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Modena, Italy. Author SIG SG 510.

Top 10 Interesting Facts about Modena, Italy

Modena is a city and municipality on the south side of the Po valley, in the province of Modena in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy.

Modena is well established for its classy historic centre. It is rich in monuments, museums, art and entertainment.

Additionally, Modena is well established for its balsamic vinegar. The city is also established for manufacturing cars such as Ferrari and Lamborghini sports cars.

The Enzo Ferrari Museum has exhibits on the life and work of the car designer, in his childhood home, plus iconic models in a futuristic building

Let’s explore the top 10 facts about Modena.

1. The City was Already in Existence in the Third century BC

The exact date of its foundation is unknown. However, it is known that it was already in existence in the 3rd century BC. The territory was inhabited by the Villanovans in the Iron Age. Later, it was inhabited by Ligurian tribes, Etruscans and the Gaulish Boii.

In 218 BC, the Boii revolted and laid siege to the city. This was during Hannibal’s invasion of Italy. The outcome of the siege is not known, but the city was most likely abandoned after Hannibal’s arrival.

2. The City was “Sacked” by the Ligurians in 177 BC

Modena, Italy. Author Kgbo.

However, Modena was refounded as a Roman Colony in 183 Bc. to be used as a military base by Marcus Aemilius Lepidus. This caused the Ligurians to “sack it” in 177 BC.

Nonetheless, it was rebuilt. It quickly became the most important centre in Cisalpine Gaul. This is because of its strategic importance. Moreover, it was at an important crossroads between Via Aemilia and the road going to Verona.

3. The Ducal Palace was the Seat of the Este Court from the 17th to 19th century

Modena, Italy. Ducal Palace. Author Palickap.

The palace was initiated by Francesco I d’Este in 1634 and completed by Francis V. It served as the seat of the Este court from the 17th to 19th century.

Golden Hall covered with gilded removable panels, was used by Duke Francis III. As his main cabinet of work.

 The palace occupies the site of the former Este Castle. Advice and guidance in the design process had been sought from the contemporary luminaries, Cortona, Bernini, and Borromini.

Currently, the palace houses the Accademia Militare di Modena, the Military Museum and a precious library.

The Palace has a Baroque façade from which the Honour Court, where the military ceremonies are held, and the Honour Staircase can be accessed. The Central Hall has a frescoed ceiling with the 17th-century Incoronation of Bradamante by Marco Antonio Franceschini.

4. The Creator of the Ferrari Car Brand- Enzi Ferrari, was Born in Modena

Museum Enzo Ferrari pays Homage to the life of the creator of the Ferrari Car Brand. The creator of the Ferrari car brand was Enzi Ferrari. Museum Enzo Ferrari was dedicated to this founder as a tribute to his life and the business he built.

Part of the museum is housed in the Legends’ original home. Sitting next to this is a modern contemporary exhibit hall.

The museum has a fantastic collection of Ferrari sports cars from various decades. Moreover, a wide selection of related memorabilia.

5. The Town Has One of the Oldest and Most Beautiful Market in Italy

The Albinelli market was Inaugurated in 1931. It is believed to be the oldest market in the town. The market is believed to be among the most beautiful in Italy.

The market is realized in Art Nouveau style. It has a fountain surmounted by the scripture of a beautiful woman. The fountain is in the centre of the market.

In this market, there are various things to shop for. Such as the fruits, vegetables, Salami and Cheese Shops. Moreover, don’t forget the fresh fish, exposed on the typical counters made of pink marble if Verona.

You can also find the pastries, little corn shops, and the gallery of bread. At the Albinelli market, you can taste the food before choosing and buying.

6. Several Buildings in Modena are a UNESCO World Heritage Site

The cathedral of Modena.Author Mongolo1984.

The cathedral of Modena is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It was built in 1099 by architect Lanfranco. The facade also has notable reliefs by Wiligelmus.

The cathedral has portraits of prophets and patriarchs. Moreover, the Biblical stories. Staging the stories of Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, and the Universal Flood.

The cathedral also has sculptural cycles dedicated to the months and the main activities that characterize them. The stories of the patron saint of the city San Geminiano and even the story of King Arthur.

 Inside, it is made up of red bricks and preserves many works of art such as frescoes, paintings, and statues. Moreover, the tomb of San Geminiano, the Patron saint of the city, is kept in the underground crypt.

Other buildings are the Torre della Ghirlandina and Piazza Grande. These three buildings became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.

7. Modena has a Strong Sporting Tradition

1960 Modena F2 GP.Unknown Author.

The city is linked mainly to motor racing. The founder of the eponymous motor racing car was born in Modena, Enzo Ferrari. The Ferrari 360 Modena was named after the city.

Additionally, the city had two major football clubs. These are Modena F.C. and Serie B team Carpi F.C. 1909.

Modena F.C played in Serie B for many years but was dissolved in 2017. In 2018, Modena F.C. was reincarnated as Modena F.C. 2018.

The city is not left behind with volleyball. Volleyball plays an important role in Modena’s sports history. Modena Volley won 12 National championships, four Champion’s League seasons, and other trophies.

Moreover, the Modena BBC baseball club has 59 years of tradition. Currently, the club is playing in the A-Series of the Italian Bassbay league.

8. Modena has an Extensive History Intertwined with Car Manufacturing and Motorsport

Modena is one of Italy’s main centres of the automotive industry. It has rich history and tradition in this field. The iconic Ferrari brand was founded in Modena by Enzi Ferrari.

The headquarters of the Ferrari brand is just outside the city. Several other Italian luxury automobile manufacturers such as Pagani, Lamborghini, and Maserati are headquartered in the Modena area. The electric motorcycle maker Energica Motor Company is headquartered in the city.

Additionally, Panini Motor Museum is one of the museums that provide an immense display of historic vehicles from a variety of eras.

 It has a collection of over 20 different Vintage Masserati Sports cars. Models include 1936 6CM and the Berlinetta Pinifarina which won the Mille Miglia.

9. The City has a Rich and Diversified Cuisine

A Cotechino Modena. Author J.P.Lon

Modena is rich in cuisines such as meats, harm and salamis. The famous Modenese dishes cotechino Modena. Cotechino dates back to around 1511. The people had to find a way to preserve meat and use the less tender cuts, so made the cotechino.

Modena’s contributions to the Italian pasta culture are tortellini and tortelloni. They are squares of pasta shaped in the form of a ring and stuffed with meat or cheese.

10. The Town has a Unique Museum that has a fantastic collection of figurines and collectables 

The Museo della figurina (Collectible Card Museum) is a museum dedicated to collectable cards. Opened on December 15, 2006.

The collectable cards museum was born as a result of the will and passion of the collector, Giuseppe Panini. The founder of the Panini Group and creator of the renewal of the collectable cards.

Not only the collectable cards in this museum. It also houses a Barber calendar, cigarette cards, placemarks, menus, sealing stamps, hotel labels and other smaller collections.