Italy, Modena: attractions and photos

Italy is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Its rich history and amazing nature amaze and attract. Therefore, tours to Italy enjoy constant popularity with tourists. Such famous cities as Rome, Venice, Florence, Naples, Bologna, Genoa, San Remo, Milan, Pisa and Sorrento, in the view do not need. Although time in Italy can be done well in other, less well-known places. Any of them has an ancient history and unique beauty. Each city is proud of the sunny and eternally young Italy, Modena is one of such settlements.

History

The history of the city is more than two thousand years old. It is mentioned as one of the conquered by the Roman Empire and turned into a colony over time. However, at that time the city had the name Moutin. It is located on the Emilia road, which was very convenient from a strategic point of view. And after colonization in Moutine the Roman garrison settled down. But this did not save him from numerous wars and destruction.

Since the ninth century, Modena has been constantly changing the protectorate, but already in the twelfth century it has become independent and quite influential. Rapid development of the city begins. In 1175, one of the first universities in Europe was founded. In 1288, the city passes to the power of the Este family. And in 1598 Modena became the capital of this principality. Today Modena is a very developed city, whose economy and social protection are at a high level. Unfortunately, not all Italy can boast of this. Modena is one of the richest cities in the country, due to its location. The city is located in one of the oldest and most developed regions of Europe, occupying the central part of the Po Valley, it is located at the intersection of the continental trade routes.

Duomo Cathedral

Magnificent cathedrals, wide squares and wonderful parks decorated Italy, Modena is no exception. One of the most famous landmarks of the city is the Duomo cathedral. They built it out of the stones that remained on the ruins of the buildings of the Roman Empire. It is interesting that the initiators of the construction were the townspeople. The old church because of errors in construction calculations could collapse at any moment, as a result of which it was decided to build a new cathedral in its place. In 1106 the construction work was completed. After that the cathedral opened its doors to the parishioners. The Duomo impresses with the magnificence of the decor and sculptural compositions, its facade is decorated with a series of bas-reliefs, telling the biblical story of the creation of man. The author of this work is the famous Viligelmo. The cathedral is also famous for the fact that Saint Geminianus is buried in its walls, which the inhabitants of the city consider the patron of Modena. The belltower of the Duomo is called Girlandina. From the height of its tower a beautiful panorama of the city opens, the height of the bell tower is 86 meters. Inside you can see the frescoes of the fifteenth century and a copy of the epic "Stolen bucket" by Alessandro Tassoni, whose monument is erected on the Torre square.

Other temples

All the churches and temples of Modena are worthy of attention. Above their furniture worked outstanding masters of the Middle Ages and Renaissance. So, the Cathedral of San Giuseppe is famous for wall paintings and stained-glass windows, which have been perfectly preserved to our days. And in the church of St. Augustine you can see a fresco called "The Madonna of Consolation" by the famous Tommaso da Modena and the work of Antonio Begarelli. One of the oldest temples of the city - the church of St. Francis - is also decorated with sculptures. The San Giovanni Temple, built in honor of Ion the Baptist, is famous for the canvas of Francesco Vellani, depicting the scene of the beheading of John the Baptist. And one of the most ancient city churches - Santa Maria della Pomposa - now enters the museum complex. Therefore, her visit is indicated in all tourist itineraries.

The Oath Church

It will be interesting to visit the church of Obet, which is famous for the fact that the townspeople built it in gratitude to the Lord God. In those distant times, the plague epidemic muffled European cities. In Modena, she came in 1630. Then the hope remained only with God. Therefore, praying to him, people promised to build a church, the plague receded and the construction of the church began four years later, the main attraction of the church is the picture of Ludovico Lana called "The Madonna of Giara".

Palace

What other interesting places hides Modena? Attractions in the city also appeared thanks to the dukes of Este. The famous palace, designed in the Italian Baroque style, was erected in 1634. All apartments amaze with their luxury, even the grand staircase, adorned with magnificent statues, personifies the power and wealth of their masters. Today the building of the palace is occupied by the military academy.

The park of the Dukes is, of course, very beautiful. A botanical garden with many amazing plants and a swan pond is a great place to relax.

You can not ignore the famous gallery of the Dukes of Este. In the collection of the Museum Palace are the works of such famous masters as Rubens, Tommaso da Modena, El Greco, Paolo Veronese and Dosso Dossi.

central square

And of course, you need to remember about the central square of Piazza Grande, where city holidays and carnivals are held. Today it is a favorite place for rest of townspeople and tourists. About terrible times and executions on this square reminds only a memorial plaque, in the old days cobbled stones of the square saw a lot of blood.

Formula 1

Tours in Italy also attract fans of Formula 1, the legendary Ferrari cars are on display even in the shops of this brand, what can we say about the museums, Modena - the birthplace of the Genius Designer Enzo Ferrari. Therefore, of course, in the city there is a huge museum with a collection of legendary cars.

Luciano Pavarotti

Also the city can be proud of its great countryman, Luciano Pavarotti. The famous tenor was born in Modena in 1935 and is buried in a suburb in the Montale Rangone cemetery.

Conclusion

Now you know how beautiful Italy is. Modena is the city that is worth visiting. He will not leave anyone indifferent, especially since it's quite easy to get to him, some half an hour by train from Bologna. And a trip to Modena from Milan or Parma will take a little longer.