Before you go

Your trip to Módena.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

Módena – Emília-Romanha Destination Bolonha e Emília-Romanha about 45 km from Bolonha

How to get there

Aeroporto di Bologna Guglielmo Marconi (BLQ) Bolonha · 45 km
Modena 1 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

Confirm before buying. From Bolonha, the regional train reaches Módena station in about 25 to 35 minutes; from Milão there are direct trains taking about 1h30 to 2 hours, depending on the type of train. The most used airport is Bolonha.

How many days

One day is enough for the Duomo, the Ghirlandina, the Piazza Grande, the Mercato Albinelli and the Galleria Estense. Adding the two Ferrari museums, allow a day and a half or two. Those wishing to visit aceto producers in the countryside need an extra half day.

When to go

Spring, in April and May, and autumn, in September and October, usually have the most pleasant weather. Summers are humid and sultry, and between December and February the cold comes with fog. The guided tour of the Palazzo Ducale only takes place on Saturdays and Sundays.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

Not for the city center: the historic center is small and has a ZTL, a limited-traffic zone closed to outside cars. The Museo Enzo Ferrari is a few minutes' walk from the station. To Maranello there are buses from Módena station. A car is helpful to reach aceto balsamico producers and dairies in the countryside.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Módena

Morning
Piazza Grande and Duomo
Arrive early by train and walk to the Piazza Grande. Enter the Duomo di Modena and take your time to look at Wiligelmo's reliefs on the façade and the crypt of San Geminiano. Climb the Torre Ghirlandina at the reserved time.
Afternoon
Mercato Albinelli and Galleria Estense
Stop by the Mercato Albinelli, the city's covered market, and have lunch nearby. Then head to the Palazzo dei Musei to see the Galleria Estense, with works by Velázquez, El Greco and Bernini.
Late afternoon
Museo Enzo Ferrari
Walk to the Museo Enzo Ferrari, near the station, and see the house-workshop where Ferrari's founder was born and the yellow pavilion with the cars.
Evening
Dinner with balsamic
Dine in the center and try tortellini or tigelle, small round breads served with cold cuts, accompanied by Lambrusco wine. Ask for a few drops of aceto balsamico tradizionale over shards of parmigiano.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

Is it possible to do a day trip from Bolonha to Módena?

Yes. The regional train takes about half an hour and departs several times an hour from Bologna Centrale station. Módena station is about a 15-minute walk from the Piazza Grande.

What's the difference between aceto balsamico tradizionale and the common one?

Aceto balsamico tradizionale di Modena DOP is made only from cooked grape must and is aged for at least 12 years in barrels of different woods. It is thick and used in drops. Aceto balsamico di Modena IGP, more common, also contains wine vinegar and is aged for a shorter time.

Are the two Ferrari museums together?

No. The Museo Enzo Ferrari is in Módena, near the station, and the Museo Ferrari is in Maranello, about 20 km away. There is a bus linking Módena station to the two museums; check schedules before going.

Do you need to reserve the ascent to the Ghirlandina?

Yes. Entry to the tower is only allowed at a scheduled time, in small groups. Reservations are made at the city's tourist office or online.

What is the Secchia Rapita?

It is a wooden bucket that the people of Módena took from the Bolognese in a battle in 1325. It became a symbol of the rivalry between the two cities and inspired a satirical poem in the 17th century. A copy is kept in the Ghirlandina.

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