THE CATHEDRAL OF MODENA, A WORLD HERITAGE SITE

Recognised by Unesco as a "masterpiece of human creative genius", the Cathedral (the so-called Duomo) and its tower, as well as the adjacent Piazza Grande (the main square), have been declared World Heritage Site. Tourists from all over the world visit Modena in order to admire this true jewel of Romanesque art and to discover the stories that it tells through its visual masterpieces, involving miracles, dames and knights, demons, wild beasts and fantastic creatures. These tales were carved in stone almost 1000 years ago but they are still surprisingly relevant.

A few steps away you'll find 2 iconic symbols from the past: the "Preda Ringadora" (dialect for Haranguing Stone) and the "Bonissima" (a representation of Good Judgement). They might appear like a simple rock boulder and a modest statue but, as you will discover, they have been part of the history of Modena.

A CLOSE-UP VIEW OF MODENA

An in-depth itinerary in the heart of the city, from Palazzo Ducale to Piazza Grande, proceeding among the traces of the ancient Mutina of Roman times.

The city of Modena has given birth to Italian legends such as Luciano Pavarotti, to whom the local theater is entitled, as well as Enzo Ferrari, with the futuristic museum named after him. Modena is also a land full of culinary and enological tradition: Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale (Traditional Balsamic Vinegar), Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, Lambrusco wine and Tortellini pasta are just a few of the many specialties you will be able to taste and purchase at the historic indoor Albinelli Market, which offers an authentic Emilian atmosphere.

THE FERRARI MUSEUM

The best place in the world for a look back to the history of Ferrari. It features the house in which Enzo Ferrari was born in 1889, the adjoinig mechanic's workshop owned by his father Alfredo, and the futuristic pillar-free hall with architectural references to the shape of 1950s racing car bodyworks.

Awesome cars, anecdotes, precious mementoes from the past mixed up with state-of-the-art technology lead visitors through an exciting, emotional journey that will allow you to discover a Modenese myth beloved all over the world.

THE HILL OF MIRACLES, HISTORY AND MARVELS

The sanctuary of Fiorano Modenese was declared Minor Basilica in 1989 and for centuries it has been a major pilgrimage destination, visited by thousands of people. Here you will find the Sacred Image of the Blessed Virgin of the Castle, whose miracles have been acknowledged by the Catholic Church. Our itinerary starts from the so-called "Borghi Inferiori" (Lowland Villages) of Medieval origin, heading to the Sanctuary plaza, where the remains of the ancient castles, destroyed in 1510, have been recently dug out. Beyond the splendor of its official art, a visit to the Minor Basilica will allow you to discover a popular arts form called "ex voto", a vivid social and religious evidence from our past.

BAROQUE SPLENDOR IN SASSUOLO

The Ducal Palace of Sassuolo, wonderful example of Baroque culture, was also called "delizia" (delight) for its eminent and spectacular architecture surrounded by large green areas, and because of the then-ruling family of the House of Este used it as its leisure and vacation residency. Inside the building, after walking through the Staircase of Honour, visitors gain access to the “Piano Nobile”, whose rooms were once inhabited by the members of the most powerful aristocracy in Modena, such as the Gallery of Bacchus, the Apartment of the Duke, the Hall of the Guards, the Stucco Apartment and the Apartment of the Duchess.

PARMA AND ITS HIDDEN JEWELS

This walk will allow you to discover intimate, unknown and eternally fascinating places such as the Camera della Badessa (Abbess Chamber) in the former monastery of St. Paul - Correggio's masterpiece admired for 250 years only by the nuns that lived there in seclusion - or the Spezieria di San Giovanni, an ancient Benedictine pharmacy that preserved its suggestive and remote atmosphere. Another attraction on the tour is the amazing Teatro Farnese, a splendid example of court theatre entirely made of wood. Also, you'll have the chance to visit the Cathedral and the nearby Baptistery, whose rich interiors are a great example of Medieval art.

THE MASTERPIECES OF THE MAGNANI ROCCA FOUNDATION

Located inside a magnificent villa surrounded by a large Romantic park at the foothills of Mamiano di Traversetolo (Parma), you will discover the prestigious collection of Luigi Magnani. Alongside sumptuous period furniture, the visitors are treated to masterpieces by Tiziano, Rubens, Van Dyck, Goya, Gentile da Fabriano, Monet, Renoir, Cézanne, Canova, De Chirico, Burri and 50 works of art by Giorgio Morandi. In addition to the permanent collection, the Foundation hosts two annual temporary exhibitions, in Spring and Autumn, dedicated to 20th century art.

REGGIO EMILIA, CITY OF THE ITALIAN FLAG

After being welcomed by Santiago Calatrava’s futuristic bridges, you will enter a typical Emilian town that quietly guards its own jewels: the extraordinary Baroque sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of Ghiara, the Tricolore Hall where the Italian flag was born, Piazza San Prospero with its majestic marble lions, the elegant aristocratic buildings alongside Via Emilia as well as the new Museum Palace recently designed by Italo Rota.

BOLOGNA, THE CITY CENTRE

This is a carefully selected itinerary among the most important monuments and historic landmarks of the city: the wooden colonnade of Casa Isolani (a rarity among Bologna's 40 km of porticos), a great number of towers, the fascinating complex of the "Sette Chiese" (Seven Churches), the old market alley, the curiosities about Piazza Grande (the main square) and the Basilica of San Petronio. An opportunity to enjoy the city from a different point of view and bring home a special memory of the Emilian region capital.