Modena in pictures
Whether you’re a professional photographer or a photography aficionado, or whether you’re simply looking for an unusual kind of excitement, these suggestions are sure to stimulate your imagination.
Here are ten places to photograph in the center of Modena—with your camera, with your cellphone, and with your eyes and heart.
The Ten Most Beautiful Views in the City
Every city has its classic views. Some are well-known and popular with visitors; others are cozier and more secret. We all have preferences, of course, and we wouldn’t want to try to reduce the beauty of Modena to a number
We know that, so our main recommendation for photographers is that they indulge in the pleasure of strolling through the center Modena with no specific destination in mind, letting themselves be guided only by instinct.
At the same time, however, we couldn’t resist a few tips. There are some photographs that your scrapbook absolutely must have!
First stop: The Ghirlandina Tower
Modena’s undisputed heroine is the Ghirlandina Tower, the city’s true “Signora.” Here are three shots that frame the Tower in particularly evocative ways.
For the first, walk halfway down Via Cesare Battisti until it intersects with Via Taglio. Look toward Via Emilia. Get as close as you can to the walls on your right so that you have a clear view of the Tower. Often, especially in Summer, Via Cesare Battisti is dressed up for celebrations and holidays, which will make your shots all that more distinctive.
Second stop: The View toward Corso Duomo
The second photo opportunity is at the end of Via Sant’Eufemia, looking toward Corso Duomo. Here, too, the two parallel lines of pastel-colored houses along the street point toward the Tower to create magic in your camera lens.
Third stop: From Via Emilia
In the center of town, follow Via Emilia to the corner of Corso Canalgrande. Keep Largo di Porta Bologna at your back and look west. Historic Via Emilia seems to point toward the Ghirlandina Tower, framing it in parallel rows of buildings, one of which is a particular stand out: the Baroque-style architecture of the Collegio San Carlo on your left.
Fourth stop: The Portico of Collegio San Carlo
In the same area, cross Via Emilia and step under the splendid Portico del Collegio, your next photographic subject. Walk back to the corner of Via Farini and look south. A beautiful view opens before you: the portico and the shop windows along the street. At Christmas time, the holiday store lights will make your photos twinkle.
Fifth stop: Via Farini and Piazza Roma
If you head down Via Farini, you’ll immediately realize why this view is considered so beautiful. The street ends right in Piazza Roma and its majestic Ducal Palace. You won’t be able to resist its charm.
Sixth stop: Piazza Roma and its Reflecting Pool
Follow Via Farini until you arrive in Piazza Roma, where you’ll find a fountain and a large reflecting pool in front of the Ducal Palace. If you find the right angle, you can frame the reflection of the Palace’s façade with the Palace itself in the same shot. It’s one of the most characteristic views of Modena.
Seventh stop: Piazza Grande and the Bonissima
Walk back in the direction of Piazza Grande and find the corner where Via Castellaro begins. Look toward the Ducal Palace. Above the street, you’ll see the statue known as “La Bonissima” and, in the background, the striking Ghirlandina Tower. This is another shot you won’t want to miss.
Eighth stop: The Cathedral from Via Santa Eufemia
Follow Via Sant’Eufemia toward the very beginning of Corso Duomo and look in the direction of the Modena Cathedral. You’ll notice a perspective that’s somewhat out of the ordinary: the façade of the Cathedral reflected in the shop windows. This shot is for the experts!
Nineth stop: Piazza XX Settembre
The picturesque Piazza XX Settembre is encircled by the colored house fronts. When the sun is out, the pastels seem to light up like a rainbow.
Tenth stop: Enzo Ferrari Museum
And finally, if you feel like a bit more of a walk, head to the Enzo Ferrari Museum. You’ll be struck by the beauty of the Museum’s dome, designed to resemble a giant yellow car hood. On clear days, Modena’s colors really shine: the yellow of the dome against the bright, blue sky.
Aren’t these incredible shots?
We certainly think so!
We’ve created a section on the VisitModena.it site for the stories of travelers and residents in and around Modena. If you’d like to share your travel tales and photographs with us, send your story to info@VisitModena.it. We’ll be delighted to publish it on our site!
