Modena: City Centre Tour

Modena is one of the lesser-known Italian cities, made famous by the likes of Ferrari and Maserati, Pavarotti, balsamic vinegar and tortellini. Despite its small size, whatever you're looking for, Modena has it: history, traditions, art, one of the best Italian cuisine but also innovation, where the Old and the New come together. Modena is a Historic university town, both quiet and lively, a place where modernity and tradition meet. Its cobblestone streets and buildings give you the opportunity to relive the medieval town still filled by the echoes of the court of the Este family, who transformed the city into the capital of their Duchy in 1598 when they left Ferrara. Modena is home to the 12th century Saint Geminiano Cathedral, a supreme example of Romanesque art. Now the Cathedral with its soaring Tower and its Piazza Grande are Unesco World Heritage monuments. It is one of the best examples of an architectural complex where religious and civic values are combined in a medieval town.

ITINERARY
The walking tour starts from Piazza Roma, meeting place, where the Estes' Ducal Palace is located, presently seat of a Military Academy. During the tour there is also the possibility to visit the oldest Delicatessen in Europe. The "salumeria Giusti" was founded in 1605. Down via Farini and Via Emilia one reaches Piazza Grande, where stand the most important monuments of Modena: Saint Geminiano Cathedral (it is possible to visit the interior according to the opening times and services), the Ghirlandina tower and the old Town hall. The visit continues with the monuments and old streets near the Piazza Grande, like the Via Emilia, the main urban artery since the Roman age, and Largo Garibaldi. The tour ends with the visit of the area of the former Jewish Ghetto, where the historical synagogue is located.