Modena UNESCO site

In 1997 the Duomo, our Cathedral, the Ghirlandina, our bell tower, and Piazza Grande, our main square, were all recognised as an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Since the Middle Age, the complex has been the real hub of city life, now increasingly appreciated even by tourists. It constitutes a “unique or at least exceptional testimony to a vanished civilization or tradition.”

The Cathedral is famous for its majestic facade, embellished with sculptures and bas-reliefs, and for the famous cycle of sculptures by Wiligelmo that adorn the facade.

Another iconic element is the Ghirlandina, the bell tower of the Cathedral. This tall, soaring tower, with its pink and white marble decorations, is a symbol of Modena.

The city is also home to the Ducal Palace, a magnificent building that once was the residence of the Este dukes. Today it is the venue for relevant cultural events and exhibitions.

Modena attracts more and more tourists every year who come here to admire the beauty of the city and learn about its history and culture.