The city of Modena is located in the Italian province of Emilia-Romagna - in the Northwest of the Apennine Peninsula. And although, like many other Italian cities, it is famous for its rich history, rooted in the days of Ancient Rome. In addition, the city was renowned throughout the world by its famous native Luciano Pavarotti. So for admirers of the opera Modena - a very significant point on the map of their trip to Italy. However, Modena will also offer people to the opera absolutely indifferent a very interesting and eventful program for a day or two to visit.
San Cataldo Cemetery
Although San Cataldo is a full-fledged cemetery, still, it is considered one of the main attractions of Modena. Famous architects such as Cesare Costa and Aldo Rossi had their hands on its design. Due to the unusual nature of the cemetery at the beginning of the twentieth century, the city authorities included it in the list of architectural masterpieces of Modena. The cemetery surprises visitors with its harmonious layout: all the gravestones and monuments are located parallel to each other so that they direct the axis to the center, where the main crypt rises majestically.
Palazzo dei musei
A museum with an amazing history. Initially, the building was used as a royal arsenal (XVIII century.). A century later, it turned into a museum, and after some time it became an urban poorhouse. Today in the building Palazzo dei musei many important historical documents are stored, some of which date back to the XIV century, and there is also a municipal art library.
Grande Square - the main square of Modena
Grande Square
As the name suggests, Grande - main square of modena. This place still serves as a natural, vivid example of how luxuriously the venues for public speaking took shape in the Middle Ages. To this day, the restored "pillar of shame", on which criminals were punished, testifies to the cruelty of the morals of the Middle Ages. The whole layout of the Grande Square resembles an ancient amphitheater, since in those days the mass events were similar to theatrical productions.
Bonissima
Initially adorning Grande Square, later the sculpture was moved to Scudari Street. Bonissima - This is a statue of a woman holding a pomegranate fruit to her chest. The prototype of the sculpture is considered Matilda di Canossa. She was worshiped as the goddess of the harvest and believed that, thanks to her patronage, Modena flourished even in the most difficult periods.
Palazzo Ducale
The construction of the palace is the merit of the Dukes of Este. The Palazzo Ducale was erected in the XVII century, but its design was constantly updated and improved, thanks to which it can be fully said that construction was carried out until the XX century. Today, the Military Academy is located in the Palazzo building. On public holidays at the Dukale Palace, one can observe vivid military parades, and on weekdays - cadet maneuvers in the courtyard. Palazzo Ducale considered to be exactly that attraction, which no tourist can pass by.
Duomo Cathedral
Cathedral Duomo in Modena built in the best traditions of Italians love for the pomp of such structures. The snow-white facades of the Duomo and its bell tower seem to rush to heaven, and the carved walls amaze with their beauty and grace. Various festivals and carnivals are often held in front of the Cathedral on the square, which makes visiting one of these days especially interesting and full of mysterious charm.
The Modena Cathedral is very difficult to capture in one shot.
Cathedral of San Giuseppe
Some tourists confuse the Cathedral of San Giuseppe with the Duomo - the building is also full of grandeur. Cathedral of San Giuseppe It was erected back in the XI century and it is from then on that the elongated stained glass windows and wall paintings have been preserved in the cathedral. Even after the recent restoration, the interior of the Cathedral of San Giuseppe remained unchanged, and all the ancient masterpieces remained in their original places.
Gardens of Estense
Gardens of Estense - A place perfect for an evening rendezvous of Modena and it is no coincidence that it is one of the favorite places of citizens and tourists. Cobblestone paths lead to the pond in the center, and on the sides of them are arranged nice benches for relaxation. A monument to Garibaldi’s comrades-in-arms is also erected here and a breathtaking view of the Cathedral of San Giuseppe opens.
Photos by VivianaG, davidtsousa, Città di Modena, and gatogrunge
