Romantic stops in and around Modena
Are you a dreamer? Do you have the soul of a romantic? Or are you just looking for unusual ways to celebrate an important occasion or surprise your better half with a truly special environment—something in lovely Modena, perhaps?
Perfect! Then this is the information you need to read. Here are ten romantic spots in and around Modena where outstanding ways to frame your one-of-a-kind memories will make your heart beat faster.
Ten stops for lovers and dreamers.
Though always awe-inspiring, some of these stops are well known while others are just waiting to be discovered. What they all have in common is a unique charm and the chance to find special opportunities to celebrate love.
The “romantics” tour starts with six spots in the center of Modena and broadens out to other sites in Modena Province and the Apennines.
Here’s our exclusive selection.
First stop: The Ghirlandina Tower
The “Signora” of Modena, the Ghirlandina Tower is the city’s symbol.
The Tower’s nearly ninety meters rise alongside the Modena Cathedral, proud and elegant for more than 700 years.
The architecture of the Tower is truly astonishing, which is why the Ghirlandina, the Modena Cathedral, and Piazza Grande were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. Climb to the top of the Tower to enjoy a splendid 360° view of the city, an experience that’s memorable at any time, but even more so if it’s accompanied by a special promise of commitment or a declaration of true love.
Second stop: Piazzetta della Pomposa
Secluded, colorful, and refined, the Piazzetta della Pomposa is probably one of the most charming areas in Modena’s historic center. Quiet and peaceful, it’s the perfect place for intimate conversation. The door of what was once the home of the great writer, Ludovico Antonio Muratori, faces the Piazzetta, and here’s where you’ll see the alluring Fonticolo dell’Oste, a water fountain associated with the legend of Telesforo Fini, the world-famous restaurateur and entrepreneur.
Third stop: The Ducal Gardens
Secluded, colorful, and refined, the Piazzetta della Pomposa is probably one of the most charming areas in Modena’s historic center. Quiet and peaceful, it’s the perfect place for intimate conversation. The door of what was once the home of the great writer, Ludovico Antonio Muratori, faces the Piazzetta, and here’s where you’ll see the alluring Fonticolo dell’Oste, a water fountain associated with the legend of Telesforo Fini, the world-famous restaurateur and entrepreneur.
Fourth stop: The Parco della Rimembranza Paths
The paths through the Parco della Rimembranza (Memory Park” are built along the perimeter of the ancient city walls and are an ideal destination for pleasant walks, hand-in-hand.
The pathways are surrounded by greenery, and, in the Summer, small cafés along the way provide outdoor tables for a refreshing break.
Both Spring and Summer provide ideal weather for a stop to toast important moments while, in Autumn, the splendid foliage creates an atmosphere that will make the time you spend something out of the ordinary.
Fifth stop: The Municipal Theater
Is anything more romantic than a night at the theater? Attend an opera, a ballet, or a concert and make your evening for two unforgettable!
The Luciano Pavarotti Municipal Theater is Modena’s main theater and one of Italy’s most celebrated for its excellent acoustics and remarkable architecture.
Renamed after the death of the great Maestro Luciano Pavarotti, the Municipal Theater offers a rich program of events from Autumn to late Spring.
Sixth stop: The Cortile del Leccio
The Cortile del Leccio is located within the San Paolo Complex, a set of historic buildings in the city center. This hidden jewel is one of the most beautiful public courtyards in Modena, an enchanting place that often leaves visitors speechless. A splendid, centuries-old holm oak grows there, and declaring “I love you” in the shadow of its mighty branches has to count as one of the most romantic experiences ever.
Seventh stop: Villa Gandini Park in Formigine
Located a few meters from the historic center of Formigine, Villa Gandini is an elegant historic residence and an extraordinary example of neoclassical architecture. Its vast grounds were designed by Count Luigi Alberto Gandini, owner of the villa. A great lover of botany and gardening, Gandini had three lakes built on the property. The most fascinating and poetic of them is located directly in front of the villa and is framed by two magnificent Gingko biloba trees, brought to Villa Gandini from China. In the Autumn, the gingko’s yellow foliage is a sight to behold.
Eighth stop: The Village of Castelvetro
Nestled in the rolling Lambrusco hills, the delightful village of Castelvetro is by far one of the most romantic places in Modena Province. The town is famous for its six towers, which date to medieval times. One of these is the beautiful Torre dell’Orologio (Clock Tower), which is what remains of the ancient fortified structure on the east side of the castle. The Tower overlooks the charming Piazza Roma in the center of which a giant chessboard has been worked into the pavement. Our advice is to start your romantic walk through the streets of this beautiful village at the Piazza. After that, let yourself be guided by whatever makes your heart beat faster along the way!
Nineth stop: Salvarola Hot Springs
The Salvarola Hot Springs, on a hillside in Sassuolo, are the perfect destination when you want a special moment of pure well-being. Salvarola is both very old and one of the best known hot springs in the Emilia-Romagna region. Its waters are said to have unique properties.
Today the springs are flanked by a modern wellness center that offers a full program of beauty and relaxation treatments, some of which are specifically designed for couples!
Tenth stop: The Bucamante Falls
In the Bucamante Valley near Serramazzoni lies a natural oasis of extraordinary beauty—the Bucamante Falls. The Falls lie along the course of the Bucamante River, the most important tributary of the Tiepido River, and owe their name to a story involving an impossible love. According to the legend, Odina, a young Lady of the Monfestino Castle, and Titiro, a shepherd, fell in love. Their union could never be, and the two decided to throw themselves from the top of one of the waterfalls, which was then named “Buca degli Amanti” or “The Lovers’ Well.” An evocative place with a moving history!
How does all that sound?
We’re incurable romantics, too, and we know these ten special views will stir your emotions!
If you’d like to see your story published in the “Stories” section of the VisitModena site, send it to us at info@visitmodena.it.
