A city to discover.

Modena’s dome is one of the main monuments of the Romanesque architecture in Europe. In 1997, it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dedicated to S. Maria Assunta, the cathedral treasures the remains of the bishop and patron of the city, died in 397 A.D: S. Geminiano. The monumental church is the combination of ancient culture and new Lombard art, a fundamental role model for the Romanesque style.

Piazza Grande, located in the middle of the city, is the main square of Modena. It is on the south side of the dome, and together with the cathedral and the bell tower “Ghirlandina” it constitutes a monumental complex declared UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.

It is undoubtedly the most important museum centre of the city: priceless art works and historical artifacts are preserved within the libraries, the archives and the galleries in the building. The Romantic style palace was envisioned by Francesco III in 1764. Many distinguished architects made their contribution to the project: Pietro Termanini, Andrea Tarabusi, Francesco Croce e Francesco Vandelli. The initial function of the building was for a welfare hotel. In 1788, however, Ercole III decided to transform it into a hotel for the arts.