MODENA & THE MOTOR VALLEY
Modena and the Motor Valley is the true heartland of Italian speed, design, and unparalleled cuisine. It is home to legendary luxury car and motorcycle brands, making it a thrilling destination for enthusiasts.
This region of Emilia-Romagna perfectly marries the medieval elegance of Modena’s historic center with the futuristic technology of its automotive factories and museums.
Most Popular Attractions
Modena City Core & Culture:
Modena Cathedral & Ghirlandina Tower: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this Romanesque masterpiece and its iconic leaning bell tower are the city’s symbols.
Piazza Grande: The main square of Modena, a vibrant public space and part of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage core.
Palazzo Ducale di Modena (Ducal Palace): A grand Baroque palace, formerly the seat of the Este Dukes, now home to a military academy.
Galleria Estense: Located in the Palazzo dei Musei, this gallery houses the art collection of the Este Dukes, including works by Velázquez and Bernini.
Museo Civico d’Arte (Civic Art Museum): Features collections spanning archaeology, ethnology, and medieval to contemporary art.
Mercato Albinelli: A historic Art Nouveau covered market, perfect for experiencing the local culinary scene and purchasing regional products.
Palazzo Comunale (Town Hall): Located on Piazza Grande, featuring grand historical rooms.
Teatro Comunale Luciano Pavarotti: Modena’s opera house, dedicated to the city’s world-famous tenor.
Acetaia Comunale (Municipal Vinegar Cellar): Located in the Palazzo Comunale, showcasing the aging process of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena.
Musei del Duomo (Cathedral Museums): Two museums (Lapidario and Duomo Museum) dedicated to the history and artifacts of the Cathedral.
The Motor Valley Experience (Modena & Surrounding Area):
Museo Enzo Ferrari (MEF) (Modena): A futuristic yellow aluminum building surrounding the house where Enzo Ferrari was born, dedicated to his life and the brand’s history.
Museo Ferrari (Maranello): Located right next to the historic factory, focusing on the company’s racing heritage, Formula 1 cars, and road cars.
Maserati Factory & Showroom (Modena): Offers a view into the luxury sports car manufacturer’s history and current models.
Pagani Automobili Factory & Museum (San Cesario sul Panaro): Visit the production site and museum dedicated to the exclusive Pagani hypercars.
Lamborghini Museum (Sant’Agata Bolognese): A collection of historic and modern Lamborghini supercars.
Ferruccio Lamborghini Museum (Funo di Argelato): Dedicated to the life and complete industrial production of the founder, Ferruccio Lamborghini.
Autodromo di Modena (Modena Racetrack): A circuit offering the chance to drive high-performance cars or participate in driving experiences.
Umberto Panini Historic Car and Motorcycle Collection (Modena): A private collection, now the official custodian of the historic Maserati collection.
Culinary & Countryside Excursions:
Traditional Balsamic Vinegar Producers (Acetaia Tour): Visit a local producer to learn about and taste the authentic Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena DOP.
Parmigiano Reggiano Factory Tour (Caseificio): Tour a cheese factory to see how the world-famous cheese is made and aged.
FICO Eataly World (Bologna – nearby): The world’s largest agri-food park, offering classes, markets, and restaurants celebrating Italian cuisine.
Castelvetro di Modena: A picturesque hilltop town known for its medieval architecture and surrounding Lambrusco vineyards.
Rocchetta Mattei (Grizzana Morandi – nearby): A unique, eclectic castle combining diverse architectural styles.
Activities & Experiences
Take a Factory & Museum Tour at Ferrari (Maranello): Visit the historic headquarters, explore the official museum showcasing Formula 1 and road cars, and take a shuttle tour of the complex and the Fiorano test track.
Explore the Enzo Ferrari Museum (Modena): Discover the life of Enzo Ferrari and marvel at an extraordinary collection of high-performance cars and historic engines in the futuristic pavilion.
Visit the Pagani Factory and Museum: Take an exclusive tour of the boutique atelier in San Cesario sul Panaro to see how Horacio Pagani’s hypercars (Zonda, Huayra) are hand-built like works of art.
Drive a Supercar on the Autodromo di Modena: Fulfill a racing dream by getting behind the wheel of a Ferrari or Lamborghini on a professional circuit for a thrilling track experience.
Tour a Traditional Balsamic Vinegar (Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena DOP) Producer: Visit a historic Acetaia to learn about the centuries-old production process, from the cooked grape must to the slow aging in wooden barrels, followed by a tasting of the ‘black gold’.
Take a Hands-on Italian Cooking Class: Learn to make quintessential Emilian dishes, such as fresh egg pasta (tagliatelle, tortellini) and other local specialties, often paired with Lambrusco wine.
Visit a Parmigiano Reggiano Dairy Farm (Caseificio): Witness the fascinating, labor-intensive morning process of creating the “King of Cheeses,” concluding with a tasting of different ages.
Stroll through Piazza Grande and the Duomo (UNESCO World Heritage Site): Explore Modena’s heart, a stunning example of Romanesque architecture, and climb the Ghirlandina Tower for panoramic city views.
Discover the Umberto Panini Motor Museum (Maserati Collection): Located on the Hombre Farm, this private collection features a priceless selection of vintage Maserati cars and other historic vehicles.
Experience the Mercato Albinelli: Immerse yourself in the bustling Art Nouveau indoor food market, a perfect spot to shop for local delicacies, grab a quick lunch, or simply people-watch.
Visit the Luciano Pavarotti House Museum: Tour the private home where the legendary tenor lived and worked, featuring personal objects, costumes, and memorabilia.
Local Tips & Transport
Walking and Biking in Modena: The city of Modena’s historic center is perfectly sized for walking. Most major attractions, including the Duomo, the MEF (Enzo Ferrari Museum), and the Mercato Albinelli, are within comfortable walking distance. Modena is also very bike-friendly, with public bike-sharing services (C’entro in Bici) and dedicated lanes.
Public Transport in the City: For longer distances within the city and to immediate suburbs, the public bus network (SETA) is efficient. You can purchase tickets at newsstands or directly on the bus using a contactless credit card.
Getting to Maranello and the Motor Valley Sites:
Ferrari Shuttle Bus: A dedicated shuttle connects the Modena train station, the Enzo Ferrari Museum (MEF), and the Ferrari Museum in Maranello. This is the simplest way to visit the two main Ferrari sites. Tickets can be purchased online.
Car is Recommended for the Full Valley: While the main sites have shuttle or bus connections, a rental car provides the most flexibility for visiting off-the-beaten-path acetaie, Parmigiano factories, the Panini Museum, or other brand factories like Pagani (in San Cesario sul Panaro) and Lamborghini (in Sant’Agata Bolognese).
Train Connections: Modena is on the major rail line, with frequent regional trains to nearby cities like Bologna (the nearest major airport, BLQ) and Parma, making it easy to use as a base for exploring the wider Emilia-Romagna region.
Book Motor Valley Tours Early: Factory tours and museum visits for major brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Pagani often have limited capacity, especially the factory-floor tours (which are usually a separate ticket and strictly regulated). Book your tickets and time slots weeks, or even months, in advance to avoid disappointment.
The Importance of Slow Food: The region’s other nickname is “Food Valley.” Don’t rush your culinary experiences. Focus on the PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) products: Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and Prosciutto di Modena. A meal should be a multi-course event, often accompanied by local sparkling red wine, Lambrusco.
Dinner Times: Dining follows the late Italian schedule. Lunch is usually from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, and dinner rarely starts before 8:00 PM, with 9:00 PM being common for a full meal. Restaurants that open early are often aimed at tourists.
Hidden Culinary Gem: Modena is home to Osteria Francescana, a three-Michelin-starred restaurant often ranked among the world’s best. Booking is notoriously difficult, requiring a reservation far in advance. If you can’t get in, try its more accessible sister restaurant, Franceschetta 58.
Hidden Gems:
The Ducal Palace of Modena: A grand Baroque palace that now houses the Military Academy. While not fully open to the public, the stunning courtyard and grounds are worth a visit, and guided tours are sometimes available.
The Sant’Agostino Church: Often overlooked, this church features a beautiful, lesser-known collection of Romanesque art and a quiet, peaceful atmosphere away from the main square.
Via Emilia: The historic Roman road that still runs directly through the center of Modena (and the entire region), connecting the great cities of Emilia-Romagna. Walking along this road gives you a sense of the region’s ancient history.
Taste of Tradition in the City: If you can’t get out to an acetaia, visit the city-center Acetaia di Giorgio for an authentic, family-run tasting experience without leaving the city.
Top Restaurants
Trattoria Aldina [$15-$30] – Located above the Mercato Albinelli, this lunch-only spot offers a truly authentic, no-frills Modenese experience with a recited menu of fresh, handmade pasta and traditional dishes.
Ristorante Da Danilo [$20-$35] – A historic and very well-regarded trattoria near the Duomo, famous for its excellent traditional dishes like tortellini in brodo (in broth), gnocco fritto, and the use of authentic Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena.
Hosteria Giusti [$30-$50] – A legendary, tiny, 4-table restaurant accessed through a historic salumeria (delicatessen). It serves refined, classic Modenese cuisine and is a truly exclusive, intimate, and authentic experience (lunch only, reservations months in advance are essential).
Trattoria Il Fantino [$20-$35] – A cozy, rustic, and laid-back trattoria known for traditional homemade dishes, including excellent gramigna with sausage and cream, as well as gnocco fritto and tigelle.
Trattoria Pomposa al Re Gras [$15-$30] – A great choice for traditional flavors at a good price, popular with locals for classic Emilian-Romagnolan cuisine.
Trattoria Bianca [$15-$30] – Offers authentically Modenese dishes, including excellent gnocco fritto, served in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Da Enzo [$15-$30] – A charming trattoria in the historic center, offering a deep dive into Modena’s traditional kitchen, often mentioned as a local, non-touristy choice.
Antica Trattoria Cervetta [$20-$35] – A well-known spot offering traditional Emilian cuisine in a pleasant setting, popular among locals.
Vecchia Pirri [$15-$30] – Often filled with locals, this spot is great for homemade pasta, wood-fire oven pizzas, and traditional dishes like scaloppini with Parmigiano-Reggiano sauce.
Antica Osteria del Mirasole [$30-$50] – Located outside Modena (east, near San Giovanni in Persiceto), this historic osteria is famous for delicious grilled meats and a bastion of traditional Emilian flavors.
Franceschetta 58 [$40-$70] – The more casual, contemporary “little cousin” of Osteria Francescana, offering a modern brasserie experience with creatively reinterpreted Modenese classics, like their famous tortellini in Parmigiano-Reggiano cream.
Archer Modena [$20-$40] – An enoteca and wine bar in the city center focusing on natural wines alongside a small kitchen serving delicious cheese, cured meats (like Culatello di Zibello), and gourmet treats.
Ristorante Enoteca Ristretto [$30-$50] – Offers classic Italian cooking with a contemporary flair, known for its delicious food and creative twists.
L’Erba del Re [$60-$100] – An elegant restaurant offering visually striking, contemporary dishes in a refined and modern atmosphere, blending tradition with modern techniques.
I Sapori Delle Vacche Rosse [$25-$45] – While primarily a Parmigiano-Reggiano producer, their attached restaurant offers excellent traditional dishes centered around their high-quality cheese.
La Lanterna di Diogene [$30-$50] – Located outside Modena, this Agriturismo is known for its sensational Lambrusco list and a restaurant and farm that focuses on traditional cuisine with local ingredients.
Oca Bianca Modena [$25-$45] – A restaurant offering Emilian cuisine with a focus on quality and a modern, enjoyable dining experience.
La Trattoria di Modena [$20-$35] – A traditional-style trattoria offering local dishes with a focus on quality ingredients, often with a slight contemporary touch.
Osteria Francescana [$350+] – Chef Massimo Bottura’s world-renowned, Three-Michelin-Starred restaurant, offering an avant-garde dining experience that is a journey through Italian culinary history and art (reservations are extremely difficult and far in advance).
Cavallino [$80-$150] – Located in Maranello, this is a collaboration between Ferrari and Massimo Bottura, housed in Enzo Ferrari’s favored historic restaurant, offering a refined Italian dining experience with a focus on the Emilian tradition.
Antica Moka [$80-$120] – Nestled just outside Modena, this elegant trattoria beautifully marries tradition with innovation, often featuring creative tasting menus.
Locanda in San Francesco [$70-$110] – A high-end spot known for its refined take on Emilian cuisine, offering a sophisticated dining experience in the city center.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Aria Cocktail Bar: Located on the rooftop of the Executive Spa Hotel in Fiorano Modenese (part of the Motor Valley area, just south of Modena), this elegant lounge offers classic and trendy cocktails with stunning sunset views.
Cesare Modena: Situated on Via Carteria in the heart of Modena, this premier cocktail bar is known for its dedication to mixology, offering an extensive menu of unique and expertly crafted cocktails in a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Canalino Market Caffè: Found in Modena, this café is known for having a fun and creative cocktail list, making it a great stop for a mixed drink.
Archer: This natural wine bar in Modena is a great spot for an aperitivo, serving amazing wines from Italy, France, and Slovenia alongside delicious local cheese and cured meats.
La Bicicletta: A nice spot in Modena for a traditional Italian aperitivo, offering drinks paired with small local bites.
Mon Cafè: While known for breakfast, this spot in Modena also has an awesome wine list, making it a good choice for a drink in a central location.
The Last Drop: Located in Maranello, the home of Ferrari, this bar is mentioned as a good spot for an aperitivo in the Motor Valley area.
Lounge Bar (Hotel Maranello Village): Found in the lobby of a themed hotel in Maranello, this bar offers snacks and trendy cocktails in a calm, informal setting, with an outdoor terrace.
Santa Cocktail Club: An ideal spot in Sassuolo, just outside Modena, to enjoy unique cocktails and experience the art of mixology in an exclusive ambiance.
Bar Schiavoni: Located near Mercato Albinelli in Modena, this historic spot is famous for its simple, traditional Modenese atmosphere and is perfect for a pre-lunch or pre-dinner glass of wine.
Bar Capri: Situated in Carpi, north of Modena, this bar offers a variety of signature drinks, like their namesake spritz and other classic cocktails, in a lively setting.
The Queen’S Tavern: A popular pub in Carpi, offering a good spot for a casual drink, including beers and simple mixes.
Hotel Carpi Lounge Bar: Located in the Hotel Carpi, this bar provides a comfortable and classy environment in Carpi for guests and visitors to enjoy signature cocktails or a selection of fine wines.
B-Officina: Found in Carpi, this spot is noted as a good bar for a relaxed evening drink.
Caffè Nero: A bar in Carpi where you can enjoy a drink in a traditional Italian setting.
Crystal Club: A premier nightclub nestled in the heart of Modena, renowned for its lively atmosphere, chic interior, and pulsating beats spun by talented DJs, making it a central destination for dancing.
Tube Club: A prominent nightlife establishment in Modena that acts as a container for various venues, including dedicated spaces for music and drinks, centrally located to offer a diverse night out.
Bamboo Music&Drink: Part of the Tube Club complex in Modena, this space focuses on music and drinks, offering a dynamic environment for a night out in the city.
Cotton Club: Another venue within the Tube Club complex in Modena, providing one of the multiple options for enjoying music and a lively atmosphere in a central location.
Bugs Bunny Club: Located as part of the Tube Club offerings in Modena, it contributes to the diverse nightlife options available in the city center.
Marilyn: One of the venues found within Modena’s Tube Club, offering a specific ambiance within the larger nightlife scene.
Condor: This spot is a part of the vibrant nightlife options contained within the Tube Club complex in Modena.
Kill Your Idols: Another of the various establishments grouped under the Tube Club umbrella, providing different music and drink experiences in Modena.
Big Bijou: A venue located within the Tube Club complex in Modena, contributing to the city’s diverse and energetic nightlife.
Juta: Found among the options in Modena’s Tube Club, this spot caters to the city’s party-goers looking for music and drinks.