, in the heart of the Motor Valley. There are two Ferrari Museums, one located in Modena and another in nearby Maranello.
Finally, Modena and its surrounding countryside are known and envied the world over for the outstanding food and wine they produce. Modena is the ideal destination for food lovers and hosts the Osteria Francescana, run by chef Massimo Bottura, more than once elected as Best restaurant in the world in the World’s 50 Best ranking. Bottura also runs other restaurants in Modena, like Franceschetta58, Il Cavallino (in the nearby Maranello) and Casa Maria Luigia.
For a complete guide you may also consult Visitmodena.it.
Restaurants in Modena (our recommendations)
Hostaria Vecchia Pirri
Local cuisine (tortellini, tagliatelle, etc.), pizza.
10 minutes by walking from the center of Modena.
Only valid for reservations involving at least 10 people: if you provide the name “ELLIS UNIMORE” during reservation, a 10% discount will be applied to pizzas and a 20% discount to the other local dishes.
Bulldog
Traditional food from Modena, homemade pasta, Milanese cutlet.
10 minutes by walking from the center of Modena.
Only valid for reservations involving at least 10 people: fixed-price menu at €25,00 per person (only for reservations under the name “ELLIS UNIMORE”). The menu consists of an appetizer, two pasta dishes, a second course, water, coffee, and a small glass of Limoncello. Lambrusco wine is also available (€30,00 per person in this case); other beverages are excluded.
Pubs, drink and aperitifs
Pomposa Square and “del Taglio” Street
In the centre of Modena, the heart of nightlife.
5 minutes by walking from the cathedral.
Some places: Juta Cafe, Stile Libero, Bottega 39.
Gallucci Street
In the centre of Modena, the heart of nightlife.
5 minutes by walking from the cathedral.
Some places: Griffin’s Irish Pub, Mr. Brown, The Moreover.
Albinelli Covered Market
A wonderful Art-Nouveau covered market built in the 1920s.
Just few steps away from the cathedral.
Traditional foods and local specialities: balsamic vinegar of Modena, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, crescentine (or tigelle), and so on.
Public Garden Ducale Estense
A beautiful garden that is lined with trees and walkways.
Just few steps away from the Military Academy.
A wonderful 17th-century building called Palazzina dei Giardini stands inside the park.
Bobotti
For drinks and appetizers.
Beautiful location, only 5 minutes by walking from the center of Modena.