MODENA, ITALIA

March 29
Modena needs more than a few hours but we made the most of it while we could and plan to return. It is only an hour and a half from Vicenza and it is an easy drive. The city is known for its food and cars [Ferrari, Lamborghini, Pagani, Maserati, De Tomaso]. Look for real balsamic vinegar, giant tortellini, Lambrusco wine and amazing restaurants. We actually found a delicious spot located in a small piazza away from the main hustle and bustle called Zelmira. It is a great restaurant in Piazzetta S. Giacomo and serves delicious meals and vino! 

View from our table

Modena was built along Via Emilia. It started as Etruscan and then was later claimed by the Celts and the Romans. It changed hands in the 18th century and again in the 19th century under Austrian-Estense rule.

When we arrived we meandered through the cobblestone streets and found our way to Piazza Grande, which is the heart of the city. It was a Sunday and they had a market full of jewelry, antiques and furniture. The piazza is also home to the white marble Romanesque Cathedral which was designed by Lanfranco and sculptor Wiligelmo. The piazza is surrounded by Palazzo Comunale, which is currently the Town Hall, and the Ghirlandia Tower.   

We then headed to Ducal Palace and Piazza della Pomposa, where there are lots of great bars and restaurants. We enjoyed wandering around the city, looking into small shops and stopping to look down all of the streets. 

The city offers many great museums, such as the Lapidary Museum, Estense Gallery, Civic Museum, etc.