The splendid Modena is a centre
of Emilia Romagna which lies on a vast flat basin a short distance from the Apennines, a
very lively city with a considerable, rich heritage patrimony under its iconic
symbol, the imposing Ghirlandina Tower.
Founded by the Roman
Empire in the year 183 BC Modena lived a golden era under the Dukes
of Este, noble Lords of Ferrara who consolidated themselves among
the influential dynasties in the Renaissance leading this city to occupy places
of absolute prestige.
High cultural, and artistic spheres always
find in this city a fertile soil to develop their talent and thanks to that Modena
boasts an immense monumental heritage visible in the numerous architectural
beauties scattered throughout its municipal terms.
Nowadays Modena is a very active, economic and commercial hub of relevance with its
province especially in the agri-food, textile, biomedical, metalworking and
ceramic sectors.
You can start your visit
on the magnificent, monumental and iconic Piazza Grande to be considered
unquestionably the “Salotto Modenese”, a stylish urban space where
stands the wonderful Cathedral dedicated to San Geminiano.
Its construction
developed between the years 1099 and 1319 over two centuries to create a marvel of Romanesque
art next to the superlative Ghirlandina Tower, a complex in the list of
major masterpieces concerning this architectural style.
This wonderful complex is
a living history sculpted with figures representing allegorical subjects with
protagonists monsters, dragons, biblical scenes and the miracles of
San Geminiano with the extraordinary reliefs of the master Wiligelmo
on the façade and the access portals.
You can stay in front of
this spectacular works for a while to understand the artistic concepts of this
immense artist purely linked to the history of Humanity connected to the faith
and spirituality in force in the Middle Ages.
You can continue the visit
the interior where all the mastery of Lanfranco's genius stands out, an
authentic predestined of that period.
Once inside you will admire other great works
by Michele da Firenze, Enrico da Campione, Dosso Dossi, the 17th
century nativity scene by Begarelli, works by Agostino di Duccio
and others linked to the school of the great master Piero Della Francesca.
Do not miss to visit the Diocesan
Museum which contains the splendid Metopes, witnesses of the great
artistic factory developed in Modena in the 13thcentury, which in their
own way are the face of progress in medieval sculpture.
Afterwards, dedicate a
stop in front of the Ghirlandina with its 86.12 meters in height,
it is a must, considered one of the most attractive bell towers in the world,
It takes its name from the Garland that
correspond to the balustrades visible on the octagonal part of the
structure completed by the great Arrigo da Campione.
The artist added an
extraordinary spire and balconies that were originally decorated with pinnacles
then removed during phases of remodelling.
The exterior shows
reliefs with legendary, mystical, symbolic figures such as a Triton with
sea monsters, warriors, a swooping eagle, the sacrifice of a
kid, a Medusa, King David playing a harp and lion heads.
This majestic tower was
not only used for religious but also for defensive and civil activities
Superb is the 17th
century spiral staircase that leads to the balustrade section of the
magnificent spire under the bells, one of which weighs more than two tons.
You can continue with the
Palazzo Comunale, the Town Hall, emblematic building that since the 12th
century was the seat of the political activities of the free municipality
of Modena.
Its position is very
significant because it lies within the three vital city arteries such as the
iconic Via Emilia, Via Castellari and Via Scudari where the medieval
court with a statue of Perseus is located.
The spectacular Sala
del Fuoco stands out in its interiors with the magnificent 16th century
frescoes executed by Nicolò dell'Abate and other rooms containing
pictorial masterpieces ranging from the medieval period to the early
Renaissance.
Afterwards you can pass
through the central Piazza Roma where the statue of the patriot Ciro
Menotti stands and you can visit the beautiful Church of San Domenico
remodelled between the years 1708 and 1731 at the request of the
Dukes.
The noble family called
for that work the architect Torri who projected a splendid façade stands
out with a refined baroque window and very large pilasters.
Inside you will be
delighted by fine Baroque paintings, a beautiful sculpture by Antonio
Begarelli, imposing columns that support the wonderful ellipsoidal dome
with frescoes of the Evangelists by Giuseppe Maria Mazza and paintings
by Antonio Consetti depicting the Stories of St. Dominic.
Nearby dedicate a stop at
the Church of San Giorgio, one of the most important Baroque buildings
in the heart of medieval Modena.
The development of the
church started in 1647 on a previous ecclesiastical building of the 12th
century by the architects Gaspare Vigarani and Cristoforo Malagola.
The church boasts a
beautiful façade developed in two sections by the architect Antonio Loraghi,
embellished with nine marble statues made by the sculptor Giovanni Lazzoni
assisted by his sons Andrea and Tommaso.
A pleasant walk under the
characteristic arcades of Modena that occupy a large part of the historic
center flanked by palaces erected in different periods will be a further
attraction to breathe the evocative atmosphere of this beautiful Emilian
center.
Modena is a gastronomic
mecca so you can have many choices. Very suggested as first courses Tortellini
or Cappelletti with Ragù or Maltagliati with Beans
Among second courses to
choose a good option will be between Rabbit alla Cacciatora or Slices
of Cotechino with Sautéed Peas and you can have a vast selection of local
wines.
After your lunch have a
walk through the old Jewish ghetto and visit the Estense Lapidary
with the remains of the historic Mutina and evidence of finds from Roman
Modena.
Afterwards you can visit the
Estense Gallery which houses a large collection of beautiful
masterpieces by Guercino, El Greco, Velasquez, Correggio, Bernini,
Begarelli, Dell'Abate, Reni, Mazzoni and many other illustrious artists.
The last stage of your
journey can be the Doge's Palace, the famous residence of the Este
dynasty now home to the Military Academy, a majestic Baroque palace of
great charm for its size and the refined layout of its main façade.
Modena is a superb city
with a great patrimony, elegant, stylish, full of life and you will keep very
pleasant memories with the desire to come back once again without hesitations.
Link : https://www.comune.modena.it/